BROOKFIELD, Wis. — Every year, the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP) picks its Principal of the Year.

This year, a Wisconsin principal won. He’s the Badger State’s first winner in 30 years.

Andy Farley has been the principal of Brookfield East High School since 2013.

“Every day is different, every day is unique in the role of the principal,” Farley said.

Farley said he knew he wanted to be a teacher from a young age.

“Fifth grade, I had the most amazing teacher,” he said. “I became a high school political science teacher because of Mr. Strauss at Dixon Elementary. I loved that class.”

Farley knows the school like the back of his hand. Long before he was principal, Farley was a student at Brookfield East, graduating in 1996.

A lot has changed in schools since then. Today, there’s a greater focus on mental health, vocational programs have become more popular and STEM offerings can be a key to kids’ success.

To meet these changes, Brookfield East is currently building a new robotics center.

Farley said a lot of the shifts are in college and career preparedness. Among the Brookfield East Class of 2023, 99% graduated with some college credit.

“Access to rigorous college credits has changed,” he said. “I think the opportunity for students to really dive into their passions and interests that match the curriculum we offer here has changed.”

The school is celebrating Farley’s Principal of the Year award with him. He can’t walk down the hall without being congratulated by both students and staff.

“I really hope our graduates look back and say, ‘Brookfield East and Elmbrook helped me be a better person, helped me grow to reach my full potential. And I’m better off because of that experience,’” he said.

Farley was also named the winner of an award from the U.S. Department of Education. He will receive that honor on Nov. 16.