Tabitha Blades has been named the 2025 Assistant Principal of the Year by the Alaska Association of Secondary School Principals (AASSP). She is also recognized as the 2025 Alaska Region III Assistant Principal of the Year.
The AASSP Assistant Principal of the Year program annually recognizes outstanding middle-level and high-school assistant principals who have successfully provided high-quality learning opportunities for students. These assistant principals are also acknowledged by their peers for the exemplary contributions they have made to the profession.
AASSP President Rick Dormer said, “Tabitha is a strong, effective leader who positively connects with the students at Soldotna High School. She has passionately worked for a healthy and safe student body in her multiple years working at SOHI.” Dormer added, “This is a well-deserved recognition for Mrs. Blades and the community of Soldotna.”
“We’re really proud that Tabitha was recognized as the assistant principal of the year for the state of Alaska,” said KPBSD Superintendent Clayton Holland. “I think she does exemplify everything that we want in that position. She works hard; she works late. She cares about the kids, the staff, and the job that she does. So, to have those made a great connection with, uh, some of our most at-risk kids … When I talk to staff, they can’t be more appreciative of what she does to maintain a good learning environment at Soldotna High School, which is paramount. If you send your kid to a school, you want a good, safe environment.”
Tabitha Blades was recognized as the 2025 Alaska Assistant Principal of the Year during the 58th Annual Alaska Principals’ Conference in Anchorage.