The Nebraska State Association of Secondary School Principals has selected Mr. Troy Mach as the 2026 Middle School Principal of the Year. This award is presented annually to a Middle School Principal who has demonstrated outstanding leadership at the school, region, and state levels. The award honors principals who have demonstrated excellence in the areas of personal excellence, collaboration, leadership, curriculum, instruction, assessment, and personalization.
Mr. Mach earned his Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, followed by a Master’s Degree in Curriculum and Instruction from Wayne State College and a Master’s Degree in PK-12 Administration from Concordia University. Mr. Mach has served in education since 1996. He began his career as an elementary teacher at Winnebago Public School before moving into junior high and middle school teaching roles at Humphrey Public School and Clarkson Public School. In 2015, he transitioned into administration as the Principal of Alliance Middle School, where he has continued to lead with distinction.
He has been a member of the Nebraska Council of School Administrators (NCSA) for eleven years and has served in the Nebraska State Association of Secondary School Principals (NSASSP) for ten years. Additionally, Mr. Mach has served as the NSASSP Region V Secretary/Treasurer for multiple years.
Dr. Troy Unzicker, Superintendent at Alliance Public Schools, praised Mr. Mach by saying, “Troy is an excellent administrator. He has brought a positive climate change to the middle school building during his years with us. He has a very professional yet fun attitude. I have truly enjoyed seeing him progress throughout the year within his building, both with students and staff. The middle school has progressed from a “needs improvement” school to “good” and then to “great” under his tenure.” He added, “I am amazed at his dedication to the students of Alliance. I know he has a sincere interest and strong desire to be a leading administrator. This is evident in his strong work ethic.”
Mrs. Danielle Swanson, a teacher at Alliance Middle School, shared, “Mr. Mach is a strong instructional leader who places student achievement and well-being at the heart of every decision. He has implemented effective strategies to improve academic outcomes, foster a positive school culture, and support teacher development through professional learning opportunities and mentorship.” She added, “Equally important, he is approachable, collaborative, and able to balance high expectations with genuine compassion and support.”
Isabella Edmonston, a student at Alliance Public Schools, shared her perspective of Mr. Mach by saying, “I feel that I can always go to Mr. Mach with any issues I may have. He has always seemed fair in dealing with any disciplinary actions. Even though he can be busy, he always finds time to visit with students. He is just a really nice guy.”
Jenny Lanik, a parent in the Alliance Public School District, said, “Middle school is often considered one of the most challenging times for students and parents alike, but that was never our experience when our two children attended Alliance Middle School. Much of this positive experience can be credited to the leadership and relationships Mr. Mach built with students, families, and the community.” She added, “As a parent, I can confidently say that Mr. Mach has made an extraordinary impact on both my children and our school community. His dedication, leadership, and heart make him exceptionally deserving of this award.”
Mr. Mach expressed his gratitude by stating, “I am deeply honored to be named the NSASSP Middle School Principal of the year. Thank you to the Region V NSASSP for their nomination and their support over the last several years. I had better thank my wife also for following me throughout my career, especially back in 2015 when we moved to this foreign land called Western Nebraska, which we have grown to love. This award is due to the hard work of my incredible staff, impressive students, and amazing district leadership team, who have shown that when we all move in the same direction, there is no barrier we can’t break through.”
NSASSP congratulates Mr. Troy Mach for his exceptional leadership and commitment to the students, staff, and families of Alliance Middle School. We are proud to name him the 2026 Middle School Principal of the Year and celebrate the profound impact he continues to make in middle-level education across Nebraska
