Tony Cattani – principal of Lenape High School for 18 years – was one of only three finalists at the high-school level recognized by the National Association of Secondary School Principals as its national principal of the year.
The National Association of Secondary School Principals has named Lenape High’s Tony Cattani one of its 2025–’26 principals of the year.
Cattani – one of only three finalists at the high-school level – was credited by the association with combatting chronic absenteeism, creating a culture where staff learn from one another and exemplifying the best in educational leadership. Â
“I’m incredibly honored to be recognized alongside such impactful school leaders from across the country,” Cattani said when he was named a finalist. “This recognition is a reflection of the entire Lenape community: our dedicated staff, committed students and supportive families.
For the association’s principal of the year program, each of the 50 states; Washington, D.C.; the U.S. Department of State Office of Overseas Schools; and the Department of Defense Education Activity select one middle- and one high-school principal to represent their state or department. From those nominees, three in each category are chosen.
“These principals demonstrate how visionary leadership can transform school communities,” noted association CEO Ronn Nozoe.
Cattani has been principal at Lenape for 18 years and has been recognized for his role in developing a positive and inclusive school culture where students and staff feel valued and supported. As a leader, he has championed professional collaboration, encouraging teachers to learn from each other through more than 3,000 peer observations and ongoing conversations known as Collegiality Cafes.
Cattani has also helped shape Lenape High into a welcoming and inclusive environment for both students and staff by emphasizing issues like strong relationships, school spirit and a commitment to growth, according to the association.
Cattani also produces and hosts the “Proud Principals” podcast, a platform where he spotlights innovative school leadership, elevates educator voices and inspires professional growth in schools across the country.
The principal’s motto – “Lenape Pride” – is well-known in the school district, where Cattani has developed signature events like Red Pride Fridays, the Lenape Leadership Academy and Unified Athletics. Cattani and his staff have also worked for 12 years with the Anti-Defamation League, with the result that Lenape has been a No Place for Hate School since 2013.
Cattani’s influence also goes beyond school. He frequently participates in education conferences to share his experiences and coordinates the Burlington County Secondary School Principals’ bimonthly sessions, where participants from across the area share best practices.
Cattani has organized professional development for the county and state school leaders, including the upcoming summer summit at Lenape High on Tuesday. He also serves on the executive council of the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association.
Research from the Wallace Foundation – a New York-based philanthropy that helps communities foster advances in the arts, education and youth development – shows that a principal’s impact is greatest in schools with high rates of poverty and significant minority student populations. On average, students in schools with effective principals gain up to three months of additional learning each year.Â
The announcement of Cattani’s award came at a gala celebration in Seattle on July 9 that kicked off UNITED, the annual National Conference on School Leadership that is held jointly with the National Association of Elementary School Principals and brings together thousands of school leaders to learn from one another.
“I believe deeply in the power of collaboration,” Cattani explained, “and I’m proud of how we’ve built a school culture centered on putting students first.”
For more on the National Association of Secondary School Principals’ program, visit nassp.org/poy
