Local principal receives STEM award for the month of January

Jamie Haines, principal at Gowan Science Academy, has received the STEM award for the month of January on behalf of Grand Canyon University.

Haines walked into an assembly of students yelling ‘surprise’ and had no idea they were waiting to see her receive her award.

“Walking into the cafeteria and seeing all my students there was breathtaking like I could not believe that they had pulled off a surprise like that. Anytime there’s an assembly or whatever I know about them, so the fact that not only all my staff but all my students pulled off such a great surprise, was very emotional because I love my students so much and so to see them all together and to come together for that surprise was wonderful,” said Haines.

Dr. Jennifer Johnson proudly handed over the award and discussed further why it is so important that events like these happen to acknowledge the hard work of principals worldwide.

“It’s always wonderful to be able to recognize the adult in a school campus in front of students because we spend so much time thinking about and cultivating student success, that I want us all to remember that student success starts with dedicated, committed, enthusiastic, passionate, gifted leaders like Jamie,” said Dr. Johnson.

In addition to her award, Principal Haines was also given $500.