Nikiski teachers, students and parents applaud Nikiski Middle/High Principal Mike Crain as he’s recognized as the Alaska Association of Secondary School Principals 2025 Region III Principal of the Year by the Kenai Peninsula Borough School District’s Board of Education during their meeting in Soldotna, Alaska, on Monday, Feb. 3, 2025. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)

Nikiski teachers, students and parents applaud Nikiski Middle/High Principal Mike Crain as he’s recognized as the Alaska Association of Secondary School Principals 2025 Region III Principal of the Year by the Kenai Peninsula Borough School District’s Board of Education during their meeting in Soldotna, Alaska, on Monday, Feb. 3, 2025. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)

Nikiski principal named Region III principal of the year

Crain has served as Nikiski’s principal for three years.

Michael Crain, principal of Nikiski Middle/High School, was named the Region III Principal of the Year by the Alaska Association of Secondary School Principals.

According to a release from the association on Wednesday, Crain has served as Nikiski’s principal for three years and was selected for the award, which honors “the educational leaders who play such a pivotal role in student success.”

Earlier this month, when Crain gave a presentation to the Kenai Peninsula Borough School District about his school and its successes this year, KPBSD Superintendent Clayton Holland surprised him with the announcement.

ADVERTISEMENT
0 seconds of 0 secondsVolume 0%
Press shift question mark to access a list of keyboard shortcuts
00:00
00:00
00:00
 

“You’re a person of integrity,” Holland told Crain during the meeting. “You’re steadfast, and you hold high standards for people — everyone around you.”

Holland speaks similarly in the association’s release, crediting Crain for developing a culture of high expectations at Nikiski while “providing unwavering support to his staff and students.”

Tabitha Blades, the assistant principal at Soldotna High School and also a parent to a Nikiski student, also offers praise for Crain in the release.

“He never hesitates to stand up for what is right, even if that is hard to do.” She said, “As a parent, I am proud to send my daughter to Nikiski Middle School. She feels valued and important, and that alone is enough to speak to the incredible job Mr. Crain does every day.”

A full recording of the Feb. 3 school board meeting, including Crain’s presentation on his school and testimony from Nikiski parents and teachers, can be found at the KPBSD BoardDocs website.

Reach reporter Jake Dye at jacob.dye@peninsulaclarion.com.

More in News

Protesters gather for a protest against Medicaid cuts at the Alaska State Capitol on Wednesday, March 12, 2025. (Jasz Garrett / Juneau Empire)
Alaskans across the state rally to save Medicaid: their ‘lifeline’

Caregivers raise their voices to protect their jobs and the thousands of lives impacted if Medicaid is cut.

Rep. Rebecca Himschoot (I-Sitka) offers an overview of House Bill 69 during Wednesday’s floor session. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire)
House passes education bill with $1,000 BSA increase as state’s fiscal situation grows bleaker

Senate majority likely to trim hike to $680 while legislators also seek policy deal with governor.

U.S. Coast Guard officer Alexander Curran shows Homer visitors the bow of the USCG cutter Naushon on Aug. 4, 2023, in Homer, Alaska. (Emilie Springer/ Homer News.)
USCG cutter Naushon to be decommissioned  

A ceremony honoring the soon-to-be retired ship will be held on Friday, March 21 on the Homer Spit.

Chris Keithley, 2024 Homer Winter King Salmon Tournament champion, poses with his prize fish after the awards ceremony at the Deep Water Dock on the Spit in Homer, Alaska on Saturday, March 23, 2024. (Delcenia Cosman/Homer News)
Winter King Tournament scheduled for March 22

This year’s event will be held at the Deep Water Dock at 4667 Freight Dock Road.

A group of volunteers during the 2024 K-Bay Sea Duck Survey. Two boats duplicate the same survey in the same area at the same time to help ensure accuracy. (Photo courtesy of Bjorn Larson)
Homer bird enthusiasts prepare for annual sea duck count

The count aims to ensure a proper and consistent population estimate before the ducks begin their April migration.

Community members hold up protest signs during the Stand for Democracy Rally on International Women’s Day, March 8, 2025, at WKFL Park in Homer, Alaska. (Chloe Pleznac/Homer News)
‘We haven’t lost our democracy yet’

Homer community protests amid sweeping federal changes.

tease
Homer man sentenced for illegally transporting black bears

Travis Larson pleaded guilty to four counts of violating the Lacey Act in October 2024.

Girl Scout Troop 210, which includes Caitlyn Eskelin, Emma Hindman, Kadie Newkirk and Lyberty Stockman, present their “Bucket Trees” to a panel of judges in the 34th Annual Caring for the Kenai Competition at Kenai Central High School in Kenai, Alaska, on Thursday, April 18, 2024. (Jake Dye/Peninsula Clarion)
Caring for the Kenai announces 12 finalists

The final presentations will take place on April 17 in Kenai.

Daaljíni Mary Cruise, left, offers encouragement to participants in a Unity for the Queer Community rally at the Alaska State Capitol on Sunday afternoon. (Mark Sabbatini / Juneau Empire)
Hundreds participate in Juneau LGBTQ+ rally as Trump administration seeks to erase letters and rights

President’s actions to stop “woke” are putting people’s safety and health at risk, participants say.

Most Read