CONTACT: Dominique Johnson, PIO 
COMPANY: Alaska Council of School Administrators 
PHONE: 907-209-8783 

Kenai Central High School
Assistant Principal
Will Chervenak named Alaska’s 2022
Assistant Principal of the Year
November 15, 2021 - NEWS RELEASE

Will Chervenak has been named the 2022 Assistant Principal of the Year by the Alaska Association of Secondary School Principals (AASSP). He is also recognized as the 2022 Alaska Region III 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 and 2021 Alaska Principal of Year, Robin Jones said, “Will Chervenak is an extraordinary leader who has moved mountains to create a school culture where students and staff thrive, and it is our distinct privilege to announce him as the 2022 Alaska Assistant Principal of Year!”

Chervenak has been with the Kenai Peninsula School District (KPSD) for six years and Assistant Principal at Kenai Central High School for the last three years.

“Mr. Chervenak has a continual growth mindset," Clayton Holland, Superintendent of KPSD, said. "He always seeks to find ways to improve and thereby become even more effective at positively impacting students. He is supportive of staff, and he seeks to include their voice on decisions made at the site level.” 

Sharing how he has continued to grow as a leader despite a pandemic, Chervenak said, “I have pushed myself to improve my professional practice and have taken a new approach to student discipline, focusing on restorative justice and building positive relationships.” 

This year Chervenak has facilitated the N.O.T. (Not On Tobacco) youth cessation program as part of this new approach. N.O.T focuses on tobacco product education and cessation, providing an alternative to out-of-school suspension for students found using tobacco products at school. He shared that he will continue to learn and advocate for response to intervention best practices techniques to bring back to his school. 

Kenai Central High School Principal Dan Beck shared his excitement about Chervenak's recognition saying, "It has been a pleasure to join Will Chervenak on the administrative team at Kenai Central High School this year. He is a true advocate for our community and school."

Chervenak said the success of Kenai Central High School comes from the dedication and leadership of everyone on staff, “I am very proud of the culture that exists at my school. We are focused on student voice and providing a student-centered curriculum that is further supported by the personalized learning framework.”

“Will is motivated to serve the community, specifically students, which makes him an effective educator,” said Peter Gundunas, Resource Teacher at Kenai Central High School. He taught with Chervenak for four years. 

Superintendent Holland added that KPBS staff and the community are excited to celebrate Chervenak’s accomplishments and recognition.
Leadership, Unity and Advocacy for Public Education.


Dr. Lisa S. Parady       
Executive Director     
Dominique Johnson
Public Information Officer
Alaska Superintendents Association, www.alaskaacsa.org, 234 Gold Street Juneau, AK 99801