Richard Montgomery High School Principal Wins National Award
The principal of the Rockville high school earns national recognition for her leadership and student engagement initiatives.
Updated on Oct. 16, 2026 in Secondary Education
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The Association of Latino Administrators and Superintendents has named Alicia Morales Deeny as the National Principal of the Year. Deeny currently serves as the principal of Richard Montgomery High School in Rockville, where she leads a student body of more than 2,300.
Why it matters
Deeny’s recognition highlights her long-term focus on student engagement and academic outcomes within the Montgomery County school system. Her leadership approach centers on community-building initiatives and restorative practices that influence local educational success.
Richard Montgomery High School maintains a 95% graduation rate and is currently ranked as the No. 7 public high school in Maryland. The school serves a population of over 2,300 students.
The players
Alicia Morales Deeny
The current principal of Richard Montgomery High School who has spent 25 years in the Montgomery County Public Schools system.
Association of Latino Administrators and Superintendents
A national organization that promotes educational equity and professional development for school leaders.
The details
Deeny’s leadership style incorporates restorative practices to manage student behavior and reduce suspension rates, a strategy she previously utilized during her eight-year tenure at Takoma Park Middle School. She also co-founded the Los Padres initiative at Montgomery Blair High School to drive higher levels of family engagement. Throughout her 25-year career with Montgomery County Public Schools, she has focused on fostering supportive environments for diverse student populations.
Timeline
1892: Richard Montgomery High School was founded.
2018: Deeny was named Educator of the Year at the Maryland Hispanic Gala.
2021: Deeny was appointed principal of Richard Montgomery High School.
2025: Deeny was named Hispanic Educator of the Year.
October 16, 2026: Deeny was named National Principal of the Year.
The Home Front
Deeny’s national recognition follows a decade of state-level advocacy work recognized by the Maryland Hispanic Gala. This award tracks with the broader trend of prioritizing student-centered leadership and family engagement in high-performing suburban school districts.
Families with students at Richard Montgomery High School can look for upcoming school community meetings to see how these leadership initiatives are applied on campus. Parents should stay updated on school board newsletters for opportunities to participate in future family engagement initiatives.
The takeaway
This national honor reflects the impact of sustained, 25-year investment in public school community engagement. Rockville families can monitor the school's ongoing Los Padres initiative as a template for future parent-teacher collaboration efforts.
Further reading
Learn more about the latest leadership developments in Secondary Education.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The MoCo Show.
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