Updated Star of Innovation Award2025-07-11T04:38:06+00:00

Star of Innovation Award

This award is sponsored by Horace Mann and is designed to recognize MASSP member schools statewide for the development and support of an exemplary and innovative education program in their school based upon the following criteria:

  • Applicant must be a member of MASSP
  • The degree to which the program demonstrates a positive impact on education and the advocacy of children
  • Clear principal leadership in the development and/or implementation of this innovative program
  • Creativity and imagination while bringing about positive school change
  • How easily this program can be replicated at other schools

So, what do we win?

  • MASSP will provide a $250 award to GOLD STAR winning schools to be used at the principal’s discretion with his/her staff.
  • Honorees will be recognized at our Summer Conference.
  • Award winning programs will be highlighted.

What is the deadline?

All applications must be turned in directly to the MASSP office by 4:00 PM on March 1.

Minnesota Association of Secondary School Principals
2 Pine Tree Drive, Suite 380
Arden Hills, MN 55112

What is the nomination process?

School principals may nominate their own school or a neighboring school. A panel of acting principals will decide this year’s winners.

How do I get started?

Click here for a Star of Innovation application.

Following are the 2024-2025 Star of Innovation Award Winners

GOLD

Apollo High School
Justin Skaalerud, Principal
Eagle Nation Celebration

Blaine High School
Steve Drewlo, Assistant Principal
Adopt a Hallway

Buffalo Lake-Hector-Stewart Middle/High School
Logan Swann, Principal
Advisory Time

Central Middle School
Jill Walter, Principal
Students of Excellence (SOEs) & Students in Good Standing (SIGS)

Eden Prairie High School
Jaysen Anderson, Principal
Set the Standard

Franklin Middle School
Tony Greene, Principal
House of Uncommon

Mariner Middle School
Christina Pierre, Principal
Building Circle

SILVER

Coon Rapids High School
Quyen Phan, Assistant Principal
Admin Instructional & Student Support Model

Denfeld High School
Tanya Jackson, Assistant Principal
Behavior Support Continuum

Denfeld High School
Tom Tusken, Principal
Indigenous Cohort

Hastings High School
Scott Doran, Principal, Mindy Tavenier & Chris Moore, Assistant Principals
Raider Connect Time

Hibbing High School
Chad Snider, Assistant Principal
We Are Holding On

Marshall High School
Brian Jones, Principal
Tiger Cafe

Mountain Lake High School
Michelle Larson, Principal
Career Exploration Day

Sauk Rapids-Rice High School
Sandy Logrono, Principal, Steve Wagner & Adam Johnson, Assistant Principals
The Storm Brew Coffee Cart -Empowering Students, Building Community

Wheaton Secondary School
Marty Lanter, Principal
Warrior Closet

BRONZE

Becker Middle School
Kevin Beehler, Assistant Principal
DIG Class

Blaine High School
Jason Paske, Principal
Paw-sitive Impact

Denfeld High School
Tom Tusken, Principal
Summer Transition Academy (STA)

Isanti Middle School
Hannah Pagel, Assistant Principal
Ready to Learn

MNSync Online Secondary
Brandon Macrafic, Principal
Charger Hour

MASSP also thanks Horace Mann for their partnership and promotion of the Star of Innovation Award.

Minnesota Association of Secondary School Principals

  • 2 Pine Tree Drive, Suite 380
    Arden Hills, MN 55112

  • 612-361-1510

  • Fax: 612-361-6340

©2024 MASSP. All rights reserved.

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