Lenape High Principal Tony Cattani Named as finalist for national high school principal of the year.

Tony Cattani, principal at Lenape High School, is one of three national finalists for the 2025-26 National Principal of the Year award from the National Association of Secondary School Principals.

The Medford resident and Rowan University graduate was named a finalist on Monday with Terita Walker of Denver East High School in Denver and Shauna Haney of Ogden High School in Ogden, Utah. A winner will be announced on July 9.

"Known as a tireless advocate for students, (Cattani) consistently places their well-being and academic and personal growth at the forefront of every initiative," according to the announcement by the association. "A visionary leader, he has championed professional collaboration, encouraging teachers to grow by learning from their most powerful resource — each other — through more than 3,000 peer observations and collegiality cafes."

Cattani, principal at the high school serving Mount Laurel for 18 years, said in a statement: "This recognition is a reflection of the entire Lenape community — our dedicated staff, committed students, and supportive families. I believe deeply in the power of collaboration, and I'm proud of how we've built a school culture centered on putting students first."

"We are incredibly proud of Mr. Cattani for this well-deserved national recognition," Lenape District Superintendent Carol L. Birnbohm said in a district announcement. His "leadership has had a transformative impact not only on Lenape High School but across our district and beyond. His commitment to students, staff, and the broader educational community is truly exemplary."

The current national high school principal of the year is Tracie Anderson Swilley of Fairfield Central High School in Winnsboro, South Carolina.