St. Helens, Oregon- Last week during a staff meeting at St. Helens Middle School, Principal Cris Gwilliam was surprised with the announcement that he was the 2024 recipient of the Oregon Middle School Principal of the Year Award. Gwilliam was nominated by his superintendent for his outstanding leadership, collaboration and innovation in leading St. Helens Middle School through significant transitions over the last year.

Gwilliam first joined the St. Helens School District staff as an assistant principal in 2013, and moved to a principal role at St. Helens Middle School in 2018. Since then, he has led a transition for St. Helens to become a comprehensive middle school for grades 6, 7 and 8 and has created a strong community amongst veteran staff, students and the larger community.

“Cris has worked diligently to create a warm, inviting, safe and secure school environment,” shared Superintendent Scot Stockwell, who nominated Gilliam for the award. "Through collaborative leadership, Mr. Gwilliam has nurtured inclusivity and empowerment, where every voice matters and every idea counts."

“We are thrilled to recognize Cris for his leadership and community building in St. Helens,” shared COSA Executive Director Craig Hawkins.

Gwilliam will also be recognized at COSA’s 50th Annual Conference at Seaside this June.