We are thrilled to share an extraordinary update to a previous blog post celebrating one of Norwalk’s finest educators—Dr. Damon Lewis, Principal of Ponus Ridge STEAM Academy.
He was just officially named the 2025–26 National Middle School Principal of the Year by the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP)!
See the video above that captures the moment of the announcement!.
This prestigious national recognition follows Dr. Lewis’s earlier honor as Connecticut’s 2025 Middle School Principal of the Year, awarded by the Connecticut Association of Schools. Selected as one of just three finalists from across the country, Dr. Lewis received the national award during the Illuminate Gala at the UNITED Conference in Seattle on July 9, co-hosted by NASSP and the National Association of Elementary School Principals (NAESP).
According to an NPS news release:
“I am incredibly humbled and honored to be recognized by my peers on the national level,” Dr. Lewis said. “It is a testament to the support I have been provided by Norwalk Public Schools in working with our community of learners including staff, students and families.”
Throughout his tenure at Ponus Ridge STEAM Academy, Dr. Lewis has exemplified the very best in educational leadership. His efforts to build a nurturing, academically rigorous, and inclusive learning environment have left a lasting impact on students, families, and staff alike. True to his character, Dr. Lewis emphasized that his goal was never to be seen as the “best principal,” but simply to do “the best job for the community I serve.”
“We are extremely proud of Dr. Lewis for receiving this well-deserved national recognition,” said Superintendent Alexandra Estrella, who nominated him for the award. “His deep commitment to his students, staff and school community is evident in everything he does. We have long recognized his outstanding leadership here in our district, and it’s incredibly rewarding to see that excellence celebrated at both the state and national levels.”
From all of us in the Norwalk Public Schools community—and especially from the students and families of Ponus Ridge—congratulations, Dr. Lewis! This national honor is a reflection not only of your leadership, but of the powerful community you’ve helped build. We couldn’t be prouder.