White River High School Principal Mike Hagadone was named 2011 Association of Washington School Principals state Secondary Principal of the Year.

AWSP’s Director of High School Programs Bob McMullen made the presentation to Hagadone at the White River School Board’s regular meeting March 9.

“He truly is a remarkable leader in his field,” McMullen said.

“I’m here not only to salute Mike, but the White River School District and the work you do here,” he said.

Hagadone stepped into the role at WRHS in July 2006. He followed Dan Anderson, who resigned after two years in the position that opened when longtime principal Keith Banks took a position in the district office.

It was a time when monumental changes were happening at the high school and in the district, Superintendent Tom Lockyer said as he lauded Hagadone for the work he’s done. Change, Lockyer said, is rarely popular with unions, parents, students and staff.

“We have significant student data to show the growth,” Lockyer said. “We are pleased and proud of him.”

Hagadone brought with him 27 years of experience as a teacher, coach and administrator, including time spent in the neighboring Enumclaw and Sumner school districts. A Bonney Lake resident, he came to White River from an assistant principal position at Puyallup High.

Assistant Superintendent Janel Keating thanked Hagadone and his wife Sandra for her support. Keating said Hagadone is a rare leader who sees the big picture.

She said he is always asking how change at the high school will affect colleagues, and, “he is one of the first high school principals to realize the kids in elementary school are his kids.”

Hagadone’s name will now be thrown into the ring at the national level, where Washington state has had two runners-up in the past few years, McMullen said.