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Christopher Koch, assistant principal at Bunnell High School, was named a 2017 High School Assistant Principal of the Year — one of three award winners — by the Connecticut Association of Schools.
A selection committee of past and current assistant principals and principals made the selection from applications they received.
Koch was nominated for the award by Bunnel's Principal Nancy Dowling.
The committee chose him for "his unwavering commitment to educational excellence and his relentless drive to do what is best for children and their families," according to the announcement.
“Through his whatever it takes attitude, Mr. Koch works long hours; never leaves until the job is done; and enjoys spending countless hours attending extra-curricular events so that students and families are assured of his commitment to them, their education, their development, and their success," Dowling said.
Koch called his selection "truly an honor. I am excited at the opportunity to represent our state going forward. I am so fortunate to wake up each day, knowing that I get to do something that I love and that, in some small way, I have the opportunity to impact the lives of others."
He is credited with boosting the academic achievement in the diverse Stratford school district with such programs as Adult Mentor Asset for staff, school board, and community members support students during school hours. Koch also initiated Peer-to-Peer mentoring at the school which pairs members of the National Honor Society with students that are struggling for tutoring and advisement.
In addition, he was selected to mentor four school staff in their pursuit of administrative degrees.
“Mr. Koch has supported me as I ventured into an administrative program. He has served as a role model and mentor as I continue my personal academic growth. I was fortunate to shadow him for a school day and truly feel he goes above and beyond his job description to support students and staff," said Heather Lewsey, an English teacher.
Lori DiBlasi, assistant principal at Franklin & Wilcoxson Schools in Stratford, was one of the three winners along with of Ernie DiStasi, Seymour Middle School.
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