Building Trust in the Hallways of Juneau-Douglas
“Nate invests in each student as a whole person, establishing trust and ensuring they know that his decisions are thoughtful and fair,” principal Kelly Stewart said.
That student-first philosophy has earned Juneau-Douglas High School assistant principal Nate Creel the title of 2027 Region V Assistant Principal of the Year. Creel has spent seven years in his current role building relationships with students, an effort that recently culminated in regional recognition across Southeast Alaska.
The Mechanics of Regional Recognition
The Alaska Association of Secondary School Principals sponsors these regional and statewide honors to spotlight educational leaders who drive student success. Nominations can come from students, staff, parents, or peers, with final selections determined by AASSP members in each region. For Creel, the honor places him directly into contention for the statewide assistant principal title.
Balancing Compassion With Accountability
Principal Kelly Stewart emphasized that Creel maintains a careful equilibrium in his daily administrative duties.
“His ability to balance compassion with accountability is a true reflection of his exceptional leadership,” Stewart noted.
AASSP president Mike Nigus praised the cohort of regional honorees for their dedication across the state’s school districts. “[They] have made purposeful, positive impacts on the lives of students, staff, and the communities in which they work,” Nigus said, expressing pride in being colleagues with such leaders.
Heading to the 60th Annual Anchorage Conference
Alongside other regional assistant principals of the year, Creel is scheduled to receive formal recognition at the 60th annual Alaska Principal’s Conference in Anchorage. The event takes place on Jan. 22, where state-level announcements will further highlight this year’s educational administrators.
“[They] have made purposeful, positive impacts on the lives of students, staff, and the communities in which they work,” Nigus said, adding: “Thank you for serving our schools in such an excellent manner.”
