The Nebraska State Association of Secondary School Principals has selected Mr. Seth Ryker as the 2024 High School Principal of the Year. This award is presented annually to a Principal who has demonstrated outstanding leadership in their school, region, and at the state level. The award honors principals who have demonstrated excellence in the areas of personal excellence, collaboration, leadership, curriculum, instruction, assessment, and personalization.
Ryker spoke with KRVN’s Jon Willis.
Mr. Ryker has been in education since 2000 and started in the classroom at Wolfe Creek Elementary in Shannon County, South Dakota, as a 6th-8th grade teacher. He later took a position at Broken Bow Public Schools, where he served as a social studies teacher and later as the Activities Director. In 2005, he became the Activities Director and Assistant Principal at Gothenburg Junior / Senior High School. He served in this role until 2017 when he moved into the 7-12 Principal positions at Gothenburg. He has been in this position ever since. He has been a member of the Nebraska Council of School Administrators (NCSA) for eight years, the Nebraska State Association of Secondary School Principals (NSASSP) for eight years, and the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP) for eight years. Mr. Ryker has been an active member of the NSIAAA (Nebraska State Athletic Administrators Association). In 2016, he was recognized as the NSIAAA District IV Activities Administrator of the Year.
Dr. Allison Jonas, Superintendent at Gothenburg Public Schools, praised Mr. Ryker by saying, “Mr. Ryker possesses a remarkable talent for engaging with teacher leaders. His leadership style not only promotes teamwork but also inspires a shared vision among staff.” She added, “His capacity to collaborate seamlessly with teachers and support staff has led to expanded opportunities for students, collaborative opportunities for staff, and a welcoming culture with high expectations for both students and staff.”
Ashlyn Richeson, a Gothenburg Junior / Senior High School student, stated, “Mr. Ryker has consistently gone above and beyond to create a supportive and nurturing environment where students feel like they can excel both academically and personally in their activities.” She added, “He fosters a culture of inclusion, diversity, and respect, and ensures that every student feels valued and heard.”
Nate Wyatt, a parent, board member, and business leader in Gothenburg, said, “Mr. Ryker’s commitment to providing instructional leadership for his staff is evident in the collaborative, team-based culture he has cultivated.” He added, “I am appreciative of Mr. Ryker’s open-door policy and his genuine care for the well-being and success of each of my children.” He continued, “Mr. Ryker understands the importance of preparing students not just academically, but also as well rounded individuals ready to meet the challenges of the future economy.”
Mr. Ryker received his Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education from Chadron State College. He later earned his Master’s in Educational Administration from Chadron State College. Mr. Ryker states, “I am honored to receive the NSASSP High School Principal of the Year award! I have been blessed to be an administrator for Gothenburg Public Schools for the past 20 years. Any award that I receive is due entirely to the outstanding teachers and fellow administrators that I have been privileged to work with.”
Congratulations to Mr. Seth Ryker for his outstanding performance as a High School Principal at Gothenburg Junior / Senior High School. NSASSP appreciates his contributions to the profession, and we are proud to name Seth Ryker of Gothenburg Public School the 2024 High School Principal of the Year!
