Kearney, NE – Chance Waggoner, Principal of Park Elementary School, has been honored as the Region IV nominee for the Distinguished Principal of the Year by the Nebraska Association of Elementary School Principals (NAESP) . This prestigious award recognizes Waggoner’s outstanding leadership, commitment to educational excellence, and significant contributions to his school and the broader educational community.
The Distinguished Principal of the Year Award celebrates school leaders who have demonstrated exemplary leadership in education, fostering a positive learning environment and making a profound impact on their students, staff, and community.
Chance Waggoner’s dedication to Park Elementary is unmatched. He exemplifies the qualities of a true leader—fostering a nurturing environment for students, supporting his staff, and engaging deeply with the community,” said Superintendent Jason Mundorf. “His recognition as Region IV Distinguished Principal of the Year is well deserved, and we are fortunate to have him leading one of our schools.”
“I am truly humbled to be recognized as the Region IV Nominee for Distinguished Principal of the Year,” said Chance Waggoner. “To be a part of the successful teams at Park, KPS, and our state organization, NAESP, is an honor and a privilege. The support of my colleagues, family and friends, and the Kearney community is invaluable and I am continuously grateful for the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of our students every day.”
Waggoner has been the principal of Park Elementary since 2019. Before that he was a teacher at Buffalo Hills Elementary in Kearney for seven years. He received his master’s in administration from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and has spent his career serving the Kearney Public Schools District.
