About the 2027 Finalists

Kensie Fisher

Kensie Fisher is an accomplished instructional leader and principal of Poca Middle School in Putnam County, where she has led strategic, student-centered transformation since 2016. Fisher is a strong advocate for data-informed leadership and whole-child education. Under her leadership, Poca Middle School achieved significant post-pandemic academic growth, including 22% gains in math and English language arts proficiency and a 28% increase in science proficiency, while also reducing chronic absenteeism by 5%. Her work is marked by closing achievement gaps for economically disadvantaged students and students with disabilities through innovative multi-tiered systems of support. Fisher brings 13 years of classroom experience to her position as principal. This helps her foster a collaborative, professional learning environment focused on student empowerment through initiatives such as mentoring programs and student data notebooks. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Secondary Education and a Master of Arts in Reading Education from Marshall University. Fisher strives to lead with a vision that balances high academic standards with a supportive, inclusive environment where every student thrives. She credits the school’s success to resilient scholars, committed staff, a supportive community and a solution-focused leadership approach.

Kimberly Greene

Kimberly Greene is an accomplished educational leader and the principal of University High School in Monongalia County. Greene has dedicated more than 30 years to education, specializing in data-informed school improvement and establishing collaborative, professional cultures. Under her leadership, University High School has achieved elite statewide status, ranking sixth in science and eighth in English and mathematics proficiency. By implementing restorative practices and a "small school" advisory model, Greene has successfully reduced chronic absenteeism by nearly 20% and decreased disciplinary incidents by more than 1,000 cases. Additionally, her strategic focus on graduation equity led to a 25% increase in the four-year cohort graduation rate for special education students. Greene holds a Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education and a Master of Arts in Educational Leadership, both from West Virginia University. She also earned a Certificate in Educational Leadership from Salem International University. From presenting on distributed leadership at national conferences to coaching faculty, she remains focused on transforming schools into sanctuaries of safety and trust where every student is empowered to succeed.

Samantha Peaslee

Samantha Peaslee is the principal of Kingwood Elementary School in Preston County. As an instructional leader, Peaslee is committed to fostering a positive school culture centered on student growth, strong relationships and high-quality instruction that supports the academic, behavioral and social-emotional success of all learners. She earned a bachelor’s degree in Multidisciplinary Studies from West Virginia University, and a Master of Arts in Elementary Education with an English Language Arts endorsement for Grades 5-9 also from WVU. Additionally, she holds a Post-master’s Certification in Educational Leadership from Fairmont State University. Under her leadership, Kingwood Elementary School has emphasized positive school culture, student-centered learning, literacy growth, community engagement and innovative practices designed to meet the evolving needs of students. These efforts were recognized nationally in 2024 when Kingwood Elementary School was named a model school at a nationally recognized school conference. Kingwood Elementary has also been recognized as a West Virginia Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports Tier I Model School for the past three years. Peaslee believes meaningful relationships, consistency and a shared commitment to excellence are at the heart of successful schools. She is passionate about supporting educators, celebrating student success and ensuring every child feels valued, challenged and inspired each day they walk through the school doors.

Alicia Riggleman

Alicia Riggleman is a dedicated educational leader and the principal of Musselman High School in Berkeley County. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education from Shepherd University, a Master of Arts in School Counseling from Marshall University and a School Principalship Certificate from Marshall University. With more than 20 years of experience in education, Riggleman has served Berkeley County Schools in a variety of roles, including teacher, school counselor and assistant principal. Throughout her career, she has remained focused on building strong relationships and creating environments where every student feels supported, challenged and inspired. Her leadership is grounded in high expectations paired with meaningful support, ensuring each student can succeed personally and academically. At Musselman High School, Riggleman has led initiatives that have significantly improved outcomes, including increased attendance, higher graduation rates and a strengthened school culture, earning the school multiple recognitions for excellence in culture, climate and achievement. She is also committed to innovation, aligning curriculum with state standards, expanding dual-enrollment opportunities and strengthening career pathways.

Shandon Ryan-Tweedy

Shandon Ryan-Tweedy is the principal of Horace Mann Middle School in Kanawha County. With more than a decade of experience in educational leadership, Ryan-Tweedy has dedicated her career to fostering positive school culture, supporting student success and developing systems that strengthen both academic achievement and social-emotional growth. She earned a Master of Arts in Leadership Studies from Marshall University and a Bachelor of Science in Social Science Education from the University of Charleston. Throughout her career, she has demonstrated expertise in instructional leadership, restorative justice disciplinary practices that promote good citizenship and educational policy compliance. She has been instrumental in implementing innovative supports that focus on reducing exclusionary discipline practices, strengthening student-teacher relationships and expanding services for students experiencing significant social and economic challenges. This includes the Ron Clark Academy “house system," which focuses on increasing classroom rigor and camaraderie throughout the building. Additionally, Ryan-Tweedy has partnered with community organizations to provide on-site therapeutic support for students and families and secured community partnerships for the school. She is passionate about building school environments where students and educators feel valued, supported and empowered to succeed. Her leadership philosophy centers on relationships and collaboration to ensure every child has access to opportunities that promote both academic and personal growth.