Four Philadelphia Academy of School Leaders Neubauer Fellows Honored with 2025 Lindback Awards for Distinguished Principals
Philadelphia Academy of School Leaders (PASL) is thrilled to share that four Neubauer Fellows, including one from the current Cohort 8, are among the 7 individuals who received the 2025 Lindback Award for Distinguished Principals.
This prestigious award recognizes the achievements of School District of Philadelphia educators who demonstrate excellence in promoting learning at the highest levels. Facilitated by the Christian R. and Mary F. Lindback Foundation of Philadelphia, the Lindback Award honors principals who make significant leadership and humanitarian contributions to their school communities. Since the award’s inception in 2011, 52 Neubauer Fellows have received a Lindback Award. Notably, Neubauer Fellows represent almost 50% of all Lindback Award recipients, yet they make up only approximately 25% of current principals in Philadelphia.
The Neubauer Fellows honored with 2025 Lindback Awards for Distinguished Principals are:
KaTiedra Argro | Philadelphia High School for Girls (2022 Neubauer Fellow, Cohort 7)
“I have worked in every aspect of education: middle magnet, comprehensive high school, neighborhood elementary, and special admit high school. I’m also a proud product of the school district of Philadelphia. For me, winning the Lindback is a culmination of my work in education; I feel that every school community I have serviced has won this award.
Kids can tell when you aren’t being authentic. They can be skeptical of people who aren’t family. You have to earn their trust and their faith, and I could earn the trust of my students because I was authentically myself. As a Neubauer Fellow, I realized… that I had never truly shared my real story. I often told people what they wanted to hear. My Neubauer Fellowship empowered me to authentically be myself all the time. I realized that I had I showed up as whoever everyone else wanted me to be, rather than courageously being myself without fear of judgment. Now, as a leader, I have the strength to authentically walk my walk with courage and faith, always prioritizing the best interests of the students and school community. I don’t think twice or waver if it’s in the best interest of the students.”
Melissa Bragg | John Hancock Demonstration School (2024 Neubauer Fellow, Cohort 8).
“Winning the Lindback really is a reflection of the fact that we—my staff, students, families, and community—are all in this together. I have grounded everything [my team has] done this year in the fact that the time is now. Now is the only time we get with these kids, so you have to teach like you’re never going to get this opportunity again. Because you’re not. When you come into my school now, there is a feeling of purpose, intentionality, and urgency that I don’t think we would have seen without my time as a Neubauer Fellow.
I really found my people as a Neubauer Fellow. The Fellowship has allowed me to connect with like-minded individuals who share my passion for serving the needs of children in Philadelphia, across different school contexts, neighborhoods, and communities. There’s something very special about being in a room with people who have the same fire that you have, because that fuels the fire in you…. When you come into my school now, there is a feeling of purpose, intentionality, and urgency that I don’t think we would have seen without my time as a Neubauer Fellow.”
William Lawrence | John Marshall Elementary School (2020 Neubauer Fellow, Cohort 6)
“Being recognized by my staff and community for the Lindback Award is an incredible honor. When I first attended the award ceremony years ago, I was in awe of the principals being recognized. To be here now is surreal. This recognition isn’t just for me but for my staff and the positive changes we’ve made at John Marshall. Changing the negative narrative about our school has been a mission, and this award validates our efforts.
Neubauer prepared me to confidently address cultural breaches within the school. It’s one thing to have an equity vision and another to address issues when they arise. Neubauer’s sessions, including the Washington, D.C. trip and the ‘Story of Self’ assignment, equipped me to stand firm on our vision for equity and culture. It’s not about changing everyone’s perspective but ensuring that our school’s engagement with families and students aligns with our values.”
Nichole Polk | Potter-Thomas School (2022 Neubauer Fellow, Cohort 7)
“Being nominated by the community for the Lindback Award is surreal. I often focus on acknowledging my staff and students, so I don’t always think about myself. This recognition reassures me that my work is impactful and appreciated. It shows that my community values the safe and welcoming environment we’ve created together.
The Neubauer Fellowship empowered me to create a safe and loving environment for my staff. When you feel safe and loved, you can be transparent and vulnerable about your strengths and weaknesses. When I became a Neubauer Fellow, that sense of community was already there. Starting the Fellowship could have been a space of insecurity, to second-guess yourself and ask, ‘am I supposed to be here?’ But instead, it was welcoming and it gave me space to grow. The Fellowship provided that environment for me, and I’ve applied the same principles at my school. Every time I attend a Fellowship event, even as a Senior Fellow, I leave feeling stronger, more vibrant, and courageous, and I can turn around and give that energy back to my staff, students, and community. This award is a reflection of my growth as a leader, thanks to the Fellowship.”
Nominated by a school-based committee of students, teachers, and parents, recipients receive a $20,000 award to be used in their school community.
“On behalf of the Philadelphia Academy of School Leaders, I am delighted to extend a heartfelt congratulations to Neubauer Fellows KaTiedra Argro, Melissa Bragg, William Lawrence, and Nichole Polk on receiving the prestigious 2025 Lindback Award for Distinguished Principals,” said Edwin M. Quezada Ed.D., PASL’s Executive Director. “Each of these exceptional school leaders has demonstrated unwavering dedication and excellence in their roles. Their recognition by the Christian R. and Mary F. Lindback Foundation of Philadelphia demonstrates their outstanding leadership and we are incredibly proud of their achievements in their schools and communities as they work to improve the lives of Philadelphia students. Congratulations once again to these four amazing Neubauer Fellows for this well-deserved honor—their commitment to education and leadership is a beacon of hope for all of us.”
PASL Board of Directors Chairperson Joseph Neubauer stated, “Outstanding schools require outstanding leaders. I am thrilled to congratulate KaTiedra Argro, Melissa Bragg, William Lawrence, and Nichole Polk on their well-deserved 2025 Lindback Award for Distinguished Principals. Neubauer Fellows represent nearly half of all Lindback Award recipients since its founding, yet they comprise less than a quarter of current principals in Philadelphia. Today’s recognition of four of our 173 Neubauer Fellows with the 2025 Lindback Award is a testament to their tenacity, innovation, and dedication to advancing the academic outcomes of Philadelphia’s most important resource: our students.”
PASL is proud to celebrate each of these principals. As Neubauer Fellows, these four principals have demonstrated dedication and excellence as school leaders, and PASL is thrilled to recognize their profound impact on their school communities and the Philadelphia students they serve.