MASSP recognizes exemplary contributions to educational leadership by selecting division and state principals of the year.  The following categories are recognized:  High School Principal of the Year, Middle Level Principal of the Year, and Assistant Principal of the Year.  

Western Division would like to congratulate the following division principals for their dedicated service and leadership to our schools.

2009 MetLife Minnesota Middle Level Principal of the Year
Jeff Drake
Battle Lake Public School

2009  Western Division High School Principal of the Year
Glenn Moerke
Pelican Rapids High School

2009 Western Division Middle Level Principal of the Year
Mary Merchant
Bertha-Hewitt High School

2009 Western Division Assistant Principal of the Year
Eric Martinez
Detroit Lakes High School

Past Recipients

Year
High School Principal of the Year
School

2008
Nels Onstad
West Central Area

2007
Matt Aker
New York Mills

2006
Dan Bettin
Breckenridge

2005
Connie Wenker
Parkers Prairie

2004
Phil Jensen
Barnesville

2003
John Hamann
Underwood

2002
John Hamann
Underwood

2001
Al Jensen
Campbell-Tintah

1999
Dick Rhoads
Wadena

1998
Mike Martin
Hawley

1997
Roger Clarke

1996
Dean Ogg

1994
Gary Zirbes

1992
Warren Nelson

1991
Al Jensen
Campbell-Tintah

Year
Middle Level  Principal of the Year
School

2008
Jeff Drake
Battle Lake
State POY
2007
Dean Ogg
Staples

2006
Dean Krogstad
Verndale

2005
Terry Karger
Frazee

2004
Kent Henrickson
Ulen-Hitterdal

2002
Dean Moenke
Fergus Falls

1999
Gerry Ness
West Central Area
State POY

Year
Assistant Principal of the Year
School

2008
Randy Pillar
Alexandria

2007
Russ Henegar
Moorhead
State POY
2005
Russ Heneger
Moorhead

2004
Scott Colbeck
Fergus Falls

2002
Russ Henegar
Moorhead

2001
Brian Maki

1997
Randy Pillar
Alexandria

1996
Jerry Harter

1992
Randy Pillar
Alexandria

1991
Richard Edinger