The principal of Dennis Franklin Cromarty School in Thunder Bay is being recognized for his work improving student engagement and achievement.

Jonathan Kakegamic will receive an Outstanding Principal's Award at a gala presentation next week in Toronto.

The award:

Developed by The Learning Partnership, Canada’s Outstanding Principals are nominated by their peers, school staff and community members. Nominations are reviewed and final winners chosen by a committee. Established in 1993, The Learning Partnership is a national charitable organization dedicated to championing a strong public education system in Canada through innovative programs, research, policy initiatives and public engagement. Since its inception, more than 4.5 million students and teachers have participated in one or more of its programs, including Take Our Kids to Work and Welcome to Kindergarten. For information go to www.thelearningpartnership.ca.

Kakegamic, who is in his third year as principal at the First Nation high school, said he's honoured by the recognition and the chance to spread the word about the school's achievements.

“When everyone works together like staff and students work towards a common goal, it shows you can have success so I'm very proud of our school,” Kakegamic said. “I'm proud to be principal of DFC.”

Kakegamic will be one of 41 Outstanding Principal award recipients. He said his goals as principal have always been straight forward: "that the parents know that the kids will be looked after, that someone will be there to answer a call.”

“That's how I think and act every day,” he said. “I need to give my best … I believe that all my staff do that too.”

As part of their award, recipients will participate in a week-long leadership training program at the University of Toronto’s Joseph L. Rotman School of Management. Participants learn from professors and community leaders, share ideas and best practices, and enhance their leadership skills.

“The Canada’s Outstanding Principals program is now in its eighth year,” said Veronica Lacey, president and CEO of The Learning Partnership, which developed the award. “This year’s winners will join 219 previous recipients who are now members of the National Academy of Canada’s Outstanding Principals.”