AASSP Regional Principals of The Year 2020

AASSP Regional Principals of The Year 2020

The Alaska Association of Secondary School Principals (AASSP) sponsors regional and statewide Principal of The Year recognition awards to honor the educational leaders who play such a pivotal role in student success. They may be nominated by anyone – students, staff, parents, district office staff or principal peers - with awards finalized by AASSP members in their region. Regional Principals of The Year are eligible to be in the running for the statewide Alaska Principal of The Year.

Join us in congratulating the 2020 Regional POYs!

Region 1 POY – Scott Lefebvre

Ambler School Principal Scott Lefebvre has been named Alaska Association of Secondary School Principals Region 1 Principal of The Year for 2020. Ambler School is a Pre-K through grade 12 school in the Northwest Arctic Borough School District. He shares this award with fellow principal John "Rob" O'Neal of Kobuk School.

Seth Kantner, a friend who was born and raised down river from the village, says Scott Lefebvre’s generosity to his Ambler School community and the surrounding village is irreplaceable.

“Scott simply gives whatever he has-- his time, food, snowmobile, clothing, energy and enthusiasm--to whomever of his students or community members are in need. He truly is a gift to this village and our region,” says Kantner.

Those who speak of Lefebvre all share the sense of generosity and family that the principal exudes including traveling health care provider Julie Johnson.

“Scott is a huge kid! He creates a school environment that is not only effective, but more importantly, meaningful to the students that attend," says Johnson. "School is fun, functional, and fruitful and every person matters whether students, staff, community members, or visitors. Scott possesses the character of a leader, a teacher, a mentor, and friend and is as fascinated about teaching as he is learning,” she says.

A dedicated leader, educator and lifelong learner, Lefebvre is known to give above and beyond, devoting personal time outside of school hours to organize and manage multiple community events through weekends and holidays.

Kathaleen O'Dell has been teaching at Ambler School as a Preschool and Kindergarten teacher while her family lives in Soldotna. “I am far from my family but there is such a family here thanks to Principal Lefebvre,” she says.

Region 1 POY – John “Rob” O’Neal

Kobuk School Principal John "Rob" O’Neal has been named Alaska Association of Secondary School Principals Region 1 Principal of The Year for 2020. Kobuk School is a Pre-K through grade 12 school in the Northwest Arctic Borough School District. He shares this award with fellow principal Scott Lefebvre of Ambler School.

Lorrie Wilson is a teacher in Kobuk and says she's witness Principal O'Neal's commitment on a daily basis - not only to students but the community, teachers, and staff.

"He works tirelessly for the greater good. He is concerned for the physical, mental, and cultural health of Kobuk and goes above and beyond to provide the best support he can for us all," Wilson says. "He is always in our classrooms and hallways, making sure this school is running smoothly. I look forward to coming to work, though I don’t think of it as work. I enjoy the happy climate and am satisfied that this is the best school I’ve ever taught at."

Kobuk resident and parent of two, Anna Snell agrees. “John (Rob) O'Neal is an amazing principal! He is always smiling, cares about the Kobuk kids more than anyone I've seen come through Kobuk,” she says. “He always puts kids first, prides himself in doing things that benefit our kids, strives to be the best at his position, and treats everyone here with respect.”

This is Principal “Rob” O’Neal’s fifth year as the Kobuk principal. Principal O’Neal came to Kobuk as a principal and teacher in 2010 and is in his ninth year as a principal/administrator. He taught in Arizona and Idaho before coming to Alaska where he has also served as a principal in Thorne Bay and Cordova.

“I hope he stays forever,” said Snell.

Region 2 POY – Jeni Mason

Cantwell, Anderson and Denali PEAK school Principal Jeni Mason has been named Alaska Association of Secondary School Principals Region 2 Principal of The Year for 2020. Cantwell School is a K-12 school; Anderson is a K-12 school, and Denali PEAK is a correspondence school all in the Denali Borough School District.

Principal Jeni Mason rarely sits still. As principal to three separate schools – Cantwell, Anderson and Denali PEAK – she doesn’t have time to pause, starting her day early in order to begin the drive between Cantwell and Anderson schools.

Her daughter, Jaydyn, who was just one of a number of others who nominated Principal Mason for Regional Principal of The Year, says Mason is "usually in classrooms or meetings, finding substitutes for teachers who are sick, and talking to kids when they get sent to the principal ‘all the time.’”

“My mom is always telling me about how awesome teachers are doing and how proud she is of all the students. She helps all kids and teachers. I think she is the best principal ever,” says Mason.

Assistant Principal Garin Martin says despite juggling multiple leadership roles, Principal Mason demonstrates consistent and solid leadership in each of the three schools by working closely with parents, guardians, individual families, staff and other stakeholders to develop educational plans that meet the needs of all students.

Trinity P. is one of those students in Anderson School and says Principal Mason checks in with her each day that the principal visits the school, and helps her with study skills that make typing and writing easier.

“Ms. Mason showed me how to make a brainstorm sheet first, then she helps me with my fingers on the keyboard. I like her,” says Trinity.

During the COVID-19 pandemic that required schools to close doors and implement distance education, Principal Mason lightened the mood by hopping into video conferences and various meetings dressed like Batwoman, wearing backward clothes or hunting gear, and even having messy hair.

Region 3 POY – Christopher Brown

Homer Flex High School Principal Christopher Brown has been named Alaska Association of Secondary School Principals Region 3 Principal of The Year. Homer Flex High School is a public school in the Kenai Peninsula Borough School District.

Fellow principal and AASSP Board member Kari Dendurent says Principal Brown is a collaborative colleague who is a valued part of the Alaska Alternative Schools Coalition.

Principal Brown worked with the National Council and the Southern Kenai Peninsula Resiliency Coalition to implement Trauma Informed Practices in school, and is a strong advocate for small schools and underserved populations. He focuses on incorporating and prioritizing mental health in schools and is a Youth Mental Health First Aid trainer.

Because of his focus on professional development opportunities that keep staff engaged and his attention to staff needs and policy changes, his school boasts an impressive 100 percent staff retention that has lasted more than four years. He is quick to serve both students and staff.

“Principal Brown takes on multiple additional duties for his small school including shoveling the walkway, preparing lunches and meeting with local mental health providers bi-weekly to discuss student academic success,” says Dendurent. “His focus is on creating a safe and caring environment and prioritizing relationships.”

Region 4 POY – Sean Prince

Bartlett High School Principal Sean Prince has been named Alaska Association of Secondary School Principals Region 4 Principal of The Year. Bartlett High School is in the Anchorage School District.

Principal Sean Prince is a servant leader whose staff says he is always sure to make himself available and accessible to students, staff and family. He can often be found strolling the halls of Bartlett High School, shaking hands with students, helping staff with administrative work, visiting classrooms, attending extracurricular events, or taking up a mop and cleaning the floor if need be.

“He is adept at fostering strong relationships with all members of the school community,” says Assistant Principal Kaci Stephens, adding that Sean works tirelessly to create a warm and welcoming environment at Bartlett High School while being an extraordinary instructional leader.

Staff says Principal Prince creates a strong support system for his teachers and works alongside them to encourage their efforts as they meet the needs of Bartlett students.  As a leader of a Title I school with large concentrations of low-income students, his dedication to setting high expectations, emphasis on resiliency despite odds and clearly defined goals for student achievement has led to an impressive 20 percent increase in graduation rates at Bartlett High School, defying expectations. 

“Sean Prince is an outstanding principal and ambassador for Bartlett High School,” says colleague Holly Zumbro, ASD Principal, Activities and Student Services for Secondary Education. “He sets high expectations for his admin team and staff, and then allows them to work without micromanaging. Over the past five years, Mr. Prince’s aspirational vision for Bartlett has provided a unifying and infectious message that is recognized in the positive branding accomplished during his tenure. Walk the halls and hear: ‘The sun always shines at Bartlett’, ‘As always, go Bears!’ or their mission reference, ‘A dedicated family of lifelong learners.’ These affirmations now run deep in Bartlett’s culture, demonstrating Principal Prince’s lasting impact.”

Region 5 POY – Molly Yerkes

Dzantik’i Heeni Middle School Principal Molly Yerkes has been named Alaska Association of Secondary School Principals Region 5 Principal of The Year. Dzantik’i Heeni Middle School is a grade 6-8 school in the Juneau School District.

“In the thirteen years, I have worked with Ms. Yerkes she is always an advocate for her students to obtain a rigorous and meaningful educational experience. She achieves a careful balance between challenging expectations and fostering an environment where students love learning," says Yvonne Welch. "Not only is Ms. Yerkes exceptional working with students, families, staff members and community organizations during the school day, in addition she puts in the extra time to interact with students outside of school time. She can often be found in the evenings at volleyball games, wrestling tournaments, site council meetings, and school dances."

Kristy Germain, interim principal for Floyd Dryden, worked as Assistant Principal at DMHS and agrees.

"Ms. Yerkes is in classrooms much more than she is ever in her office. She knows students' needs because she has observed the students in the classroom, hallways, and lunchroom and has gotten to know them at more than a superficial level," says Germain.

Principal Yerkes has been with the Juneau School District for more than 20 years, half of those as principal at Dzantik'i Heeni. She holds a Masters in teaching, public administration and educational leadership from the University of Alaska and is fluent in Spanish. She was also tapped by Juneau Superintendent Dr. Bridget Weiss to take on the role of District Extended Learning Coordinator.

Principal Yerkes is a 2013 Millikan Educator Award recipient, a prestigious recognition honoring top educators from around the country.

"Quite honestly I really believe in public education and in equity and that it can open doors for every child," said Yerkes of the award.

Region 6 POY – Richard Smith

North Pole Middle School Principal Richard Smith has been named Alaska Association of Secondary School Principals Region 6 Principal of The Year. North Pole Middle School is in the Fairbanks North Star Borough School District.

Principal Richard Smith has weathered many storms through more than a decade as principal of North Pole Middle School, but his steady approach and willingness to accept mistakes and redirect is a calming presence for students, teachers and parents alike. Though his straightforward honesty and dignity isn’t always popular, it has gained him the respect of everyone who knows him.

“He has the ability to de-escalate nearly any situation, whether it be a student out of control, an irate parent, or a teacher who hasn’t had enough coffee for the day,” says Assistant Principal Holly Cervin. “His calm demeanor has helped me immensely as an assistant principal, giving me an example to follow when dealing with student discipline.”

Staff say his focus on students helps him to lead a large middle school.

“Rich has been a role model administrator at North Pole Middle School,” says Randy Smith Middle School Principal Dave Dershin. “He views all decisions through the lens of the question: ‘Is it good for kids?’"

His staff says he can always be found chatting with students in the cafeteria, moving in and out of classes, or working with teachers to better their teaching practice. Most recently he coordinated with a partner middle school staff on a training visit to community organizations that support homeless youth.

And he isn’t afraid to ask hard questions or demand high standards.

“He is admirable in his dedication to upholding the school’s mission," says Jan Eide, North Pole Middle School.

Region 7 POY – Robin Jones

Chief Ivan Blunka School Principal Robin Jones has been named Alaska Association of Secondary School Principals Region 7 Principal of The Year. Chief Ivan Blunka School is a Pre-K through grade 12 school in the Southwest Region School District.

Next year Principal Jones will start her eighth year as the principal at Chief Ivan Blunka School and those that work with her highlight that she brings endless passion to everything she does.

"Whether she is running a weekend basketball tournament, leading district trainings, cooking food for community gatherings or advocating statewide for equity in rural schools, she puts her heart and soul into providing the best education possible for all students and the best work environment possible for all staff members.” says Assistant Principal Meghan Redmond. “Her skill at loudly cheering on and recognizing her staff and students for their excellence and achievements, while also quietly and confidently inspiring and encouraging everyone to constantly do their best, is unparalleled."

Her staff agree that her success in making the school a fun, welcoming place for all is reflected in a 100 percent staff retention rate over the past two years.

Principal Jones is a leader, not only at Chief Ivan Blunka School but also through her service as current President of AASSP and of ACSA where she advocates for public schools at both a state and national level and through daily social media promotions. She is currently pursuing a superintendent endorsement through the Alaska College of Education at the University of Alaska Southeast.

Region 8 POY – Jason Marvel

Wasilla High School Principal Jason Marvel has been named Alaska Association of Secondary School Principals Region 8 Principal of The Year. Wasilla High School is a public secondary school in the Matanuska-Susitna Borough School District.

“Jason Marvel is by far the best principal I have ever worked for,” says Wasilla High School Biology and Chemistry teacher Melinda Ragsdale, who has been teaching at the high school level for more than ten years. “He makes his staff feel valued, appreciated and supported and his students respect and love him because he is very attentive and professional. His interactions are genuine and make everyone proud to be a part of our school.”

Despite the fact that he was the head boys basketball coach at both Wasilla High School from 2003-2007 and Palmer High School from 2008-2013, Marvel sets his priorities firmly in academic achievement.

“Entering this year as the principal of Wasilla High School, I knew that we needed to re-brand. WHS has always had an identity as being highly successful in athletics. Athletics cannot be a school brand,” said Principal Marvel. “We needed to tell the true story of Wasilla High School, its rich diversity of students and high-quality programs.”

Principal Marvel set a standard of having staff greeting students as they arrived at school in the morning, in the hallways before class and throughout the day. He also created a predictable set of responses to behavior that everyone uses so students know exactly what to expect from their community.

“I subscribe to the belief that structure and predictability are good for all students, regardless of socio-economic status, family background or life circumstance,” Marvel says. “Being a trauma-informed/trauma-sensitive school means you provide structures that are fair and equitable, have a shared belief that ALL students can achieve at a high level, and build habits of success into school-wide curriculum.”