Grandville — Principal Adam Lancto of Grandville High School has been named Michigan’s 2025-26 High School Principal of the Year by the Michigan Association of Secondary School Principals.
Lancto received the news Monday morning in a surprise gathering of district leaders, students and family members at the high school.
“Obviously I’m pretty surprised, pretty humbled, just overwhelmed with all of this,” Lancto told GHS student broadcasters, who were there to capture the surprise. “I don’t do this for recognition, but to be recognized by students and staff and your colleagues is pretty humbling.”
The MASSP award recognizes principals who exemplify collaborative leadership, excellence in curriculum and instruction, and meaningful connections with students, staff and families.
MASSP Executive Director Wendy Zdeb told SNN that Lancto’s recommendation for the award stood out to the review committee in terms of his commitment to supporting student voice, his initiative in leading new programs and his ability to form strong relationships with kids. In particular, the association noted his work in establishing a teacher academy (in conjunction with the Kent Career Tech Center); introducing innovative programs including aeronautics, automotive repair and additional advanced placement classes; and ensuring that students graduate with college and career-readiness skills.
“Adam’s commitment to collaborative leadership, innovation and personalized student support is truly inspiring,” Zdeb said. “He has dedicated himself to fostering an environment where both students and staff thrive, making him a standout leader in a field of exceptional nominees.”
GHS Assistant Principal Ashlee Buchholz nominated Lancto for the award several months ago, saying “nobody is more deserving.”
“He truly cares about staff and students and the school more than anyone that I’ve ever known,” Buchholz said. “He is meticulous with detail. He shows up for everything. He’s been instrumental in a lot of the large-scale change the district has went through … But he never is out front saying, ‘Hey, that was me.’ He’s always the one that’s behind the scenes.”
Fellow GHS Assistant Principal Mike Kennedy said he appreciates Lancto’s ability to see the big picture in any situation.
“He’s great at having a vision for things; he asks all the right questions and he knows when to ask those questions — that’s one thing I always stand in awe of,” Kennedy said. “He’s got this incredible way of connecting with people and saying things just the right way that will either allay their fears or encourage them or support them.”
As Principal of the Year, Lancto will be formally recognized next summer at the MASSP annual conference. He will also represent Michigan as the state’s 2025 nominee for the National Principal of the Year award, as determined by the National Association of Secondary School Principals.
Lancto, who has spent all of his 16-year education career at Grandville High School, was momentarily rendered speechless by the award, crediting his success to the team of educators he works with in the district.
“This (award) is just a culmination of the people who came before me, the people I work with, the people who mentored me,” he said. “If you just do what’s right by kids, the good things end up happening. I’ve surrounded myself with a lot of good people, and this is as much for them as it is for me.”
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