Mr. Duncan Selected as Rookie Principal of the Year

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Our very own Mr. Duncan was nominated and selected as the Rookie Principal of the Year for Nebo School District and we couldn't be prouder! Mr. Duncan was hired to replace Mr. Balzotti after his retirement at the end of the 2012 school year.  From Mr. Duncan's leadership, Cherry Creek has made changes and improvements to help the students be as successful as possible here. He is known for his warmth, friendship, leadership and of course, love of the Atlanta Braves and BYU athletics. Here are just a few of the comments about Mr. Duncan's award made by the students, parents and faculty:

"Mr. Duncan is AWESOME. He makes everyone feel like they are special. And is always going around and playing with us students. He is the best principal any school could ever have. We are so lucky that we get him as our principal." - McKenna Patterson, Student Body President, 6th grader

"I am so glad that Mr. Duncan introduced Croc Claws and tickets.  It helps the students who are doing what is right feel good about it and tickets help us to remember to follow the rules.  Both of these help us to try our best!" - Mason Truscott, Student Body Vice President, 5th grader

"Mr. Duncan is the boss of our school and he makes sure we do what we are supposed to do in school. I really like him!"  --Brynlie Golding, Kindergartener "Mike is one of the most positive people I know. I'm grateful for his kind " Thank You" notes that are so encouraging. He's the best!" - Brooke Alderks, 3rd grade teacher

"Mr. Duncan knows just how to bring the best out in people.  He inspires those around him to do their very best and to work their hardest.  He expects a lot out of his employees, but in doing so helps all of us to shine.  Mr. Duncan cares deeply about all those he interacts with.  He puts a lot of thought into all he does and always has the best interest of students in mind.  He has done so much to improve our school environment, both physically and the overall feeling at Cherry Creek. He works hard to make sure that teachers have the supplies they need and are ready to provide the most cutting edge and quality instruction.  Mr. Duncan is a great person to work with!" - Stephanie Truscott, 6th grade teacher

"Mr. Duncan is very nice, friendly and always helpful.  He always says "hi" to me when he see me and he tries to do his best to make this school the best that it can be." - Paityn Braithwaite, student

"Mr. Duncan is positive and interactive and brings this to his communication with students, parents and teachers. He desires to see others succeed and helps them by pointing out the good they are doing and encouraging them to rise to a new level. It has been neat to watch the atmosphere change as he has been principal. The parents want to be involved in the positive things that are going on at our school and the kids love the fun and sometimes crazy things he does. We are so lucky to have Mr. Duncan as our principal!" - Heather Johnson, parent and PTA President 

"I like that he is funny and nice and that he is not mean to kids when they get in to trouble." - Steven Cabrera, 6th grader

"...I can honestly say that Mr. Duncan’s fresh ideas and approach to elementary education have helped elevate Cherry Creek from a great school to an excellent school. His involvement and genuine consideration of faculty and parent input has raised the standard at Cherry Creek Elementary. He has developed a deep respect from the students of Cherry Creek through his philosophy of, 'putting students’ needs first.' ...He has developed a solid trust and respect with the outstanding faculty at Cherry Creek. ...He absolutely without hesitation has earned this recognition. I can only imagine where his continued leadership will take Cherry Creek Elementary. Thank you Mr. Duncan for your efforts and dedication!" - Patrick Monney, parent and former SCC Rep

 

"He is always telling me how much he loves the staff and children at Cherry Creek." Kellie Duncan, wife


"I always knew Mr. Duncan would make a great principal when I worked with him prior to his appointment as principal at Cherry Creek. He didn't just meet my expectations as a leader, but has exceeded them. He brings out the best in the students, teachers and staff. I'm grateful to get to work alongside him at this fantastic school!" - Sarah Sumsion, 6th grade teacher

 

"Rookie Principal!  Remarkable, a rare find!  We are so glad you are our principal.  Thanks for being so willing to help us with questions and listen to our concerns." - Lori Blackburn, Librarian

 

"There isn't a more deserving person to receive this award! Mr. Duncan has gone above and beyond to make Cherry Creek an amazing school! He has made having a new principal, for both the staff and students, a flawless transition! We are so lucky to have him!" - Kim Golding, 1st grade teacher

 

"Mr. Duncan is a wonderful leader.  He knows how to take charge and get things done, but he also has a gift with involving his faculty and staff and making them feel important and needed.  Mr. Duncan helps others feel their value and has a way of getting the best from his employees." - Erica Boyer, 3rd grade teacher

 

"Mr. Duncan is so kind and helpful! He is so involved in the school--he makes a special effort every single day to make sure he circulates around the school and talks to as many students as possible. It is amazing to see the results. The students absolutely love him!" - 6th grade teacher

 

"Mike is an exceptional leader that, from the beginning, has put people first in all he does. He cares deeply about his students and faculty and always tries to do the right thing for the right reason. He is very deserving of any accolades he receives as the principal of Cherry Creek Elementary." - Dave Rowe, Mentoring and Evaluation District Coordinator

 

"It's wonderful to work with someone who leads by example . . .  and such an amazing example he is!  He inspires me to do more and to be better, and I'm grateful for it.  He may wish he were being awarded "Rookie of the Year" for the Atlanta Braves, but I'm sure glad he's here at Cherry Creek!" ~Betsy Ferguson, Facilitator and Intern Coach

 

"Mr. Duncan is an exceptional principal.  He genuinely cares about each student who attends Cherry Creek and makes the effort to get to know each one.  He in an efffective leader who has had a significant and positive impact on the school.  We are very lucky to have Mr. Duncan as our principal!" - Aimee Palmer, parent

 

"Mr. Duncan is so nice. We all are grateful and I think he is the best principal." - Carson Humphrey, 6th grade student

 

"Mr. Duncan shows what it means to really care for each child and staff member. He makes everyone feel like they are important and  know that they will be taken care of. He knows the members of his school on a individual level and does whatever he can to help each of us! Thank you Mr. Duncan for being such a wonderful principal!" - Lyndsee Brice, 3rd grade teacher

 

"I really appreciate the Thank You notes that I've received from him, they do a lot to lift up my day and help me smile." - Robert Sedgwick, 2nd grade teacher

 

"The recognition for Mr. Duncan is well deserved!  He has made such a big difference in such a short time and has helped everyone at Cherry Creek do better in what they do.  He has encouraged, praised, complimented, helped and supported in such a way that has been so positive that you can't help but feel like a great teacher.  He has become a sort of hero to the students and such a great example for them to look up to and admire.  Mr. Duncan is involved and interested in everything that goes on at Cherry Creek and puts in 110% in everything he does.  I am so glad to be working with him and so grateful for his support and encouragement in my own teaching and experiences." -Amy Braithwaite

 

"Mr. Duncan is always positive with faculty, staff, and especially students.  I appreciate the reminder that is to me to always be positive." - Teresa Chang, 2nd grade teacher

 

"Mr. Duncan always has a great attitude and you can tell that he truly loves working with such amazing students and faculty everyday!!" - Chelsie Bergera, kindergarten teacher

 

"I have never felt so respected as a professional, liked as a friend, inspired by a great leader, and cared for as I have with Mr. Duncan." - Sandi Smartt, kindergarten teacher

 

"I love the quote: 'Never give up, great things take time.'  This reminds me of Mr. Duncan...he is always positive and upbeat no matter the situation!" - Jennifer Baldwin, 2nd grade teacher

 

 



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By Sarah Sumsion