No Surprise
A pair of BSSD administrators were honored this spring by the Greater Kansas City Missouri Principals’ Association.
Blue Springs High School Associate Principal Heather Knudsen was chosen for the 2026 Walsworth Consummate Professional Award. Delta Woods Middle School’s Mallori Perry was named the 2026 Greater Kansas City Middle School Assistant Principal of the Year.
Knudsen has served BSSD for 30 years in various roles, including teacher, A+ Coordinator, and Assistant Principal. Perry is in her third year as an Assistant Principal. She previously taught government at the Freshman Center and Blue Springs South High School for eight years.
The Walsworth award, presented by the Missouri Association of Secondary School Principals (MoASSP) and Walsworth Publishing, honors eight regional school leaders annually for their outstanding dedication to the principalship. Selected by peers, recipients demonstrate exceptional commitment and receive a $500 scholarship for a student. Additionally, recipients are selected for their contributions to the school and the community; leadership in improving student achievement; leadership to the principalship and MoASSP; maintaining a school climate that is positive and reflects high staff and student morale; and is respected by students, colleagues, parents and the community at large.
“Mrs. Knudsen has the heartbeat of Blue Springs High School,” BSHS Principal Dr. Wendell Fuimaono said. “She influences the culture and energy in our hallways and classrooms. She is a tremendous teammate and impactful leader.”
DWMS Principal Dr. Shelley Brown said Mallori is a great principal and person.
“Mallori continuously goes above and beyond at everything she does to make Delta Woods a better place,” she said. “Her positive energy and instinct to connect with students, all while holding them to high expectations is admirable. She’s constantly willing to help a colleague and not even think twice about it. She’s not just an amazing administrator, but a phenomenal person with a heart of gold.”