Liz Garden, Principal of Henry P. Clough Elementary School, has been named the 2026 Thomas C. Passios MSAA Elementary School Principal of the Year. (Photo Courtesy Mendon-Upton Regional School District)
MENDON — Liz Garden, principal of Henry P. Clough Elementary School, has been named the 2026 Thomas C. Passios Massachusetts Elementary School Principal of the Year by the Massachusetts School Administrators’ Association.
Garden has led the Clough Elementary community for the past four years. The statewide award recognizes school leaders who demonstrate outstanding leadership, foster strong school culture and support high-quality teaching and learning.
Superintendent Dr. Maureen Cohen said this recognition speaks to both Garden’s leadership and the strength of the Clough school community.
“Liz is a thoughtful, child-centered leader who understands that strong relationships and a positive school culture are essential for student success,” Superintendent Cohen said. “She brings energy, compassion and a collaborative spirit to her work each day, and she is supported by outstanding staff and families who make up the Clough community.”
According to the MSAA selection committee, Garden impressed reviewers with her passion for student-centered education and her commitment to building a positive, supportive environment for both students and staff.
In nomination materials, colleagues described Garden as a “visionary leader and extraordinary culture-builder” whose work has strengthened the Clough school community. They also noted her strong belief that high-quality teaching and learning can change the trajectory for children and her dedication to creating conditions where students and educators can thrive.
Garden brings more than two decades of experience in education to her role. Before joining the Mendon-Upton Regional School District, she served as principal of Leroy E. Mayo Elementary School in Holden for four years and previously led Florence Roche Elementary School in Groton for seven years. Earlier in her career, she was assistant principal of the Early Childhood Program in Leominster.
Garden began her teaching career in Maryland and Virginia before moving to Massachusetts in 2000. She worked as a language and communication teacher for students with autism at the Boston Higashi School and later taught second grade at Armstrong Elementary School in Westborough.
She holds a master’s degree in child development from Wheelock College and a Certificate of Advanced Graduate Studies in educational leadership and management from Fitchburg State University.
“I’m honored by this recognition, but it truly belongs to the entire Clough community,” said Principal Garden. “Our teachers and staff care deeply about every student, and our families are incredible partners in the work we do each day. I’m grateful to be part of a school community that supports children so fully.”
Garden will be formally recognized for the honor this July at the MSAA Leadership Institute.
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