National Assistant Principal of the Year | Saani Perry

The news is official: Mr. Saani Perry has achieved the trifecta of Assistant Principal Recognition! Friday evening, during a banquet in Washington, D.C., Perry was named the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP) National High School Assistant Principal of the Year! Congratulations, Mr. Perry!

On behalf of Matthew Dowdell, Principal of West Florence:

West Florence High School is proud to announce that Assistant Principal Mr. Saani Perry has been named the National Assistant Principal of the Year, a prestigious honor recognizing his extraordinary leadership, vision, and commitment to student success.

Since his first day on campus, Mr. Perry has made it his mission to serve our student body, staff, and broader community with passion and purpose. This national recognition reflects what our school has long known—Mr. Perry is a transformative leader whose presence has changed lives.

As the principal of West Florence, I am incredibly proud of the leader Mr. Perry has become. He brings an unmatched energy to our school—a deep belief in possibility, a gift for connection, and a drive to ensure that every student feels heard, supported, and empowered.
 

More than just a leader, Mr. Perry is a source of hope. In a time when hope can feel distant for many young people, Mr. Perry brings it back to life. He helps students see what they can become. He inspires them to grow into their potential and encourages them to dream beyond their circumstances.

His belief in the power of education and the strength of community has not only uplifted West Florence but has now gained national recognition. We are grateful for the impact he has had and continues to have on our school and beyond.
Please join us in celebrating Mr. Perry on this well-deserved achievement. His work embodies the spirit of West Florence—driven by kindness, integrity, and an unwavering belief in every student’s ability to succeed.