2025 Principal’s Awards

Middle School Principal’s Award: Artemis Kerr

“This year’s middle school recipient may not take up a ton of space on the stage—or in the hallway. In fact, you might have to lean in a little closer to catch her voice. But make no mistake: her impact is loud. She walks into school each day with a tiny smile and a big heart. She’s ambitious and goal-oriented. Current items in her ‘cache of accomplishments’ include a working website where she sells her art, and a personal Bingo Card—each box filled with a personal goal.

“She’s the kind of person who treats everyone with kindness—not just her friends, not just people who like the same things she does, but everyone. She’s helpful, joyful, and quietly driven, and she inspires her classmates just by being herself. She’s got the soul of an artist, the drive of an entrepreneur, and the heart of a true leader.

“Simply put, she’s a gift to ASOP and any future community she chooses to be a part of. It is my honor to present this year’s Principal’s Award to a student who proves every day that quiet strength can make a mighty impact.”

—Principal Annie Swartz

High School Principal’s Award: Kale Jeffers

“I’d like to start this award by pointing out one of this student’s imperfections: he never, not once, regardless of how many times we’ve begged, bartered, or pleaded, shared his weekly treats from Tous Les Jours. But honestly, we admire how consistently cantankerous his resolve has been. Beyond his pastry protection program, this student would quite literally give you the shirt off his back, though chances are it’s a festive Christmas sweater, no matter what month we’re in.

“This student shows up as his full, quirky, brilliant self every day. Whether he’s crafting flashcards like a scholar or dropping Warhammer facts like a general, he gives 100% to everything he does.

“Perhaps the most charmingly odd attribute this student shares is how he greets classmates and staff alike: with affectionate names like ‘penguin,’ ‘pigeon,’ or ‘fish.’ Sometimes it’s a term of endearment. Sometimes, not so much. But here’s the magical part: no one takes offense. Because when this student calls you a pigeon, you feel included—like you belong. You feel Seen. Celebrated. Even if you’re also slightly confused!

“That’s the power of being yourself—and this student does just that, every single day. It is my absolute honor to present this year’s Principal’s Award to someone who reminds us all that the best kind of human to be is ‘simply you.’”

—Principal Annie Swartz