December 7, 2020 at 1:11 p.m.
Strebig named AWSA state associate principal of year
Her mission is to make all students feel welcome
Strebig named AWSA state associate principal of year
They cheered as RHS associate principal Kari Strebig was named Association of Wisconsin School Administrators (AWSA) state associate principal of the year.
The award was presented by AWSA executive director Jim Lynch and Dan Carter, AWSA president and principal at Heritage Elementary School in Waunakee.
Carter explained the significance of the award.
"Much like DPI has its teacher of the year to celebrate the work in the classroom, AWSA has programs to celebrate high school principal of the year, elementary principal of the year and associate principal of the year to celebrate those with exceptional leadership," he said.
Carter said the process of earning the award starts with a nomination from a student, teacher, principal or administrator. From there the nominees fill out an application.
"After they fill out that application, it is reviewed by a committee made up of superintendents, teachers, school board members and administrators across the state," Carter said. "And they are looking for the best of the best for this year."
He said Strebig's application indicated she exhibits three strong values - belonging, courage and engagement.
"As I read more and more about her, those things really seemed to shine brightly," he said.
Strebig has been at RHS for two years, and, according to a press release from the School District of Rhinelander, "focuses on equity, leading systemic change and ensuring all learners - especially those who have been historically marginalized - feel connected with their peers, teachers and school."
Her colleagues gave her a prolonged standing ovation as she walked from the bleachers to accept the award. A visibly moved Strebig addressed the assembly.
"Normally, I have lots to say," Strebig said. "This isn't one of those times."
In brief remarks, she thanked the staff for helping bring about the change in culture she has been striving to accomplish.
"This belongs to all of you," she said.
Since arriving at RHS, she has focused on building a caring and compassionate culture, she said.
One of the high points of her time at RHS was when she started a Link Crew program to empower junior and senior student leaders to help see and hear their peers modeling what equity looks like. This includes an initial training that starts with a conversation around intersectional identity and belonging in communities.
RHS principal Shane Dornfeld said "we are so excited as a school and proud of Kari for receiving this award today."
"She has worked tirelessly during her time here at Rhinelander High School to support the needs of all of our students and our staff, especially during this time of learning during a global pandemic," Dornfeld said. "We're blessed that we have Kari here at Rhinelander High School, and we know she will continue to affect students in a positive way."
Dornfeld added that Strebig "is a champion for providing equitable educational experiences for all students at RHS."
"She cares deeply about both student and staff needs. Kari understands and realizes that we can always improve on the quality of education, and to address student access and barrier issues when needed," Dornfeld added.
After the presentation, Strebig said she was completely surprised by the announcement. She said she was aware she was one of three finalists, but had no idea she was chosen as the winner.
"I'm not sure (if it has sunk in yet), I'm a little shaken, honored and humbled," Strebig said. "Our work is incredibly important to me, it drives everything that I do. I want to bring attention to the things in our educational system that marginalize learners, especially our LGBTQ students, our indigenous students, our black students, all of our students of color, our students with disabilities and create a system where each and every one of them feels like they belong here. That has been my mission."
Strebig will be formally recognized at the Associate Principals Conference in January 2021.
She will also receive $1,000 for use on a project of her choice at RHS and be formally represented at the associate principals conference next month. Additionally, Strebig will represent the state of Wisconsin at the National Principals Conference, where the 50 Associate Principals of the Year from across the country will be honored.
Jamie Taylor may be reached via email at jamie@rivernews online.com.
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