FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: November 14, 2024
Contact: Jim Lynch, Executive Director, AWSA
[email protected], 608-241-0300


AWSA Recognizes Superior’s Matthew Amerson as Wisconsin


High School Associate Principal of the Year


MADISON, WI — The Association of Wisconsin School Administrators has recognized Matthew Amerson
as its 2024 Wisconsin High School Associate Principal of the Year.
For the past three years, Amerson has served as assistant principal at Superior High School, where he
helps lead approximately 1,200 students and nearly 200 teachers and staff members.
During his time as assistant principal, Amerson has prioritized efforts in areas such as student perception
and inclusion, wellbeing and mental health, and crisis de-escalation. He was also instrumental in
rebuilding the school’s Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports team to support a positive school
climate and incorporate student voice in decision making.
“Mr. Amerson exemplifies the dedication that associate principals demonstrate daily to drive positive
change in our schools,” said Jim Lynch, executive director of AWSA. “We are incredibly proud to honor
him as our High School Associate Principal of the Year. This is a well-deserved award that recognizes his
outstanding work on behalf of his school community in Superior.”
Amerson facilitates various initiatives to promote student inclusion and empowerment, including monthly
student voice sessions, a student problem-solving committee, and a mentorship program that pairs
seniors with incoming first-year students. As a Crisis Prevention Institute instructor, he trains staff on
verbal de-escalation skills and other nonviolent crisis intervention techniques. He also oversees the
special education department and serves as an administrative partner for the advisory team.
“Matt is a self-directed and compassionate leader who possesses excellent communication skills. He has
taken the initiative to lead our PBIS and Advisory teams, which has resulted in a positive transformation
of our school culture and safety,” said Aaron Fezzey, principal of Superior High School. “His leadership
and ability to bring students and staff together has created a collaborative environment and has helped to
make our school a great place to learn and work.”
“Thank you to AWSA for spotlighting a truly outstanding associate principal,” said Dr. Amy Starzecki,
superintendent of the School District of Superior. “This well-deserved award celebrates Mr. Amerson’s
unwavering commitment to the success of our students. This is a big point of pride for our entire
educational community.”


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Amerson holds a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree from the University of Wisconsin-Superior,
where he was also a Lavender Graduate.
The Wisconsin Associate Principal of the Year program recognizes associate principals whose
leadership has resulted in improved student learning, instructional collaboration, and a safe and positive
school environment. Nominations are accepted from teachers, parents, principals, and others across
Wisconsin. Selection criteria include a commitment to personal excellence, collaborative leadership,
personalization, curriculum, instruction and assessment, and serving as an established and respected
community member.
A committee representing teachers, superintendents, board members, parents, and the Department of
Public Instruction reviews the applications and selects an AP of the year at the middle school and high
school levels. Considerable support comes from the Herb Kohl Educational Foundation.
Amerson will be formally recognized at the Associate Principals Convention in January. He will also
receive $1,000 for use on a project of his choice at his high school.
Additionally, Amerson will represent the state of Wisconsin at the National Assistant Principal of the Year
Celebration in Washington, D.C., in spring 2025, where the Associate Principals of the Year from middle
and high schools across the country will be honored.
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