A Kenai Central High School administrator was recognized with an award of excellence Monday.

Will Chervenak won the Alaska Region III assistant principal of the year honor, according to a news release from the Kenai Peninsula Borough School District.

In an interview with the Clarion, Chervenak said he was flattered and grateful that the community appreciated his efforts within the district.

“I have a great support system,” he said.

He wanted to give recognition to his wife and sons, as well as his fellow administrators and staff for helping him in his career, especially during the hardships of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“(They’ve) been someone I can lean on and in turn they can lean on me,” Chervenak said.

The assistant principal said he realized his passion for education when he was older.

“School has always been really difficult for me … I didn’t give school the weight of lessons it deserves,” Chervenak said.

He used to tell himself he couldn’t excel academically, which he said he later realized was a lie. Chervenak said he chose the career to be the support for the kids that he wishes he had received.

“(I’m) working with students that I see a lot of myself in,” he said.

Supporting his students, Chervenak said, is the most important aspect of his job.

“It’s everything to me,” he said.

Chervenak emphasized that the award lets people know about the good things happening in the district.

“I’m very appreciative of the recognition,” he said.

Reach reporter Camille Botello at camille.botello@peninsulaclarion.com.