Five exceptional students are beginning their college journeys with support from the American Federation of School Administrators (AFSA), which has awarded them the 2026 Diann Woodard S
Some students have lost their mother, while others live apart from her due to divorce, incarceration, military deployment, or other complex circumstances.
“As a principal, you’re everything to everyone,” Clarence says. “Our children are our most precious jewels. We have to treasure them. Students need leaders who are passionate about their growth and who hold themselves and other educators accountable.”
Schools across the nation are filled with students and educators facing critical mental health issues and staff shortages, and principals are lacking the necessary resources needed to handle this growing crisis .
It is up to us as school leaders to help drive the discussion on what the future of public education should look like to provide our students with a world-class education.
"We believe it goes without saying that school leaders across the nation continue to see the need to come together and have a real voice at the table. And that interest is obviously growing," said AFSA President Dr. Leonard P. Pugliese. "It fills me with great joy to see our strength as a union continue to expand."
Since the July 2022 convention, the General Executive Board has granted charters to four groups:
