From Rowan roots to a national voice: Tony Cattani ’98, M’02, named 2025 National High School Principal of the Year

When Tony Cattani first stepped onto Rowan's Glassboro campus, he didn't plan to become a principal or even a teacher. He had enrolled as a business major. But then something shifted.

Cattani's football coach, K.C. Keeler, invited him to volunteer at Special Olympics events. That experience set him on a new course. "It changed my perspective on what I really wanted to do with my life," he said.

This summer, Cattani was named the 2025 National High School Principal of the Year by the National Association of Secondary School Principals, an award that highlights top school leaders for their impact and vision locally and beyond. As principal of Lenape High School in Medford, N.J. for nearly the last two decades, Cattani has helped the school become a model for inclusion, student voice and character-driven education.

"I have an opportunity every day to create an environment where people can be the best version of themselves," he said. "That's the heart of what I do."

Now, with this honor, Cattani will visit schools around the nation throughout the year to share his experiences and strategies.

His time at Rowan University

Once he found his path, Cattani switched his major to education and quickly found mentors who would shape both his philosophy and his future. One of them was Dr. Richard Fopeano in the Health & Physical Education department, whose teaching style made a lasting impression. "His approach to teaching made me see the type of instructor I wanted to become," Cattani said.

Cattani completed his student teaching in the Lenape Regional High School District, the very district he would one day lead. But just as he was about to sign his first teaching contract, another life-changing moment arrived: a call from Coach Keeler, urging him to come back to Rowan as a graduate assistant.

"It was a pivotal moment. I was minutes from committing to a job teaching, and suddenly I was being asked to dream bigger," he said. "Coach even spoke to the dean to help me get into the educational leadership program."

Cattani earned his master's in educational leadership in 2002. While in the program, he also met his future wife, Katherine, a fellow Rowan graduate.

From his early days teaching in the Lenape district at Cherokee High School and as an assistant principal at Shawnee High School before becoming principal of Lenape, Cattani's leadership has always reflected his Rowan roots: relationships first, purpose-driven work and a belief that every person matters.

That mindset has not only shaped Lenape High School, but it's also inspired educators across the state and beyond. Outside the building, Cattani serves on the executive committee of the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association and New Jersey Principals and Supervisors Association and hosts the Proud Principals Podcast , a platform celebrating the stories and impact of school leaders nationwide.

He says he draws inspiration from many places, but one person stands out: former Rowan President Herman James.

"Dr. James was one of those leaders who made everyone feel valued and made me want to be a better leader. He knew your name. He knew your parents' names. He knew your story," said Cattani. "It's the kind of leader I still strive to be."

Now, with the national spotlight shining on his work, Cattani remains focused on the same values that started it all. He hopes to return that energy to Rowan by mentoring the next generation of educators.

"My advice? No matter what you do, find your passion and pursue it with everything you have in you. Care and try every day."