Albion College alum Adam Lancto ’2008 was named Michigan’s 2025-26 High School Principal of the Year by the Michigan Association of Secondary School Principals (MASSP).

Lancto is principal at Grandville High School, where he has been employed by the district for his entire 16-year career in education.

“Adam’s commitment to collaborative leadership, innovation and personalized student support is truly inspiring,” MASSP Executive Director Wendy Zdeb said. “He has dedicated himself to fostering an environment where both students and staff thrive, making him a standout leader in a field of exceptional nominees.”

Lancto is credited with spearheading the development of Professional Learning Communities and championed the school’s Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports system, known as GRIT.

He said he was humbled and grateful for the recognition.

“I was very surprised by the honor and thankful to those that nominated me. As educators we do not do the job for the recognition, but it was truly overwhelming to read what the students and staff who nominated me wrote,” Lancto said. “While I am very appreciative of the award, I do want to make sure I recognize all of those who have supported me and mentored me throughout my career.”

“I have been blessed with great leaders to look up to and work alongside,” he said. “I have an administrative team that is more like family than colleagues and without them and their trust I couldn’t do what I do. Likewise, the staff, students, and community of Grandville Public Schools have been nothing short of amazing to me throughout my years at Grandville High School. I started as a young teacher & coach right out of college at Grandville High School and to fulfill my dream of being a high school principal at the same place I started my career, I could not ask for anything better. Being a high school principal is challenging at times, yet very rewarding.”

Lancto will be Michigan nominee for the national High School Principal of the Year Award, which will be announced in July.