October, 2022 - NEWS RELEASE
Karen Bloxsom has been named the 2023 Assistant Principal of the Year by the Alaska Association of Secondary School Principals (AASSP). She is also recognized as the 2023 Alaska Region VIII Assistant Principal of the Year.
The AASSP Assistant Principal of the Year program annually recognizes outstanding middle level and high school assistant principals who have successfully provided high-quality learning opportunities for students. In addition, these assistant principals are acknowledged by their peers for the exemplary contributions they have made to the profession.
AASSP President Brendan Wilson said, “Karen Bloxsom is an extraordinary leader who has created a school culture where students thrive. It is the distinct privilege of the Alaska Association of Secondary School Principals to announce her as the 2023 Alaska Assistant Principal of Year!”
Bloxsom has been an Assistant Principal at Wasilla High School in the Mat-Su School District for the last four years.
“Karen Bloxsom is an invaluable part of Warrior Nation,” Jason Marvel, Principal at Wasilla High School said. “Her relational capacity with both students and staff is impressive. She has singlehandedly doubled our Advanced Placement numbers in the last year and her focus on equity has helped transform our school. I don't know of anyone more deserving.”
Bloxsom shared her process for changing outcome, “WHS was struggling in multiple areas and therefore needed to rebrand. I challenged myself to change our culture and climate. This vision four years ago to revamp Wasilla High became reality through implementing multiple new processes on day one.”
Dr. Randy Trani, Superintendent of the Mat-Su School District, said Bloxsom is a champion for all students. He said, “Karen relentlessly pursues equity for disadvantaged students and maintains high academic standards for all."
Since 2019, Wasilla High School has lowered its major disciple referrals by 13% and has provided more community and job-ready opportunities for its students.
KB Holbrook, Counselor at Wasilla High School said, “Karen Bloxsom is supportive, a problem solver, and she is willing to address uncomfortable issues.” He added, “Karen strikes a balance between relationship building and holding students accountable for their natural consequences. She is conscious of how her actions affect not individual students as well as our school culture.”
Robin Lockwood, Wasilla High School Math teacher shared, “Karen Bloxsom is a thoughtful and thorough Assistant Principal. I am impressed with instructional leadership strategies; her years of classroom experience show through her leadership style. She is our AP champion, over doubling the number of students enrolled in AP courses. She truly is the definition of a trauma informed administrator.”
Karen Bloxsom was recognized as the 2023 Alaska Assistant Principal of the Year during the 56th Annual Alaska Principals’ Conference on October 14th in Anchorage.
