Jared Blikre, principal at Rugby High School, doesn’t view his honor of being named North Dakota Principal of the Year as an individual award, but credits the teachers, students, staff and community that have supported the school.

“It’s an honor to be recognized by your peers,” he said.

The North Dakota Association of Secondary Principals (NDASSP) elected Blikre as the 2024-25 NDASSP Principal of the Year. Kevin Hoherz of the North Dakota Council of Educational Leaders said the decision was unanimous amongst the NDASSP Nominating Committee in the letter that informed Blikre of his accomplishment.

Rugby Public Schools has seen a number of achievements over the last year – in October 2023, superintendent Michael McNeff was awarded Superintendent of the Year by the North Dakota Association of School Administrators. In December 2023, Rugby Public Schools earned the Blue Ribbon Award from the U.S. Department of Education, an award that recognizes national public and non-public elementary, middle and high schools for academic success.

“Keeping a growth mindset, continuing to do what’s best for kids – most of our decisions are student-based decisions. We’ve won some great honors this year. It’s a testament to working in a great district, a great community that supports the school, students, faculty, staff, all the stakeholders. Everyone plays a role in making these achievements possible. I don’t really view this as an individual award. Rugby has always had an outstanding academic tradition. I’d just like to carry that forward,” Blikre said.

Blikre and his family moved to Rugby in 2012 and has been RHS’s secondary principal for the past 12 years. He began his teaching career in Rolla but left to become the secondary principal and athletic director at Rolette High School.

Blikre values the relationships he has developed with the staff and students at RHS and takes pride in the opportunities the school provides to their students.

“Kudos to the kids and teachers, all the staff, everyone that’s putting in the hard work and the long hours. It certainly takes a village,” Blikre said.