'Principal of the Year:' Brookfield educator receives national honor

BROOKFIELD, Wis. - Brookfield East High School students cheered Monday not for any victory on a field or court, but because their principal has received national attention.

The National Association of Secondary School Principals named Andy Farley its "Principal of the Year." Each state can nominate one middle or high school principal.

"National Principal of the Year – can’t get much better than that," said sophomore Jake Zheng.

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Students and staff came out of their classrooms to give Farley a high-five. This is his 11th year leading Brookfield East, but the recognition means even more to Farley because he also graduated from the high school in 1996.

"It’s a special place in my life as a student and adult. Taught here for 10 years, coached here," said Farley.

Brookfield East High School

Under Farley’s leadership, the U.S. Department of Education named Brookfield East a 2023 National Blue Ribbon School. Elmbrook Schools said nearly all of last year’s graduates left Brookfield East with at least one college credit.

Farley is also proud of the work outside the classroom. Sophomore Ledra Ashenbrenner is part of "Hope Squad," a program Farley brought to Brookfield East to help teens find mental health resources.

"It creates a more positive environment," Ashenbrenner said. "If the principal of your school is in it, it makes it seem really special and important…he definitely deserves recognition."

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"There’s a lot of pressures on kids internally, externally, and our Hope Squad leaders do an amazing job modeling an approach to wellness," said Farley.

Even in the spotlight, Farley always makes sure it is his students who shine.

"Kids here are amazing. We always say as a school, our kids will change the world," he said.