Nicole Airgood has been a principal in the Sturgis School system for seven years, starting in a K-2 building with over 400 students and currently serving at Eastwood Elementary, a 3-5 school with almost 800 students. In addition, she is mentor to an assistant principal who will take over Eastwood next year when Airgood assumes the role of Assistant Superintendent. The current Assistant Superintendent states that “a visible hallmark of Nicole’s leadership are her values about meeting the needs of all students and the importance of adults in ensuring student learning.” One of the school improvement goals for Eastwood was to visibly change the culture, and Airgood has worked to help everyone rise to the challenge of her high expectations. She initiated the Leader in Me program and, certified to teach the 7 Habits of Highly Effective People and the 7 Habits of Successful Families, has offered training for community families. Airgood utilizes the Professional Learning Community model and her staff works to support learners who are struggling, challenge students who are excelling, and maintain high standards for all. She leads the charge in moving from an isolated environment to one where everyone works interdependently to ensure that every student achieves at their highest level. Airgood was named Michigan Elementary and Middle School Principal’s Association Principal of the Year and holds a B.A. from Michigan State and a M.A. from Western Michigan University.