Affiliate Awards

NAESP Announces National Distinguished Principal From Nebraska

Jim York has been selected as the Nebraska Distinguished Principal of the Year by the Nebraska Association of Elementary School Principals. Mr. York is the Elementary Principal for O’Neill Public Schools in O’Neill, NE. He has also served as principal and athletic director in Thedford and K-12 guidance counselor in Thedford as well as a third and fourth-grade teacher. Mr. York received his Master of Science in PK-12 Administration from Wayne State College. He also holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education K-8 from Wayne State and a Master of Science in K-12 Counseling from Chadron State College. He is currently working on his education specialist endorsement to be conferred in the summer of 2024. Mr. York is an active member and leader in numerous professional organizations including the Nebraska Council of School Administrators, Nebraska Association of Elementary School Principals, Nebraska Association of Secondary School Principals, and a number of others. Mr. York has led the implementation of MTSS in two separate buildings throughout his career. Through that work, his students have achieved significant improvements in their reading proficiency. In addition, Mr. York has worked with

his PBIS team to establish “The Eagle Way” of being safe, respectful, and responsible. Through this program, students are recognized and rewarded for following the school-wide expectations. The students enjoy the positive praise and the overall student behavior has improved significantly. Mr. York also implemented a Family Literacy Program in O’Neill. The program has been a solid success, bringing resources, support, and education to many families within the district. Tricia Wiseman, ELL/Title Teacher, spoke of Jim’s servant YORK leadership: “Jim is a servant leader. He leads by example and is always willing to roll up his sleeves and dig in to help out the teachers in his building so that all students can be successful. There have been countless times that I have observed Mr. York filling in as a substitute for teachers, paraprofessionals, custodian staff, and van drivers.” His willingness to serve extends into his community as well. Jill Broderson, Assistant Principal at O’Neill Elementary states that “Jim is very active in the community by coaching soccer, baseball, and softball. He is not only a great role model for his own children but also for the 400 kids at school by showing he is the same leader in school as on the field. Mr. York teaches CCD on Wednesday nights for church and is an active member of the Knights of Columbus.” Congratulations to Mr. Jim York on his distinguished leadership as an Elementary Principal in O’Neill Public Schools. The Nebraska Association of Elementary School Principals is honored to select Mr. York as the NAESP Nebraska Distinguished Principal of the Year for 2022. ■

Salute to the Commissioner (Continued from page 8)

“I’m very proud of the relationship I have with NCSA and the collaborative work that’s taken place. The fact that I wasn’t a superintendent or a principal or a teacher provided me with a unique perspective and glimpse into this world. Thank you for letting me in, because there’s now nothing closer to me than education in the State of Nebraska.”-Dr. Blomstedt

“It’s just really, really amazing what happens every day in our schools, and we need to be constantly proud of that. Even in the toughest times, I believe we’ve done remarkable things.”-Dr. Blomstedt

From all of us at NCSA, thank you Dr. Blomstedt! ■

Nebraska’s Commissioner of Education Dr. Matt Blomstedt says a few words after receiving the NCSA Award of Excellence. Blomstedt, who served in the role for nine years, will retire from the position effective Jan. 3.

NAESP Announces Outstanding New Principal of the Year

The Nebraska Association of Elementary School Principals has elected Jenn True as the 2022 Outstanding New Principal of the Year.

Jenn True has been in education since 2008 when she began her career as a third-grade teacher and junior high volleyball coach at Grand Island Northwest. Mrs. True continued teaching and coaching at different levels in both elementary and middle schools, utilizing her leadership skills on school improvement teams, curriculum reviews, teacher development programs, and more for the next decade. In 2019 Mrs. True started her administrative career as the K-5 principal at Emerson Elementary in Kearney. Since becoming a principal, Mrs. True has continued to grow in her leadership capacity serving as the NAESP Region IV President, NAESP Public Relations Coordinator, on the Buffalo County Early Childhood Core Group, and on multiple Kearney Public Schools district committees.

In talking about Mrs. True’s determination to help those around her succeed, Mark Johnson, Principal at Sunrise Middle School in Kearney, stated, “She always strives to do whatever it takes to make those around her better. In the past four years, she has served our district in so many different ways. She has been a member of the KPS District Security Committee, the KPS Social Emotional Behavior Committee, and the KPS Assessment and Academic Intervention Committee, to name a few. Recently she was charged with the task of helping a team of teachers bring the district together on choosing an ELA curriculum amidst some controversy with the subject matter of the materials. Mrs. True became someone that others listened to for advice and guidance and helped point the teachers, as well as the community, in the right direction.”

Dr. Jane Strawhecker, UNK Professor in the Department of Teacher Education, spoke on Mrs. True’s ability to create a culture of community and pride. Dr. Strawhecker said, “One step inside the Emerson building, and people will sense a strong feeling of community and school pride. In fact, Mrs. True knows every Emerson student by name. Jenn shows others how much she loves her job in that she is often the first person to greet them before the school bell and holds an important presence during the lunch hour. Her optimism and enthusiasm are truly contagious! When presented with a challenge, Jenn responds with grace, creative problemsolving, and utmost professionalism”

A teacher at Emerson Elementary, Taylor Peters, highlighted Mrs. True’s capacity as a leader and advocate for our profession. She said, “On a personal level, for the past 6 years I have viewed Mrs. True as a mentor, colleague, and friend. She is constantly helping me develop my leadership skills and encouraged me to pursue a master's degree in administration. I will always look to her as an example of hard work and dedication to the education profession.”

Mrs. True received her Bachelor of Arts in Education in 2007, having graduated from UNK with endorsements in early childhood and elementary education. She went on to further her education, receiving a Master of Arts in PreK-Grade 12 Reading in 2012, and then in School Principalship in 2018, both from UNK.

Congratulations to Mrs. Jenn True for her outstanding performance as an Elementary School Principal at Emerson Elementary School in Kearney. The Nebraska Association of Elementary School Principals appreciates her contributions to the profession and is very proud to name Jenn True of Kearney Public Schools the Outstanding New Principal of the Year! ■

TRUE

NSASSP Announces Outstanding New Principal of the Year

MOLLOY

The Nebraska State Association of Secondary School Principals has selected Sean Molloy as the 2022 Outstanding New Principal of the Year. This award is presented annually to a principal who has demonstrated outstanding leadership in their school, region, and at the state level. The winner will have demonstrated their enthusiasm for the principalship with support from students, parents, teachers, and peers. Mr. Molloy has been in education since 2012 and started in an elementary classroom at Kahoa Elementary in Lincoln Public Schools. He was also an instructional coach at Clinton Elementary in LPS. In 2019, Mr. Molloy became the Principal at Jefferson Intermediate in Fairbury, and in 2021 he became the Secondary Principal at Fairbury High School. Mr. Molloy

has been a member of the Nebraska Council of School Administrators (NCSA) for four years and has belonged to the Nebraska State Association of Secondary School Principals (NSASSP) and the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP), each for two years.

Stephen Grizzle, Superintendent at Fairbury Public Schools, praised Mr. Sean Molloy by saying, “He combines many great qualities together, such as enthusiastic creativity, empathy for the students, staff, and patrons of the district, effective personnel management through mentoring and accountability, the desire to stay abreast of best-practice pedagogy, and all with, an infectious passion for work. He maintains his focus on our students’ academic progress and eliminates barriers to their success. During my time with Mr. Molloy, I have watched him grow as an administrator and educator and marvel at what our students and staff are able to accomplish through his leadership.”

Fairbury High School Math Teacher Julie Petersen commented, “All of the little things quickly add up, but the greatest influence has been his presence. Students and staff witness him not only supervising commons areas, but he is also frequently in the classrooms. He comes in to observe a lesson, check in with students, and leave a note of encouragement for the teacher. Furthermore, Mr. Molloy has created a healthy relationship with students by designing a type of respect balanced with admiration.”

Eliana Livingston a Fairbury High School student, states, “I can say without a doubt that Mr. Molloy is one of a kind, an inspiration, and one of my biggest role models. He puts his all into every aspect of his job and it shows. Students respect him because he is personable and fair. He has earned respect and adoration from the student body by supporting us in everything we do.”

Mr. Sean Molloy received his Bachelor of Science Degree in Elementary Education from the University of Nebraska at Lincoln in 2011, and also earned a Master of Education in Educational Administration from the University of Nebraska at Lincoln in 2015. He also received his Education Specialist Degree from Doane University in 2021. In 2022, he was named the NSASSP Region I New Principal of the Year and also serves as the Region I Treasurer.

Congratulations to Sean Molloy for his outstanding performance as a Secondary School Principal at Fairbury Public Schools. NSASSP appreciates the contributions to the profession and is proud to name Sean Molloy of Fairbury Public School the 2022 New Principal of the Year! ■

NSASSP Announces Assistant Principal of the Year

HOGUE

The Nebraska State Association of Secondary School Principals has selected Ryan Hogue as the 2022 Assistant Principal of the Year. This award is presented annually to a principal who has demonstrated outstanding leadership in their school, region, and at the state level. The winner will have demonstrated their enthusiasm for the assistant principalship with support from students, parents, teachers, and peers. Mr. Hogue has been in education since 2001 when he started his career as a Social Studies and Physical Education Teacher at Deshler Public Schools. In 2008, Mr. Hogue then moved into an administrative role in Broken Bow Public Schools working as the Assistant Principal and Activities Director for 10 years. Currently, Mr. Hogue has been working as an Assistant Principal and Activities Director in Kearney Public Schools and has served in that capacity since 2018. For fifteen years, Ryan Hogue has been a member of the Nebraska Council of School Administrators (NCSA), the Nebraska State Association of Secondary School Principals (NSASSP), and the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP). Mr. Hogue has been an active member of the NSIAAA (Nebraska State Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association) for 20 years and has been their Fall convention coordinator since 2018. In 2014, he was recognized as the NSIAAA District IV Activities Director of the Year and in 2019 he received the State Award of Merit from this association. Dr. Chris Loofe, Director of Finance at Kearney Public Schools, praised Mr. Hogue, noting, “He has been instrumental in securing funding for our indoor scoreboard updates. Through his leadership, he not only paid for those boards in full in two years but he is also projected to wipe out the negative balance in his concessions update account by the end of the year. As his former principal, I can say without hesitation that Mr. Hogue is supportive, hard-working, and intelligent.” Kearney High student Quinten Shaffer commented, “I have the honor of interacting with Mr. Hogue daily. I am an athlete, a leader of student activities, and involved in multiple clubs and societies. Mr. Hogue always goes the extra mile to help support all students regardless of activity or academic pursuit, even if

Continued on page 12...

that requires more of his time. Mr. Hogue always encourages each student to not be afraid to try new things and to give their best effort. Mr. Hogue also is a big supporter of equality and assuring all students have opportunities to excel.”

Lerrin Rowe, Health and Physical Education Teacher at Kearney High School states, “Since arriving 4 years ago, Ryan has taken the time to make our facility one of the top facilities in the state with new branding and technology. In addition to this, Ryan has taken the time to sit down with us as teachers and coaches and get our feedback on how we want to operate at Kearney High. In this process, he has continued to show me that he truly wants what is best for us all, including our students.”

Mr. Hogue received his Bachelor of Science Degree in Secondary Education in 2001 from Peru State College and earned his Masters of Education in Educational Leadership in 2008 from Doane College. In 2020, Hogue received his Educational Specialist Degree from Doane College. Mr. Hogue states, “I appreciate all of the support that my wife Jenny has provided me in my career in education and will enjoy seeing my children Addison who is 5, and Hudson who is 2 learn in Nebraska’s great educational system!

Congratulations to Ryan Hogue for his selection as the Assistant Principal of the Year for the state of Nebraska. The NSASSP appreciates his ongoing contributions to our profession and is proud to name Ryan Hogue NSASSP Assistant Principal of the Year. ■

NSASSP Announces Distinguished Service Award Recipient

THOMSEN

Roger Thomsen has been selected as the recipient of the Nebraska State Association of Secondary School Principals Distinguished Service Award. Roger received his undergraduate education from the University of Nebraska at Kearney where he received his Bachelor of Science in Education in 1995. He also received his Master of Arts in Educational Administration from the University of Nebraska at Kearney in 2002 and his Education Specialist K-12, Superintendent Degree in 2011. Mr. Thomsen is currently serving as the Junior/Senior High School Principal at Amherst Public Schools and has been in that position since 2004. He previously taught Social Studies and Mathematics in Amherst. He was an Adjunct Lecturer for 20 years for the History and Education department at UNK. Roger Thomsen has been active in many professional organizations such as the Nebraska Council of School Administrators (NCSA) and the Nebraska State Association of Secondary School Principals (NSASSP) for 18 years. He also is a member of the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP). Mr. Thomsen was awarded the Region IV Outstanding New Principal in 2008 and the Region IV Principal of the Year in 2010 and 2013. In 2017 he received the Region IV Middle/High School Principal of the Year and in 2018 he received the Nebraska State Middle/High School Principal of the Year. Mr. Roger Thomsen states “I believe I have always been helpful to younger administrators, professional to peers, and a team leader to my staff. At the state level, I would say my biggest impact has been reaching all members in the Region IV principals group.” Former UNK Student and current Social Science Teacher at Broken Bow Middle school Keaton Kleespies, states, “These awards and recognitions are not why Roger does his job. He goes to work every day because he loves the kids, he loves the profession, and wants to make a positive impact on each and every student. Roger is always looking for ways to benefit students, both inside and outside of the classroom. He is always trying to learn more and improve in the field of education, which directly benefits the students at Amherst Public School and UNK.” Mr. William Schmidt, Assistant Principal at Horizon Middle School of Kearney Public Schools stated, “Roger is a fantastic educator, and he is an outstanding family man. He understands the value of family and has helped me and others to understand the important balance between work and family. Roger has grown in his leadership capacity in the 10 years I have known him.” Stacy Ringlein, Resource Specialist at Amherst, noted, “Throughout the years, he has always been involved. He has been a coach and class sponsor but now, as principal, he attends and supervises all activities. As a Resource Specialist, he attends my students’ IEP meetings and is very supportive of my program. Mr. Thomsen is visible in the classrooms too. He is seen daily in classrooms or hallways. Students see Mr. Thomsen as they enter the building in the morning and as they leave after school!” ■