Diehl Earns Statewide Outstanding New Principal of the Year Honor

June 3, 2026

Schoo Middle School Principal Allysa Diehl has spent nearly her entire career in the halls of Schoo, first as a sixth grade teacher, then instructional coordinator, associate principal and now principal.

This spring, that commitment to students, staff and the school community earned Diehl statewide recognition as the 2025-26 Outstanding New Principal of the Year from the Nebraska State Association of Secondary School Principals.

For Diehl, the recognition was both surprising and humbling.

“It's a nice recognition to receive!” Diehl said. “I think that any time you're in a new position, you try to do the best you can to learn the role as quickly as you can. It's nice to know that there are people for whom I have a lot of respect who think I'm doing a good job.”

Ryan Escamilla, the director of recruitment for LPS Human Resources and former Schoo principal, said Diehl’s leadership helps create a supportive environment for students and staff.

“Allysa's leadership is collaborative in nature,” said Escamilla. “She values input from others and works to build a culture where people feel supported and appreciated. At the same time, she demonstrates confidence and decisiveness when difficult situations arise, providing calm and steady leadership during challenging moments.”

Diehl was hired in 2009 as part of the team opening Schoo, beginning her career as a sixth grade teacher and later teaching eighth grade English. After serving for a year as the school district’s middle school English coordinator, she returned to Schoo as instructional coordinator, later serving as associate principal before stepping into the principal role two years ago.

Though her responsibilities have changed over the years, one thing has remained constant: her love for the Schoo community.

“I'm so proud of our staff in every role who show up for our students and for each other in so many ways,” Diehl said. “They triage with students who are having a hard time, they coach intramural sports, they lead clubs, they stay after school to provide additional support, they attend students' events outside of school–-athletic competitions, dance recitals, music performances, Quinceañeras–-you name it. I think our students really feed off of that. When they see how our staff show up for them, both inside and outside of school, it makes them want to do their best and be their best here at school.”

Sydney, a Schoo student, said Diehl’s leadership helps create a calm, supportive environment in the building.

“I like how she takes control of the school, and it doesn't feel like there's a lot of problems going on,” Sydney said. “She’s the boss, and it makes things feel so much easier.”

“She leads with professionalism, compassion, and a student-centered mindset, ensuring that both staff and students feel supported, valued and empowered to succeed,” Escamilla said.

Now, after more than 15 years at Schoo, Diehl says one of the most rewarding parts of her career is watching generations of families move through the school’s doors.

“I love Schoo," Diehl said. “It's the only school I have known in my professional career, and the place feels like home and the people feel like family.”

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