The Georgia Association of Secondary School Principals (GASSP) visited Trickum Middle School on March 15, 2024, to surprise Principal Ryan Queen with the news that he is the organization’s 2024 Georgia Principal of the Year. The naming of the “Principal of the Year” culminates a process that began with a statewide search for principals who excel in educational leadership, resolving complex problems, developing self and others, and community service.

     Speaking to a room packed with his father, mother, wife, children, Gwinnett County Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Calvin J. Watts, and school staff, Queen shares, “You got me! I am totally surprised!” He went on to thank his staff for the honor. “People ask me all the time what makes Trickum Middle great, and I always say it is the people in the building, the kids in the building,” Queen shares. “It is the community. There is no doubt that I am successful because of those folks. The success that Trickum Middle School is going to achieve is because of my staff here. They are the reason why our kids succeed."

     Dr. Watts, a former Principal at Trickum Middle, says it’s no surprise that the school is well-regarded. “Leadership matters at all levels, and Mr. Queen is a leader of leaders,” Dr. Watts explains. “Trickum Middle has a well-known reputation for academic success, and it takes a great leader to lead others who are doing this work well to achieve the desired academic results. It is an honor to watch a place I used to call home as a principal continue to rise to the level of addressing the needs of our students.”

     Queen earns this prestigious award as he celebrates his 26th year of serving Gwinnett County students, the last eight of those years as Principal of Trickum Middle. Queen started his educational career as a biology teacher at Parkview High School and has served as a local school technology coordinator, assistant principal, Curriculum & Instruction Director, and associate principal before becoming a principal. He is a graduate of the school district’s 2015 Quality-Plus Leader Academy Aspiring Principal Program, Cohort 9.

     Queen is the third GCPS Principal to win the GASSP Principal of the Year award since 2018. He follows former Meadowcreek High School Principal Dr. Tommy Welch, who won the award in 2018, and retired Collins Hill High School Principal Kerensa Wing, the 2019 winner, who presented this year’s honor to Queen.

     Dr. Watts is proud of the district’s excellent leaders. "People are paying attention to the leadership and the outcomes that are happening because of leaders at all levels," Dr. Watts shares. "Success doesn't just happen by accident. It's because of exemplary leaders, like Mr. Queen, who lead themselves first so others are willing to follow. This is a proud moment for Gwinnett County Public Schools."