A few years ago, this image made its way around social media.
As you work to close out the year, here’s a quick reminder: each of these behaviors is within our control. When we choose to model them consistently — especially during high-stress times like the end of the year — we make things better for ourselves, our teams, and our students.
Your example brings life to your words. Without it, even the most inspiring messages lose their power.
I encourage you to take a close look at the list above and identify just one behavior where you might be falling short. What’s one practical step you can take today, and every day from now until the school year ends, that could significantly improve your performance in this area? I challenge you to write it down and share it with someone you trust — someone you see every day and who’s willing to give you honest feedback about how you’re doing.
In these final weeks, focus on controlling the controllables. That’s how you finish strong.
“Education? You don’t want to do that with your life. You’ve got other plans.” That’s what Angelo DelliSanti’s high school counselor told him his senior year. And she was right—at first. Angelo had spent three years preparing to become a U.S. Navy officer. But an internship with a math teacher during his senior year changed everything. Helping struggling students master algebra sparked a passion for education that would shape his career.
Over the next 15 years, Angelo served as a teacher, assistant principal, and principal, returning to his alma mater to teach World History and later advancing to leadership roles. As a principal, Angelo implemented the Capturing Kids’ Hearts process, leading to remarkable academic gains, increased scholarships, record-breaking graduation rates, and improved school culture. These achievements earned him recognition as the Rowan-Salisbury Schools Principal of the Year in 2018.
In 2022, Angelo joined Capturing Kids’ Hearts as a Leadership Solutions Strategist where he is dedicated to working together with school leaders to create remarkable schools. He holds a Bachelor’s in History and Secondary Education from UNC Charlotte, where he was a North Carolina Teaching Fellow. He also completed a Master’s in School Administration and completed all the required coursework for a Doctorate in Educational Leadership from his alma mater, earning the Outstanding Student Philip Morris Educational Fellowship in 2017.
Angelo lives in North Carolina with his wife, Kasey, whom he married in 2008. Together, they enjoy escapes to the mountains and beaches. Angelo’s passions include golf, non-fiction books, cooking, and sharing meals filled with laughter and connection around the table.
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CHOOSE TO BE GREAT 