Marley Middle School Assistant Principal Anna Ory, who has built a reputation for fostering innovation and creativity and helped to redesign the school’s student support structure, has been named Middle School Assistant Principal of the Year by the Maryland Association of Secondary School Principals (MASSP).
The award, given in collaboration with the National Association of Secondary School Principals, makes Ory eligible for the National Middle School Assistant Principal of the Year Award, which will be announced in April.
"I am deeply honored and humbled to have my work with the Marley Middle School community recognized by MASSP,” said Ory, who is in her 17th year with Anne Arundel County Public Schools and fifth as an assistant principal at Marley Middle School. “This award reflects the extraordinary educators I am privileged to work alongside every day, whose passion and dedication inspire me continually. I am also profoundly grateful to our families for entrusting us with their students, allowing us to support their growth and success both personally and academically. It is a privilege to represent such a remarkable and supportive community.”
The award is given annually by MASSP to recognize the work of outstanding instructional leaders in leading teaching, learning and student achievement, and fostering cultures that promote success for all stakeholders.
“Every great school has a phenomenal assistant principal working tirelessly behind the scenes,” said NASSP Chief Executive Officer Ronn Nozoe. “Their remarkable work not only impacts their local communities but offers inspiring models for educators nationwide. We look forward to celebrating their achievements and sharing their innovative approaches that are making a real difference in students' lives.”
Former Marley Middle School Principal Kim Winterbottom, a previous NASSP National Finalist for Principal of the Year, and current Principal John Noon applauded Ory’s proactive and positive approach across all aspects of school leadership, from student safety and well-being to the building of instructional capacity among teaching staff. Ory regularly leads Equity Learning Walks for staff and town-hall style meetings to gain input from students.
Wrote one former student in Ory’s application packet: “We may not have realized just how essential her actions and work were at the time but looking back, I realize that Ms. Ory would truly go above and beyond to make sure everyone felt comfortable so that everyday could be a good day at Marley Middle School.”