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.

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“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.

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