Arundel High School Assistant Principal Lyndsay Huerbin sat in a classroom with Principal Kim Winterbottom this morning in what she thought was a routine meeting.
The entrance of other school administrators began to signal that something was different, and minutes later Huerbin learned why: She has been named the Maryland Association of Secondary School Principals (MASSP) High School Assistant Principal of the Year.
“I am honored to receive the Assistant Principal of the Year award. Being an educator is a privilege and has always been my calling,” Huerbin said. “Every day I get the opportunity to interact with my students and staff, to celebrate their strengths, and to make sure they feel seen, valued, and supported. Thank you to all of my colleagues and students who have inspired me in various ways to pour my heart into this job.”
Board Members Dana Schallheim, Robert Silkworth and Brayden Morgan as well as other school system leaders were on hand to help MASSP Executive Director Chris Truffer deliver the news. Huerbin’s honor is the third from MASSP for a county school administrator in the last eight days. Meade Principal Dr. Ryan Durr was named High School Principal of the Year and Northeast Middle’s Andrea Cannady was named Middle School Assistant Principal of the year in surprise announcements last week.
“Lyndsay Huerbin consistently centers the needs of students in every decision she makes,” one administrative colleague wrote in Huerbin’s nomination packet. “Her approach is deeply individualized – she doesn’t believe in one-size-fits-all solutions. I’ve watched her create personalized support plans for students based on academic, behavioral, and social-emotional needs, always involving teachers, counselors, and families in the process… Lyndsay’s leadership ensures that no student falls through the cracks.”
National Association of Secondary School Principals CEO Ronn Nozoe applauded the work of both Huerbin and Cannady.
"These outstanding Maryland assistant principals lead with empathy, courage, and unwavering belief in their students’ potential,” he said. “Their daily actions remind us that great schools begin with leaders who listen to their people and inspire their growth.”
Huerbin has served students in AACPS for 19 years and is in her second year at Arundel High School. She also worked as a Right Start Advisor and Assistant Principal at Old Mill High School and taught English at Glen Burnie High School prior to that.
“I, along with many other students at Arundel High, have a very special connection with Mrs. Huerbin,” one student wrote. “She has always been someone to help me get back on track or through a rough day. If I need her, she has always been there and understanding of what I need to succeed.”
