Today officially marks the end of my first year serving as principal at Milford Jr/Sr High School.  As I take some time to reflect upon the year that was, I realized how blessed I am to work in such a great district with amazing students, parents, staff, and patrons.  Milford is a special place that has provided me a great place to work and live for the past 11 years, serving as a teacher, assistant principal and now principal.  

I have learned many lessons throughout this past year, some good, some bad.  Whether it was a success or a failure I have grown both personally and professionally in too many ways to count.  However, the greatest lesson I've learned is that you can't do this job alone.  As an administrator one needs to surround themselves with people they can seek out for advice and support on a daily basis.  Once again, I have been blessed to have these people in my life to not only help guide me in making sound decisions but to bounce ideas off of or just vent.  I consider my support system the best assest I have and would like to thank each and everyone of you for making this past year one of the most challenging, yet rewarding years of my professional career.  Being actively involved in my professional organizations, as well as active on Twitter, has allowed me to form relationships with a network of experts in their field that I can count on for a variety of issues. 

My advice to any aspiring administrator is to begin developing these relationships and become actively involved in your professional organizations.  I have a variety of networks, which I have listed below.  As you can see there are many, varying greatly in what they offer.  Also, include those in your network that may challenge your currently thinking.  It is when we are challenged and stretched that we can truly grow in this profession.

 Thank you to the following groups and individuals for all of support and advice:

• Nebraska Council of School Administrators
  
• Nebraska State Association of Secondary School Principals and Executive Board
  
• NSASSP Region I Principals

                   --I can't say enough about this dedicated group of individuals
                   --Ryan, Chad, Mitch, Matt, Gale, Ross, Mike, Colin, Ben, Barry, Charlie, Aaron, Steve, Bob, etc...Thanks!

• The #milfordsoar Admin team

                    --Kevin, TJ, and Mark you are truly amazing administrators and friends!

• The #milfordsoar Staff 

• Dr. Stogdill

                     --You've been my mentor since I was 15 and can't thank you enough! You are a man of outstanding 
                          character that has helped guide me on my path.

• ESU 6 Staff
• #nebedchat crew and participants

                     --Cynthia, Laura, Shelly, and Doc thanks for making it a huge success

• Technology/#nebedu network

                      --Always one tweet or hangout away from answering any question I have. #Rockstars

• My entire Twitter #PLN

                       --When I joined Twitter in 2011 I could have never imagined the network I have created or the support I 
                             would receive from being an active tweeter.  All 1400 followers are truly #Rockstars in my eyes.  
                              Keep up the great work in helping move education in the right direction for the benefit of our students!

• SNC Principals
• Personal Network

                        --Family, Friends, Parents, Church Family, Etc...You're all awesome and I can't thank you enough.

• My Administrative Assistants

                         --We all know who actually runs the show!

• Mom and Dad
• Last but not least, my family

                          --Thanks for amazing patience and understanding.  I know I'm not always the more pleasant person to 
                                be around but you are always there with a hug or a smile to brighten my day.  I Love You Shelly, Calyn, 
                                Addi, and Zephyr 

Thanks again for making this past year great and I look forward to facing the challenges of administration with you in the 2013-2014 school year!