Miami-Dade County Public Schools will recognize its most outstanding school leaders at the 2026 Principal and Assistant Principal of the Year ceremony, scheduled for Thursday, April 16, 2026, at 6 p.m. at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Miami Airport & Convention Center.
The annual event, organized by Miami-Dade County Public Schools, will celebrate finalists across multiple regions and educational levels, highlighting leadership excellence throughout the district.
This year’s Principal of the Year finalists include Alfred V. Torossian of Miami Beach Senior High School (North region), Lamar Johnson of Liberty City Elementary School (Central), Jorge M. Bulnes of Southwest Miami Senior High School (South), and Dr. Cristina Ugalde of Miami Beach Adult and Continuing Education Center, representing Postsecondary Career and Technical Education.
Assistant Principal of the Year finalists include Karen Gonzalez Delgado of Miami Norland Senior High School (North), Dr. Andre Jackson of Miami Jackson Senior High School (Central), Lorena Garrote-Lee Sang of Jorge Mas Canosa Middle School (South), and Eric A. Arredondo of Miami Palmetto Adult and Continuing Education Center (Postsecondary Career and Technical Education).
Each year, the district, in partnership with the Dade Association of School Administrators, honors educators who have demonstrated exceptional leadership, commitment to students, and school improvement.
The ceremony is also supported by multiple community and corporate partners, including education and financial organizations as well as tourism and youth development groups.
Winners will receive major prizes, including a three-year car lease for Principal of the Year sponsored by Headquarter Toyota, and a five-day cruise for Assistant Principal of the Year provided by Royal Caribbean, along with additional cash awards for runners-up.
District officials say the event continues to highlight the critical role school leaders play in student achievement and the overall success of the public education system in Miami-Dade.
