Leonard R. Ference is the executive director of the Pennsylvania Middle School Association as well as principal of Mechanicsburg Area Middle School.  Recently, Mr. Ference was named middle school principal of the year by the Pennsylvania Association of Elementary and Secondary Principals (PSESP).  He will receive his award at the PSESP state conference in Pittsburgh in October.  From there Mr. Ference will compete with other state winners for national honors. 

Ference said he was honored, surprised and humbled to win.  "I knew I was nominated, but I didn't expect to win," Ference said. "There are some outstanding educators who were nominated for this award."  Ference commented that he believes his biggest challenge is ensuring that all Mechanicsburg children receive a solid education in a safe place both academically and socially. 

Ference is a graduate of Penn State and earned his master's degree at the University of Delaware.  He has been the middle school's principal since 1985 and previously served as the assistant principal at Mechanicsburg Area High School.  He and his wife, Carol, live in Carroll Twp., York County, and are the parents of two adult sons.

** Excerpts were taken from Principals Earn Statewide Honors for Leadership, by Jerry L. Gleason of the Patriot News, February 22, 2006