February 14, 2026
We’re celebrating an extraordinary Comet connection to statewide excellence in K-12 leadership! Jason Schwabe (‘92) of Thompson has been named the 2026 North Dakota Association of Secondary School Principals (NDASSP) Principal of the Year.
Just last year, Mark Andresen (‘91) of Mandan received the 2026 NDASSP Principal of the Year distinction. He’s the only two-time recipient of this prestigious honor. (He first won in 2011.) That’s a remarkable back-to-back showing for the Mayville State grad.
Both Schwabe and Andresen are standout Comets Baseball alumni, former players of legendary coach Scott Berry, and members of the Mayville State Athletic Hall of Fame. Schwabe’s wife, Collette (Schaan) (‘93) and Andresen’s wife, Julie (Bosch) (‘90) are Mayville State alumni as well.
Congratulations to all!
About the award: The NDASSP Principal of the Year is North Dakota’s selection within the NASSP National Principal of the Year program, which recognizes outstanding middle and high school principals for exceptional learning opportunities, leadership, and service. Each state names one winner annually. From the state honorees, three national finalists are selected, and one is ultimately chosen as National Principal of the Year.
