Washington Post Principal of the Year Award

Walkersville High principal Dr. Stephanie Ware at a surprise Washington Post Principal of the Year finalist celebration

2025 FCPS Washington Post Principal of the Year Finalist
Dr. Stephanie Ware, Walkersville High School

Past Finalists and Winners

*Beginning with 2016, the Distinguished Educational Leadership Award became the Washington Post Principal of the Year Award.

2024 - Janine Smith, Thurmont Middle School, finalist
2023 - Justin McConnaughey, Hillcrest Elementary School - finalist
2022 - Bernard Quesada, Middletown High School - finalist
2021 - Tracy Hilliard, Urbana Elementary School - finalist
2020 - Michael Concepion, Career and Technology Center - finalist
2016 - Kathy Campagnoli, Frederick High School - finalist

Distinguished Educational Leadership Award Recipients

2015 - Tess Blumenthal, Walkersville Elementary School
2014 - Neal Case, Governor Thomas Johnson Middle School
2013 - Steve Raff, Centerville Elementary School
2012 - Debra Myers, Thurmont Primary School
2011 - Kathleen Schlappal, Tuscarora High School
2010 - Kristi Mitchell, Brunswick High School
2009 - Mark Pritts, Middletown Primary School
2008 - Gerald "Jerry" DeGrange, Brunswick Elementary School
2007 - Steve Lockard, Tuscarora Elementary School
2006 - Marlene "Marty" Tarr, Gov. Thomas Johnson High School
2005 - Vicky Stultz, Middletown Elementary School
2004 - Larry Cassell, Ballenger Creek Elementary School
2003 - Carolyn Kimberlin, New Market Middle School
2002 - Jay Berno, Walkersville High School
2001 - Paul Dunford, Walkersville Middle School
2000 - Paulette Shockey, Middletown High School