Petoskey Middle School Leader Named Michigan's 2024 Principal of the Year
Jon Wilcox, Petoskey Middle School Principal, was surprised by the Michigan Association of Secondary School Principals, the Michigan Association of Student Councils and Honor Societies and his district during Petoskey Middle School's Career Day to announce he was selected as the award recipient for Michigan's 2024 Principal of the Year.
"This year we received double the nominations for this award than in the past few years," said Wendy Zdeb, MASSP Executive Director. "To win in a year with so many phenomenal candidates really emphasizes the tremendous leader Jon is at Petoskey Middle School."
To be eligible for the award, nominees must demonstrate a sense of collaborative leadership; involvement in curriculum, instruction and assessment; as well as a personal positive involvement with district staff, students and families.
"His character, demeanor, empathy and leadership have made Petoskey Middle School the flagship of our school district," said Dr. Jeffrey Leslie, Public Schools of Petoskey's Superintendent and Wilcox's nominator. "My greatest challenge as superintendent is to replicate what Jon is doing at the other five buildings."
Wilcox received broad support for his nomination from his community; from teachers and students to board members and parents, each had positive stories to share.
"Even though I'm not a student at his school anymore, he still cares about my life and encourages me," said Cullen Neal, Petoskey High School student.
Each letter of support mentioned his collaborative leadership style, creation of a positive culture and unwavering focus on the well-being of students and their families.
"As a veteran teacher of 25 years spent in Petoskey Middle School, I have realized nothing is more important than a good leader to create a successful school culture where students, teachers and community members thrive," said Elsa Martin, PMS Sixth Grade Science Teacher. "Jon Wilcox has created that space at Petoskey Middle School."
Wilcox has 20 years of experience in education, 14 as an administrator and nine years at PMS. Throughout his nomination, Jon is described as humble, highly-respected, determined, an individual of integrity and a role model.
PMS parent, volunteer and school board member, Kathleen Reed, said that when Wilcox was asked to step into a higher district leadership role during a crisis, his approach benefitted the entire district.
Mary Ling, parent, former school board member and current Chair of the Petoskey Education Foundation said that in only four months of serving as the Interim Superintendent, Jon helped instill a sense of belonging and mutual respect from his calming presence, humility and being someone the school district and community trusted to lead out of a challenging time and into an exciting one.
"He simply has the respect and admiration of the entire school district," Ling said.
Many initiatives were noted regarding Wilcox's leadership and major influential additions to PMS but two were repeatedly mentioned: Northmen DRIVE and the Full Value Agreement, both programs focus on establishing and maintaining cultures of positivity and support for students and staff.
Martin said Wilcox sets the example to staff and students by upholding program values in his daily work.
"One of the keys to Jon's leadership is that he practices what he preaches," Leslie said.
Ling said Wilcox ensures that staff are properly trained in implementing Full Value Agreement in all aspects that occur at PMS.
"By doing so, Jon has created an environment for students and staff that is envied in the district," Ling said.
Wilcox's focus on the whole student is evident with the 42 extracurricular programs offered at PMS. Additionally, he regularly contributes to district level conversations on curriculum, evidenced-based teaching practices, providing resources to parents and more.
"Jon's unwavering focus on the well-being of students and their families is clear in the breadth and depth of the successful programs at Petoskey Middle School," Reed said. "... other district principals and teaching staff look to Jon as a resource and mentor."
Wilcox will represent Michigan as the state's nominee for the National Association of Secondary School Principals Principal of the Year competition, which will be awarded in October 2024 at the Recognition Gala in Washington, D.C.
"Jon's leadership focus is students and providing opportunities for them; it seemed only fitting to recognize him during Career Day for eighth graders. It is an honor to have Jon representing Michigan as the 2024 Principal of the Year," Zdeb said.
