Celebrating Principals Month: A Reflection from Gretchen Panicucci

Principals play a unique and demanding role in our schools — balancing academic achievement, student wellbeing, staff support, and the expectations of the broader community. It’s a job that requires vision, resilience, and a deep commitment to students.

“When I was a principal,” says Gretchen Panicucci, Manager of Innovative Services at Youth Solutions, “I learned how important it was to have a trusted team. No one can do this work alone. Some of my proudest moments were watching students discover their pathways and explore the possibilities ahead of them — and I know those moments were made possible because of the supportive culture created by teachers and staff, encouraged by strong principal leadership.”

Principals are central to the success of career development programming. Your leadership and support drive these initiatives and help create a culture where students can explore, grow, and succeed. Without principals championing this work, career development efforts often struggle to take root and grow.

This Principals Month, we want to acknowledge and thank all the principals who dedicate their time, energy, and heart to leading schools and supporting programs that prepare students for the future. Your leadership makes a real difference — not just in academics, but in helping young people discover their potential and pathways to success.

We are especially grateful for the principals leading our YS Foundations partner schools. Your commitment to building strong career development systems, supporting Career Leadership Councils, and fostering a culture of career readiness ensures students across Michigan are better prepared for their futures.

Thank you for your dedication, vision, and partnership in championing career readiness alongside Youth Solutions. Your impact is felt in every student who walks through your doors and into their future.