The Connecticut Association of Schools is pleased to announce the winners of the 2025 Assistant Principal of the Year Awards. Congratulations to these outstanding administrators!

• LAURA DIXON, JOHN BARRY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL, MERIDEN •
  2025 Elementary School Assistant Principal of the Year

• MARCO TIRILLO, JOHN WALLACE MIDDLE SCHOOL, NEWINGTON •
  2025 Middle School Assistant Principal of the Year

• LASHANTE JAMES, BRIEN McMAHON HIGH SCHOOL, NORWALK •
  2025 High School Assistant Principal of the Year

 
LAURA DIXON
Laura Dixon, assistant principal of John Barry Elementary School in Meriden, has been named the 2025 CAS Elementary School Assistant Principal of the Year. She was nominated for the award by her superintendent, Dr. Mark Benigni, and chosen for her exceptional leadership, dedication to equity, and commitment to fostering a safe, inclusive, and high-achieving school community. “I am continually impressed with her strong leadership, collaborative style, and clear focus on improving academic outcomes for her students,” says Benigni. “I have learned much from Laura and Meriden is a better district because of her.”

“I am deeply honored and humbled to be named Elementary Assistant Principal of the Year,” said Dixon upon hearing the news of her selection for the award. “This recognition belongs to Meriden’s parents, students, colleagues, and all those whose lives I’ve had the privilege to impact and who, in turn, have inspired me every day.”

Dixon’s balanced approach—firm yet fair—has earned her the respect of students, staff, and families alike. With a tireless work ethic and a “how can I serve you” philosophy, she has made a lasting impact on the John Barry community and has helped the school achieve recognition as a School of Distinction, ranking in the top 10% of schools in the state for performance growth.

Dixon has helped to build a welcoming and nurturing environment at John Barry which provides much-needed social and emotional supports while also ensuring academic success for her students. She is insistent that instructional practices are rigorous and aligned with state standards but allow flexibility for each child’s unique needs and challenges. “By setting a bar of excellence and providing the social-emotional tools needed to reach it, we can transform not just the academic outcomes for our students but their entire perspective on what is possible for their future,” says Dixon.

One of Dixon’s hallmark accomplishments has been reducing chronic absenteeism at John Barry. By prioritizing attendance and collaborating with her attendance team, Dixon led targeted efforts that resulted in a remarkable 10% reduction in chronic absenteeism over two years.

A champion of equity and inclusion, Dixon serves on the district Equity Team and has led meaningful initiatives, including a culturally responsive teaching program and equity training for staff and new teachers. Her work has strengthened cultural competence and forged deeper connections with families, ensuring that all voices are heard and valued. “As an equity leader in our school and district, Laura Dixon is committed to creating an equitable learning environment for all students,” says John Barry Principal, Dr. Kimberly Goldbach.

Described by colleagues as a “ray of sunshine” and a “cheerleader who always has a smile on her face,” Dixon displays a radiant excitement about John Barry School and her role as its assistant principal. Infusing a spirit of fun and joy into the school culture, she has introduced initiatives such as morning jokes through “Funny Fridays,” which have boosted morale and created a welcoming atmosphere. Her ability to connect with students, encourage them to use their voices, and believe in their potential has inspired countless young learners to succeed.

Dixon, along with fellow elementary assistant principals of the year from throughout the country, will be honored by the National Association of Elementary School Principals (NAESP) at the 2025 National Conference on School Leadership in Seattle, WA, in July.
 

MARCO TIRILLO
Marco Tirillo, assistant principal of John Wallace Middle School (JWMS), is the 2025 CAS Middle School Assistant Principal of the Year. He was nominated for the award by Daniel Dias, JWMS principal, who credits Tirillo with transforming the role of what an assistant principal is. “Marco’s tireless dedication, his work in the area of equity, and his belief in relationships as the key to community building, well-being and safety serve as a model for educators across the state.” Tirillo received a second nomination from Nathan Hale-Ray High School Assistant Principal Allison Stroili, a former colleague on whom he made a deep professional impact.

“I am deeply humbled and honored to be recognized as the Assistant Principal of the Year for CT Middle Schools,” said Tirillo when notified of his award. “This award is not just a reflection of my work, but a testament to the incredible collaboration and dedication of our entire school community. I feel privileged to serve the amazing students, staff, and families of Newington Public Schools, and I share this honor with all of them.”

Tirillo is celebrated for his warm, approachable demeanor and hands-on leadership style. A true connector, he goes above and beyond to create meaningful relationships with students, staff, and families. From organizing the annual fall food truck event to engaging with students as a youth sports coach, Tirillo finds unique ways to unite the school community and build lasting bonds.

A champion of equity and inclusion, Tirillo has led transformative initiatives, including the creation of a student diversity committee and equity-focused programs that encourage students to embrace their cultural identities. Under his guidance, the school has become a No Place for Hate School. His work to shift adult mindsets and implement culturally responsive practices has fostered an environment where all students feel seen, heard, and valued. Says Dr. Gerald Hairston, Equity & Inclusion Specialist for the district, “Marco has tackled the equity work with elegance and his efforts have been no less than valiant.”

Tirillo is also a trailblazer in restorative practices. His approach to problem-solving focuses on collaboration and understanding, helping to repair relationships and build trust. This philosophy extends to his leadership style, where he empowers staff through a distributive leadership model, encouraging them to take on meaningful roles within the school.

Tirillo’s infectious personality and genuine care for others have made him a beloved figure in the school community. Known for bringing energy and fun to the school day, he has introduced countless activities that boost morale and support student engagement. He organizes pep rallies, school spirit days, a mystery radio show, lunchtime “Name That Tune” games, anything to make kids as excited to be at JWMS as he is. His students praise him for “knowing how to mix school with fun.” Says one eighth grader: “He organizes games and clubs, and plays music in the cafeteria. He knows we need time to chill out so that we can learn better.”

Tirillo approaches each day as a new opportunity to make JWMS a better place for students to learn and for teachers to teach. And he applies his strong will and work ethic to making it happen. Says parent Dena Bacinskas, “Marco preaches hard work and lives by it. He is invested in the work and in each student in the building.” Adds Hairston, “Marco is the person you want on your team. He can play every position. He is willing to do it all. He never says ‘no.’”
 

LASHANTE JAMES
LaShante James, assistant principal of Brien McMahon High School (BMHS) in Norwalk, has been selected as the 2025 CAS High School Assistant Principal of the Year. This honor highlights her transformational leadership and tireless advocacy for students and staff. “LaShante is the definition of the 21st century leader,” states fellow BMHS assistant principal, Qadir Abdus-Salaam.“She is an administrator for now and the future.” Adds BHMS School Counselor Chad Southerland, “If someone was going to write a book about how to be a good administrator, it should be about LaShante.”

James was nominated for the award by Heidi Pierovich, Education Administrator of School Quality Review for the Norwalk Public Schools. When informed of her selection as this year’s winner, James remarked, “I am honored to receive this award and to have the support of the Norwalk Public Schools community. The acknowledgment is a reflection of our collective work for our students, and I am so grateful to bring this award home to Norwalk and to Brien McMahon High School!”

James’ colleagues describe her as a “big ball of energy” who is always ready to turn challenges into opportunities. They affectionately refer to her as “Mrs. Do-It-All” and admire her conscientious efforts to make sure everyone’s needs are met. “LaShante is the hardest working administrator in the building. From the minute she gets up in the morning until the moment she goes to sleep, she is thinking about the best job she can do for her students and staff. She never stops,” remarks Eileen Kinne, Health and Physical Education teacher.

Whether celebrating student successes, fostering equity, or improving school climate, James brings enthusiasm, vision, and determination to everything she does. Her students appreciate her positive presence, which infuses the classrooms and corridors. Says one BMHS junior, “Mrs. James is the first smiling face you see every day and she is always sharing the love.” Added a BMHS senior, “She is a beam of light that radiates around the school. I love going to school. I love the teachers. I love the atmosphere. Mrs. James is a big contributor to that.”

One of James’ signature accomplishments is the creation of the “My Sister’s Keeper” program, an extension of the My Brother’s Keeper Alliance. Built from the ground up, this initiative now serves 120 students, empowering them to envision brighter futures and build the skills to achieve them. Her efforts and impact extend to the broader student population through her work as the RISE Network administrator and leader of the school’s attendance committee, both of which have contributed to improved graduation rates. Notes Abdus-Salaam, “LaShante’s work with the RISE program has fostered a “can do” atmosphere with teachers believing in students and students believing in themselves.”

James has been instrumental in ensuring a smooth transition for 8th-grade students entering high school. By meeting with them early, preparing targeted interventions, and fostering connections, she ensures they start their high school journey on the right track and stay focused on graduation.

James also spearheaded efforts to increase college access for her students, many of whom face systemic barriers. By forming a FAFSA Task Force, she helped students complete their financial aid applications, leading to a double-digit increase in submissions. This initiative is one of many that reflect her deep commitment to ensuring all students have the opportunity to succeed beyond high school.

Tirillo and James will represent Connecticut in the National Assistant Principal of the Year Award Program sponsored by the National Association of Secondary School Principals. They will compete for the national honor along with assistant principals from each of the other fifty states, as well as the District of Columbia and the Department of Defense Education Activity Associations.

Dixon, Tirillo and James will be honored by CAS at the “Celebration of Excellence in Educational Leadership” to be held in the fall of 2025.
 

 
Assistant Principal of the Year Award Program Background and Selection Procedures
The Assistant Principal of the Year Program, sponsored annually by the Connecticut Association of Schools, was established in 1990 to bring recognition to the assistant principalship and to spotlight the critical role that assistant principals play in the education of our youth. The program recognizes outstanding school assistant principals who have succeeded in providing high quality learning opportunities for students. These administrators have demonstrated excellent leadership, commitment to staff and students, service to their communities, and contributions to the overall profession of educational leadership.

Each year nominations are solicited for an Elementary, Middle, and High School Assistant Principal of the Year. Nominees must submit a written application which is evaluated by a selection committee consisting of active and retired principals and assistant principals. Site visits are conducted at the schools of the two highest rated candidates at each level (elementary, middle and high). Winners are then chosen based upon the outcome of the site visit as well as the quality of the written application. The three individuals selected for recognition are honored by CAS at an awards dinner in the fall. Additionally, the elementary school winner and the middle school and high school winners are recognized at the national level by the National Association of Elementary School Principals (NAESP) and the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP), respectively.