Soldotna High School Principal Sargeant Truesdell was named Principal of the Year for Alaska’s Region III by the Alaska Association of Secondary School Principals.

Region III includes the Kenai Peninsula Borough School District, Grace Christian, Anchorage Christian Schools, Palmer, Wasilla, Houston, Kodiak and Redington.

A Monday release by the association said the Principal of the Year honors educational leaders who play a pivotal role in student success, and that candidates are nominated by students, staff, parents, district staff or other peers.

The release said Truesdell was described as a problem-solver looking to address issues at SoHi. It said he worked with staff to include intervention courses and brought in aides to fill learning gaps that were a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Mr. Truesdell is innovative and works with his staff to develop their strengths to deliver a solid education that has a strong focus on college and career readiness,” Kenai Peninsula Borough School District Superintendent Clayton Holland said in the release. “Everything he does as the principal of Soldotna High School is done to support his students and staff, and to create a culture of high expectations, care, and acceptance of everyone.”

“Despite his many years in education, Principal Truesdell’s fire for education burns as bright as ever,” Soldotna High School Assistant Principal Tabitha Blades said in the release. “He is a positive and enthusiastic advocate for all he leads.”

Truesdell will be awarded at the 57th Annual Alaska Principals’ Conference in Anchorage in October.

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