“She's super nice. Except when it’s time to fight.” That was NASSP CEO Ronn Nozoe praising Melissa Shindel the 2023 Advocacy Champion, as she prepared to pass the torch to Chris Young, the principal of North Country Union High School in Newport, VT. 2024 NASSP Advocacy Champion of the Year Chris Young, center, with 2023 Champion Melissa Shindel, left, and NASSP CEO Ronn Nozoe. Photo courtesy of NASSP. The announcement came this week at the National School Leaders Advocacy Conference...| NASSP
This winter, a group of school leaders from across the country came together to review contenders for NASSP’s Advocacy Champion of the Year. Going in, they knew this wouldn’t be easy. The awardee had to embody the mission of the organization and demonstrate an exceptional commitment to advocating on behalf of school leaders and schools. Although a number of candidates were deserving, one stood out. Melissa Shindel, the 2023 NASSP Advocacy Champion of the Year. After some intense discussio...| NASSP