Columbia Falls Junior High principal honored

Dave Wick was hesitant to talk about an honor he received recently.

Wick, the principal of Columbia Falls Junior High, was named the Montana Distinguished Principal last month by the Montana Association of Elementary and Middle School Principals.

“I’m very humbled. It’s an honor to be nominated, a great honor,” he said.

Wick has been principal of the junior high for 14 years. For the last 13 years, he also has been the Columbia Falls School District’s director of elementary education.

Before moving to the Columbia Falls district, Wick spent three years as assistant principal at what was then Whitefish Central School. He is in his 28th year as an educator.

“I just really enjoy being around students and the people that want to work with students,” Wick said of why he has been in education for so long. “I’ve been fortunate over the years to work with great teachers, great administrators.”

Those great co-workers include the current staff at the junior high, he said.

“The staff is just fantastic working with kids. It’s just a great place to work. [They’re] always willing to go the extra mile for kids,” he said.

Wick said he was grateful, too, for the support he receives from his family and from the Columbia Falls community.

“I feel privileged to work here,” he said.

Michael Nicosia, the district’s superintendent, nominated Wick for the award. Wick said he was humbled by the nod, considering his peers in the district and in other Montana school districts.

“There’s so many wonderful educators and great principals, many of whom I call friends, that are deserving of recognition,” he said. “It’s kind of amazing.”

Reporter Kristi Albertson may be reached at 758-4438 or at kalbertson@dailyinterlake.com.