Van Horn Principal Named New Principal of the Year

Admitting he was “totally shocked,” Van Horn High School Principal Randy Maglinger was given the Exemplary New Principal of the Year Award by the Greater Kansas City Principal’s Association.  Surrounded by students and staff inside the school’s Little Theater, Corey Willich, president of the Greater Kansas City Principal’s Association, made the presentation.

“It’s not like you walk in and expect to get an award,” Maglinger said. “But it was great to be able to share it with the students and staff.”

He was nominated for the award by Justin Woods, Van Horn associate principal. In his nomination letter, Woods sited the “seamless transition” Maglinger made from associate principal at William Chrisman last year to principal at Van Horn this year.

“From day one, he worked to understand the culture and make up of our school,” Woods said in his letter. “He took a collaborative approach with teachers and students and it resulted in increased success for our building.”

Woods said Maglinger’s passion for learning has been apparent since his very first staff meeting and his focus is always on improvement.

“In his first year at Van Horn, he has proven to be a humble leader who only cares about the success of students and staff,” Woods said. “We value his leadership and look forward to continued success.”