2 Utah principals, assistant honored as 'cream of crop'

One delights in teens succeeding against the odds. Another has teamed with the National Alliance on Mental Illness to prevent suicides. A third has worked with Brigham Young University to create a school atmosphere of understanding and peace.

All three on Wednesday were honored by the Utah Association of Secondary School Principals as the cream of the crop.

Olympus High's Paul Hansen was named Utah's High School Principal of the Year. Springville Junior High's Everett Kelepolo is the Middle School Principal of the Year. And Riverton High's Brad Sorensen is Assistant Principal of the Year.

The men were nominated by their peers, and chosen by the association's executive board. All three go on the National Association of Secondary School Principals contest and receive a trip to Washington, D.C., for a leadership workshop.

"They do an outstanding job in their schools," said Riverton High principal and association leader Steve Park in announcing winners at a Salt Lake City ceremony. "For them to be recognized by their peers is a great accomplishment."

• An educator of 33 years, Hansen has worn many hats. He was Skyline and Granger high's adult education coordinator and has been principal of the Hartvigsen School/Hilda B. Jones Center and Western Hills Elementary. He received a Huntsman Award for Excellence in Education, which comes with $10,000, in 2005.

A few years ago, two Olympus students committed suicide within months of each other. Hansen discovered a new calling.

"As I held a sobbing father in my arms, I thought, I will not go through something like this again (without action)," Hansen said. He teamed with NAMI to implement the Hope for Tomorrow program at his school to raise awareness of mental illness from mood to eating disorders, reduce its stigma and help families find resources to help.

"Some things must be taken care of in order for us to be successful" academically, Hansen said.

Granite District senior director of school services Louie Long calls Hansen bright, dedicated and creative, Park reported. "His integrity is beyond re- proach."

• Kelepolo started his career 15 years ago as a Lehi High P.E. and business teacher coaching football, wrestling and track. He was Springville Junior High's assistant principal before taking the school's helm. He is working on a doctorate through University of Nevada Las Vegas, is a Utah Valley State College adjunct professor and a Spanish Fork city councilman.

He has created the program "Desired Results for Student Learning," supported by "Knights Quest," a behavior initiative designed in collaboration with BYU. Classes are taught weekly to encourage respect, leadership, honor and excellence. Teachers work to recognize positive student behavior.