NILES — Niles Middle School Assistant Principal Leah Marsh has been named a finalist for the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP) National Middle Level Assistant Principal of the Year award.

Marsh is one of just three middle-level assistant principals from across the country selected as finalists for the honor.

“I’m incredibly honored to be named a finalist for the NASSP Assistant Principal of the Year,” Marsh said. “This recognition reflects the incredible students, staff and community I have the privilege to work alongside every day. Together, we’re building a culture where students feel valued, empowered and inspired to lead.”

Marsh said she was stunned to learn she was a top-three finalist and even shed a few tears when she received the call with the news.

“It didn’t feel real,” she said. “There are so many fantastic leaders doing great things in education. I am so humbled to be recognized at this level.”

For the NASSP Principal and Assistant Principal of the Year programs, each of the 50 states, the District of Columbia, the U.S. Department of State Office of Overseas Schools and the Department of Defense Education Activity selects one middle-level and one high school principal, as well as one middle-level and one high school assistant principal, to represent their state or department. From that group of nominees, three middle-level and three high school finalists are selected in each award category.

The national awards recognize middle-level and high school principals and assistant principals for outstanding contributions to student success, school improvement and educational leadership.

“These remarkable school leaders are the unsung heroes making schools places where every student belongs and thrives,” said NASSP CEO Ronn Nozoe. “NASSP celebrates their dedication because they prove that innovative, student-centered leadership transforms not just schools, but entire communities.”

Now in her 18th year in education, Marsh joined the Niles City Schools family in 2021 as assistant principal at Niles Middle School. Prior to that, she taught at Newton Falls High School and served as an instructor at Kent State University.

She holds three master’s degrees and in 2023, earned her Ph.D. in curriculum, instruction and assessment from Walden University.

During her time at Niles Middle School, Marsh has been instrumental in driving academic growth, strengthening school climate and expanding opportunities for students in grades 6 to 8. Under her leadership, the school has seen significant improvements in attendance, behavior and achievement data.

Through initiatives such as the Cleveland Browns “Stay in the Game” campaign, the Check In and Connect mentoring program and expanded PBIS practices, Niles Middle School has reduced suspensions by 32% while increasing student attendance and engagement.

Her work earned her the Ohio Middle School Assistant Principal of the Year award from the Ohio Association of Secondary School Administrators in August 2025. Earlier that year, she was also selected as the OASSA Zone 7 Middle School Assistant Principal of the Year.

“We see her dedication every day, and it is wonderful to see that hard work recognized on a national stage,” said Niles City Schools Superintendent Ann Marie Thigpen. “We are so proud to have such a national-caliber leader supporting our students and staff.”

The NASSP will announce the Middle Level Assistant Principal of the Year during a gala in Washington, D.C., on April 17.