Derek Cantrell
Derek Cantrell is the Principal of Alleghany High School in Virginia and the 2026 Virginia Outstanding High School Principal. During his career, he has focused on building positive school culture, strengthening instructional leadership, and using data and artificial intelligence to improve teaching and learning while reducing administrative workload. Following the consolidation of two longtime rival high schools, Derek led the development of the school's "Better Together" culture, helping unite students, staff, and the community around a shared vision of success. He is the author of Better Together: Building One School, One Culture, and One Community from Two Rivals and regularly presents at state and national conferences on school culture, leadership, PLCs, and practical AI strategies for school leaders.