State College Area High School Principal Laura Tobias has been recognized by her peers with a statewide honor that puts her in contention for a national award.
Tobias was named the 2025 Pennsylvania Principal of the Year on Wednesday by the Pennsylvania Principals Association, an organization of approximately 3,300 elementary, middle level and secondary school leaders.
Calling Tobias an “an exceptional principal and leader,” Eric Eshbach, executive director of the association, said she was selected by a committee for her leadership and contributions to the school, students and community.
“Mrs. Tobias is a strong, proactive leader who genuinely cares about the success and well-being of her students, staff and the entire school community,” Eshbach said. “We are extremely proud to have her represent the PA Principals Association and secondary principals across the commonwealth.”
This is the second consecutive year a Centre County principal has received the award. Michael Fedisson, principal of Bellefonte Area High School, was honored in 2024.
As a state winner of the National Association of Secondary School Principals’ Principal of the Year Program, Tobias will be a candidate for National Secondary Principal of the Year.
Tobias said she is “honored and humbled” to receive the award.
“This recognition belongs to the fantastic team of students, faculty, staff and the entire State College community I’m lucky to work with daily,” Tobias said in a statement. “To the incredible faculty, staff and students at State High, this award is as much yours as it is mine. And, of course, a heartfelt thank you to my family for always being there for me. Every leader is backed by a strong network of love and encouragement, and I couldn’t do this without you.”
Tobias joined State High as assistant principal in 2016 and was appointed principal in 2021. Prior to joining the State College Area School District, she was an instructional coach, history teacher and assistant principal at Penns Valley Area High School, and previously taught at Hammondsport (N.Y.) High School and Smethport (Pa.) Elementary School.
The PA Principals Association cited the development and implementation of numerous initiatives at State High under her leadership, including a Safety Ambassadors Program that trains students in safety protocols and situational awareness to have the skills to assist during security drills and crises.
Tobias and her staff also developed Learning Centers in STEM and the humanities for students to to access academic assistance during the school day, providing two levels of intervention: extra help or review, and targeted support for students with failing grades.
Among other achievements, the association recognized State High’s efforts to support mental health for both students and staff, including mental health summits that provided dedicated time for building meaningful relationships. Those “have become an integral part of our school’s efforts to promote a supportive and connected community,” Tobias said.
Tobias is most proud, she said, to lead a student-centered school, with the implementation of a Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports framework, its motto of “Represent SC Yourself & Our Community: Respect It, Own It and Advocate for It,” and school-wide celebrations and recognition of students.
“We are extremely proud and excited to celebrate this well-deserved recognition of her leadership and dedication to our school community,” SCASD Superintendent Curtis Johnson said in a statement. “Laura’s unwavering commitment to excellence in education, her ability to inspire both students and staff and her passion for creating a positive learning environment make her an exemplary leader. This award reflects her hard work, vision and the impact she continues to make each and every day.”
