Minnesota Principals of the Year
2025 High School Principal of the Year
Christian Ledesma, Roosevelt High School
Christian Ledesma, Principal of Roosevelt High School in Minneapolis, has been named the 2025 Minnesota High School Principal of the Year by the Minnesota Association of Secondary School Principals. This recognition highlights his exceptional leadership in creating a safe, inclusive, and supportive school environment that prioritizes both academic success and emotional well-being. Ledesma has fostered a culture of care at Roosevelt, where students, staff, and the broader community feel valued. His commitment to educational equity, especially in increasing representation in advanced courses, has further transformed the school into one of the most sought-after in the district. Known for his genuine community engagement, Ledesma’s leadership has made Roosevelt the fastest-growing high school in Minneapolis Public Schools.
2025 Middle School Principal of the Year
John Awsumb, Proctor Middle School
John Awsumb, Principal of Proctor Middle School, has been named the 2025 Minnesota Middle Level Principal of the Year for his exceptional leadership in creating a supportive, safe, and positive school environment. Known for his charisma and optimism, Awsumb is praised by students, staff, and parents alike for his genuine care, collaborative approach, and transparent decision-making. His ability to inspire and uplift the school community has made him a highly respected leader, with teachers and parents appreciating his open communication and proactive efforts to enhance the middle school experience.
2025 High School Assistant Principal of the Year
Lamii Zarlee, Fridley High School
Lamii Zarlee, Assistant Principal at Fridley High School, has been named the 2024-2025 Minnesota High School Assistant Principal of the Year for his exceptional leadership, focus on student success, and dedication to fostering a positive school culture. Known for his approachability and strong relationships with students, Zarlee builds connections by being present and engaged with them, offering support and checking in on their progress. Teachers and staff praise his promotion of restorative practices and his active role in community engagement, using methods like community circles to repair relationships and create open communication. As a leader, Zarlee effectively balances the demands of his role, ensuring systems of support are in place to meet students’ academic and social-emotional needs while fostering a collaborative culture among staff.
2025 Middle School Assistant Principal of the Year
Julie Johnson, Wayzata Central Middle School
Julie Johnson, Assistant Principal at Wayzata Central Middle School, has been named the 2024-2025 Minnesota Middle Level Assistant Principal of the Year for her exceptional leadership in creating a supportive and inclusive environment. Students and staff alike praise her for fostering a positive school culture where students feel safe, supported, and valued. Johnson is recognized for her focus on both academic excellence and social-emotional learning (SEL), integrating SEL into daily practices to address students’ needs, especially in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Her commitment to personalized support and student well-being extends beyond the classroom, with parents appreciating her holistic approach to helping students succeed both academically and emotionally.
