RI High School Principal of the Year Michael Hobin Honored In DC

Michael Hobin, principal of Coventry High School, was honored recently in Washington, DC after being named the Rhode Island High School Principal of the Year by the Rhode Island Association of School Principals. 

Designated a state winner in the MetLife/NASSP National Principal of the Year Program, Hobin was eligible in consideration to be the National Principal of the Year.

As a principal, Hobin has proven success in involving the local community in the life of the school and has shown an astute awareness of current and emerging issues as well as a passion in improving the school’s learning environment. 

Hobin joined other winning principals from around the nation in DC for the three-day Principals Institute and Awards Gala, held Sept. 18-21.

“NASSP is honored to recognize the outstanding work of Michael Hobin,” said JoAnn Bartoletti, NASSP executive director. “The Principals Institute was a wonderful chance for us to thank these outstanding educators while giving them the opportunity to speak with their elected officials, grow professionally and learn from and inspire one another.”

During their visit, principals had the chance to meet with their senators and congressmen on Capitol Hill to discuss educational legislation and its potential impact on their schools, partake in a roundtable conversation with representatives from the Department of Education and share and receive best practices with other principals from around the nation.

The Principals Institute concluded with an Awards Gala, kicked off by a keynote address from US Secretary of Education Arne Duncan.

Each principal was then invited on stage during the gala to receive their award and be formally recognized for their outstanding accomplishments in their schools. 

The event came just before the start of National Principals Month in October.

The search for the national principal of the year began in early 2013 as each state principals’ association selected its state principal of the year. From this pool of state award winners, a panel of judges selected three middle level and three high school finalists, who were then narrowed down to the two national winners, Sheila Harrity (Worcester Technical High School, Worcester, MA) and Sheena Alaiasa (Samuel Wilder King Intermediate School, Kaneohe, HI).

The MetLife/NASSP National Principals of the Year each receive a $5,000 grant, while the four finalists each receive a grant for $1,500. The grants will be used to improve learning at the school (e.g., a special school project and/or professional development).

Click here for more information about the MetLife/NASSP National Principal of the Year Program and winners.