GAMSP

What an incredible day celebrating excellence in middle level leadership! 💙🎉

Today, the Georgia Association of Middle School Principals (GAMSP), in partnership with the National Association of Elementary School Principals (NAESP), surprised Dr. Holly Barnes at Columbia Middle School with the announcement that she has been named Georgia’s 2026 National Distinguished Principal (NDP) for Middle Level Education!

This prestigious recognition honors outstanding school leaders who make a lasting impact on students, staff, schools, and communities. Dr. Barnes exemplifies servant leadership, innovation, relationship-building, and an unwavering commitment to excellence for every student she serves.

We are also incredibly grateful for the continued partnership and support of Mr. Allen Thomas and Corebridge Financial, longtime sponsors of the GAMSP National Distinguished Principal Program. Your commitment to recognizing and supporting educational leadership across Georgia is deeply appreciated.

It was a joy to celebrate alongside her family, district leaders, colleagues, students, and community as we recognized this well-deserved honor. Dr. Barnes will represent Georgia at the NAESP National Distinguished Principals celebration in Washington, D.C. this fall and will also be recognized at Summer GAEL.

Congratulations, Dr. Barnes! Georgia is proud of you! 🍎✨

Please join us in congratulating Mrs. Samantha Bradley of South Forsyth Middle School on being named Georgia's 2026 National Outstanding Assistant Principal!

This recognition honors exceptional leadership, service to students and staff, and a commitment to excellence in education.

We are proud to celebrate this outstanding accomplishment and look forward to recognizing her through the year at upcoming leadership events.

Congratulations on this well-deserved honor!
National Association of Elementary School Principals
GAMSP

March is the quiet hard.
You're not in crisis. You're just holding everything together and wondering if anyone notices.
Your Monday reset: Drew Dudley's TED Talk — "Everyday Leadership."
He calls it the lollipop moment — that small thing you did for someone that changed everything for them. And you don't even remember doing it.
Right now, somebody in your building is telling that story about you. The hallway conversation. The way you showed up on their worst day. You didn't think twice about it. They never forgot it.
🍭 Had a lollipop moment this year? Drop it below.
🎥 Link in comments.

🏀🏆What a Championship Day for Learning!

Thank you to the incredible middle school leaders who joined us today for the GAMSP Spring Drive-In Conference in Houston County. Shout out to Houston County School District for hosting our event!

Your dedication to growing as leaders ultimately impacts thousands of students across Georgia.

A highlight of the day was celebrating and recognizing outstanding schools and principals across our state. We were proud to honor recipients of the Dr. Candy Norton Leadership Award, recognize schools earning the Bob Puckett Effective Middle School Program designation and celebrate the recipients of the Linda Hopping National Merit Award.

These recognitions reflect the incredible leadership commitment to middle level excellence, and the lasting impact our educators make in the lives of students every day.

Thank you to our presenters, sponsors, and participants for making today a success. Success does not happen without the support of our GAEL team, GAMSP PL Team, and especially Houston County School System for hosting our event!

Until next time...keep leading, learning, and making a difference.