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2024 Principal of the Year

David Cherry 
2024 MEMSPA Principal of the Year
David Cherry, Principal, Challenger Elementary
Howell Public Schools

When David Cherry stepped into the role of principal at Challenger Elementary School, he brought with him a vision to build a thriving, inclusive school community grounded in empathy, collaboration, and shared purpose. As an instructional and professional leader, Cherry empowers his teachers to use their expertise to create a learning environment where all students can learn and thrive.  Cherry participates in instruction and assessment each day to model that student achievement is a shared responsibility and that “leadership doesn’t just live in the front office or the classroom.” Cherry sends the same message to parents through consistent outreach, communication, and programming that facilitates deep engagement in the learning process.

Under his leadership, Challenger launched its Summer Reading Nights program, distributing thousands of books each year through weekly events emphasizing community-building over a shared meal. While effective in combating “summer slide,” the program looks beyond short-term academic achievement to build a lifelong foundation of literacy.

Cherry also works to ensure that all students can take a leading role in shaping school culture, including through recently implemented initiatives to integrate autistic support classrooms with general education and create authentic leadership, mentorship, and relationship-building opportunities by placing all students and staff in one of four Challenger School Houses.

Cherry holds an M.A. in Educational Leadership and a B.S. from Michigan State University.

We proudly present David Cherry as the Principal of the Year for 2024.