Denker chosen as principal of year

The Nebraska State Association of Secondary School Principals recognized Chad Denker, principal at Seward High School, as the 2012 MetLife/NASSP Nebraska High School Principal of the Year.

“I was surprised and honored, especially to be honored by your peers,” he said Aug. 6.

Denker said good teachers and good office staff make his job as principal easy.

“This is a Seward Public Schools award, not a Chad Denker award,” he said.

He knew he was nominated for the award and filled out an application. He was notified in April after the national conference by a fellow principal from Lincoln.

“I was speechless,” he said. “I had tears well up in the corners of my eyes. I was caught off guard. It’s very humbling.”

He described Seward Public Schools as a destination job, one people aspire to.

Denker received his education from Doane College (bachelor of science in math, masters in curriculum and instruction, and a masters in educational leadership) and is working on his specialist’s degree through Doane College as well. Denker has served as a practicing school administrator for the past 10 years serving as principal at Kimball Jr./Sr. High School from 2002-2007 and at Seward High School since 2007. Prior to that, Denker was a classroom instructor at Crete Jr./Sr. High School.

Denker is active in many professional organizations and community leadership positions such as the National Association of Secondary School Principals, the Nebraska Council of School Administrators, and the Nebraska State Association of Secondary School Principals, where he has served as the Region V President and as Region I Treasurer, Secretary, Vice President, and President.

He has also served on the NCSA Legislative Committee and Administrators’ Days Planning Committee. He has also served as Coordinator and Board Member for the Seward TeamMates Mentoring Program, Vice President and Board Member of the Seward Noon Kiwanis Club, and as a member of the Seward County Young Professionals, St. John Lutheran Church, and the Doane College Alumni Council.

Denker has several other honors, including the NSASSP Region I Principal of the Year, Region V New Principal of the Year and TeamMates Southeast Region Coordinator of the Year. He has also been a presenter at several state and area events.

Dr. Greg Barnes, superintendent of Seward Public Schools, said: “Mr. Denker’s focus has been on the students in our high school. He is continually dedicated to improving instruction and providing opportunities for all students to learn.”

Steve Borer, activities director at Seward, said: “Mr. Denker has done a superb job in his position. He is a hard worker and is willing to put in whatever hours it takes to get the job done.”

Clark Kolterman, English instructor at Seward High School, said: “Mr. Denker is a professional and always places others first, as he promotes personal excellence in his office, his students, and the people he works with throughout the high school at all levels.”

Sandy Wright, president of the Seward TeamMates Program, said: “Chad came to Seward replacing a retiring, long-time and much-loved principal. Those were big shoes to fill indeed. He quickly demonstrated his professional dedication and was able to motivate and unify the teaching staff, administrators, patrons, and most of all his students to strive for excellence in the educational experience.”

Denker will receive his award at the Nebraska State Association of Secondary School Principals State Conference and with his selection, will be eligible for consideration for the 2013 MetLife/NASSP National High School Principal of the Year. He will also be invited to the State Principals Institute and Awards Gala in Washington, D.C., Sept. 19-21.

Denker said the gala is a black-tie affair, and this will be the second time he’s worn a tux. His wife Chantel will be able to attend the gala, as well.

“I’m excited,” he said. “You don’t think it will ever happen to you, especially when you see some of the past winners. You hope someday to be close to them.”

Article reprinted with permission from NCSA Today Summer 2012 Edition – with some corrections.