Most educators agree that the level of excellence a school achieves is directly related to the level of leadership provided by its principal. Each year The Post recognizes those principals who go beyond the day-to-day demands of their position to create an exceptional educational environment. The 19 awardees from local public school systems and one awardee from a private school in the metropolitan area are honored at a reception at The Post and participate in an educational seminar.

The selections from the local school systems are made through a nominating process and the final decision is made by the local public school system. Nominees from private schools are screened by a committee of educators and community leaders through the coordinating efforts of the Council for American Private Education.