The Connecticut Association of Schools recently recognized two graduates of Southern’s College of Education for leadership excellence.
Triple Owl Anthony “T.J.” Salutari, ’92, M.S. ’98, 6th Yr. ’99, was named the 2026 High School Principal of the Year in recognition of more than a decade of student-centered leadership at Daniel Hand High School (DHHS) in Madison, Conn. Salutari was lauded for his focus on academic rigor, safety, and creating a sense of belonging. He spearheaded a four-year advisory program that ensures every student has an ongoing, meaningful connection with an adult in the school and introduced initiatives such as Wellness Wednesdays to support mental health. He is equally passionate about equity, instruction, and access. For example, he led the elimination of the school’s lowest-level mathematics track, replacing it with team-taught courses and targeted support, resulting in a 100% pass rate in Algebra I. Under his leadership, DHHS was named a National Blue Ribbon School in 2024.
Craig Cooke, the superintendent for Madison Public Schools, nominated Salutari for the award. “Everything T.J. does is anchored in the student experience and that spills over to staff, creating a powerful environment where everyone’s actions and decisions are driven by what is best for students,” says Cooke.
Fellow Southern graduate, Dana Mulligan, 6th Yr. ’06, was named the 2026 High School Assistant Principal of the Year. Mulligan, who has served for 16 years as assistant principal of Woodland Regional High School (WRHS) in Beacon Falls, was recognized for focusing on student success. She was instrumental in expanding early college experiences, access to Advanced Placement courses, and career pathways for students, including Emergency Medical Technician and Certified Nursing Assistant certification programs. WRHS was named the inaugural CAS High School of the Year in 2025.
Mulligan was nominated for the award by fellow assistant principal Ryan Mackenzie and WRHS principal Kurt Ogren, M.S. ’94, 6th Yr. ’01. “Dana’s life and career are powerful reminders that leadership is not about titles but about character, commitment, and the courage to make a difference,” says Ogren, who was the 2024 CAS High School Principal of the Year. “She is, without question, a role model for every student and colleague who walks through Woodland’s doors.”
Last year, three Southern graduates were recognized by the Connecticut Association of Schools: Laura Dixon, M.S. ’13, was named the 2025 Elementary School Assistant Principal of the Year; Damon Lewis, M.S. ’04, was selected the 2025 Middle School Principal of the Year; and LaShante James, ’04, M.S. ’14, was recognized as the 2025 High School Assistant Principal of the Year.
Lewis went on to be honored nationally as the 2025-26 National Principal of the Year at the Middle School Level. He is the principal of Ponus Ridge STEAM Academy in Norwalk.
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