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MIDLAND, MI — Tiela Schurman, principal of Midland High School, last week was surprised with balloons and a pep band when she learned she had been named Michigan 2026 High School Principal of the Year by the Michigan Association of Secondary School Principals (MASSP). The Thursday, Nov. 6, announcement took place in the school’s gym with Schurman’s family, students, and colleagues present to celebrate. Wendy Zdeb, executive director of MASSP, made the surprise reveal. Schurman was nominated for the award by Midland Public Schools Superintendent Penny Miller-Nelson, who described her leadership approach as fostering a culture of belonging, joy, and success. “Tiela leads Midland High with heart and genuine care, fostering a culture of belonging, joy, and success,” Miller-Nelson said in a statement. “She works to create an environment in which every student is included and has an opportunity to thrive.” One of Schurman’s signature practices includes delivering Friday announcements personally each week, closing with a phrase that has resonated throughout the school community: “Chemics, you determine your legacy; what will it be?” Teacher David McPeak said the message has become a unifying call that reminds students of their agency, responsibility, and potential. “This small but powerful message has become a unifying call that reminds students of their agency, responsibility, and potential,” he said in a statement. “It is a perfect representation of her ability to inspire and set a tone of high expectations and belonging.” Teacher James Woehrle said Schurman encourages staff to work beyond their individual classrooms. “She strongly encourages us to break out of the silos of our own classrooms so we can actually meet and collaborate with our colleagues,” Woehrle said in a statement. “This pays off in an atmosphere of professional respect and a drive for personal excellence.” Schurman will represent Michigan as the state’s nominee for the National Association of Secondary School Principals High School Principal of the Year competition, organizers said. The national award will be presented at the National Education Leadership Awards in Washington, D.C., in April 2026. Generative AI was used to structure and draft this story, based on information provided by the Michigan Association of Secondary School Principals. It was reviewed and edited by MLive staff.
