This South Jersey high school can officially say they have the best principal in the country.
Lenape High School Principal Tony Cattani was recognized this July as High School National Principal of the Year by the National Association of Secondary School Principals at an award reception in Seattle, according to a press release from the school district.
“(I) live and breathe Lenape pride every day, everywhere I go,” he said in his acceptance speech. “It takes over my life.”
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In the principal’s 18-year tenure at the school, he has “developed a positive and inclusive leadership style,” the press release stated. Cattani is credited with professional development initiatives such as a peer observation program and “Collegiality Cafes,” which allow staff to lead professional development sessions.
Superintendent Carol Birnbohm acknowledged in the release that Cattani’s leadership is “rooted in valuing his staff members and fostering their growth.”
The principal was also lauded for student advocacy, such as supporting Lenape’s Wellness Room, a place for students to decompress, launching World Voices Day to encourage students to celebrate their cultures and heritages, taking point on a mid-year Wellness Day to teach stress management, and encouraging student leadership through the school’s Passion Project initiative and the Lenape Leadership Academy.
In the award announcement, the National Association of Secondary School Principals called Cattani a “visionary leader.”
“Known as a tireless advocate for students, he consistently places their well-being and academic and personal growth at the forefront of every initiative,” the announcement said.
“His dedication and impact have set a lasting standard for leadership within the Lenape Community and beyond.”
In addition to holding the annual title, Cattani is now to represent high school principals nationally on behalf of the National Association of Secondary School Principals .
Kaitlyn McCormick writes about education and community news across South Jersey for the Courier-Post, The Daily Journal and the Burlington County Times. If you have a story she should tell, email her at kmccormick@gannett.com. And subscribe to stay up to date on the news you need.
This article originally appeared on Cherry Hill Courier-Post: Lenape principal named National High School Principal of the Year
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