AHS Principal Heather McKay was recently nominated and selected by the Iowa High School Press Association (IHSPA) as the administrator of the year.  She was nominated by journalism teacher Allison Berryhill for her “constant inspiration and support,” in the five years that Berryhill has been a teacher here at AHS.  

McKay was a journalism teacher for 13 years and said she misses it.  When notified about her selection, McKay said she nearly stopped in the middle of the hallway and was “very shocked.”  

According to the IHSPA website, the award is given out to administrators who have a strong involvement with their school’s’ journalism department.  At AHS, McKay said she finds herself switching roles to help the journalism department 3-4 times a year, but most often helps them as both a former educator and principal at the same time.  

Berryhill’s letter of nomination said, “While Heather’s support as my administrator is the foremost reason for her nomination, her guidance as a mentor has truly been invaluable.”

In regards to being both nominated and selected, McKay said, “I’m overwhelmed with gratitude. Being nominated by one of our educators is a gift.”