Daniel Kuindersma, a senior at Southern Aroostook High School, has been selected to receive the 2026 Principal’s Award, Principal Jon Porter announced today. The award, sponsored by the Maine Principals’ Association, is given in recognition of a high school senior’s academic achievement and citizenship.
“Throughout his years here at Southern Aroostook, Daniel has distinguished himself in the classroom and as a leader in the school and the community.” Principal Porter noted in making the award. “Daniel has been very active in many school and community related activities that have accentuated his outstanding character and commitment to excellence. “He is very deserving of this recognition.”
Daniel is an active member of the National Honor Society, and will graduate with honors in the top 5% of the Class of 2026. Daniel attended the Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership (HOBY) Conference as sophomore and was also selected to represent So. Aroostook High School at Dirigo State. Daniel is active in the community through volunteer projects volunteering over 240+ hours including volunteering for the Southern Aroostook Scholarship Program, the Southern Aroostook Community Service Day, and serving as the Livestream Coordinator for Southern Aroostook Middle & High School basketball games.
Daniel has been accepted to Vermont State University-Lyndon in the Exercise Science: Pre-Athletic Training Strength & Conditioning (B.S.) program for the Fall 2026 semester. Daniel also plans to play baseball for the Vermont State University-Lyndon Hornets . Daniel is the son of Todd & Michelle Kuindersma of Oakfield.
Daniel, Principal Porter and other award winners and their principals will attend an Honors Luncheon at Jeff’s Catering on Saturday, April 11, 2026 at 12:30 p.m.The Honors Luncheon recognizes these outstanding students with the presentation of an individual plaque and the awarding of ten $1,000 scholarships in the names of former Maine principals and MPA Executive Directors: Horace O. McGowan, Richard W. Tyler, and Richard A. Durost.
The Principal’s Award is presented in more than 100 Maine public and private high schools by member principals of the MPA, the professional association which represents Maine’s school administrators.