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

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