Please submit obituaries to obits@allaroundphilly.com and attach the name of the person paying for the obituary, his or her home address and a phone number. The obits team will call you with a price once it has been entered into the system. The deadline is Tuesday by Noon for that week’s paper. If you have general questions call 610-235-2687.

RADNOR – Radnor Middle School Principal Dr. David M. Wiedlich was recently named one of three national finalists for the 2026 National Middle Level Principal of the Year by the NASSP. Previously named Pennsylvania’s 2026 Principal of the Year, Dr. Wiedlich is recognized for his student-centered leadership, enhancing school culture through data-driven support (MTSS), promoting wellness, and fostering student belonging.

The honor recognizes exceptional middle school and high school leaders across the United States who demonstrate outstanding leadership, a commitment to student achievement, and meaningful school improvement. Each year, states nominate their top principals for the award. Dr. Wiedlich was first named Pennsylvania’s Middle Level Principal of the Year before advancing to the national finalist stage.

School officials said that at Radnor Middle School, Dr. Wiedlich has built a reputation as an innovative, student-centered leader focused on belonging, wellness, and academic growth. Under his leadership, the school has expanded academic, co-curricular, and extracurricular opportunities while strengthening data-informed student supports through Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS).

He has also led initiatives to strengthen school culture by elevating student and staff voices in decision-making and creating programs that recognize students’ development of essential “soft skills.” These efforts have helped deepen community engagement, expand learning pathways for students, and support Radnor Middle School’s reputation as one of the top middle schools in the country.

“Dr. Wiedlich exemplifies the very best of educational leadership,” said Dr. Kenneth E. Batchelor, superintendent of Radnor Township School District. “His commitment to creating a school community where every student feels valued, supported, and inspired to grow has had a profound impact on our students, staff, and families. This national recognition reflects the culture of excellence and belonging he has cultivated at Radnor Middle School.”

Widdlich will be competing against two other middle school principals, one from St. Mary’s County, Maryland, and another from Bolingbrook, Illinois.

“These remarkable school leaders are the unsung heroes making schools places where every student belongs and thrives,” said NASSP CEO Ronn Nozoe. “NASSP celebrates their dedication because they prove that innovative, student-centered leadership transforms not just schools, but entire communities.”

According to information from the NASSP, at a gala in Washington, D.C., on April 17, one middle-level and one high school finalist will be named the 2026 NASSP National Principals of the Year, and one middle-level and one high school finalist will be named the 2026 National Assistant Principals of the Year. Reflecting school leaders’ profound commitment to student leadership development, the gala will bring together the State Principals and Assistant Principals of the Year, Advocacy Champion of the Year finalists and the National Honor Society and National Association of Student Council scholarship winners.

For the NASSP Principal and Assistant Principal of the Year programs, each of the 50 states, the District of Columbia, the U.S. Department of State Office of Overseas Schools, and the Department of Defense Education Activity selects one middle level and one high school principal and one middle level and one high school assistant principal to represent their state or department. From those nominees, three middle-level and three high school finalists are chosen for each award category. The national awards recognize middle-level and high school principals and assistant principals for their outstanding contributions to student success, school improvement and educational leadership.