WAUPUN – Megan Hanni, principal of the School for Agricultural and Environmental Studies in the Waupun Area School District, has been named the Wisconsin Rural Schools Alliance Principal of the Year.
The honor recognizes Hanni's leadership, focus on student achievement and efforts to expand learning opportunities for students, according to a community announcement.
The School for Agricultural and Environmental Studies, known as SAGES, has earned an "Exceeds Expectations" rating on Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction report cards while posting strong student growth and achievement, according to the announcement.
Students at the school participate in learning experiences that go beyond traditional classrooms. Opportunities include activities at a 48-acre school forest, Fox Lake, Horicon Marsh, school gardens and a working chicken coop.
School leaders describe the approach with the motto "walls are optional."
The announcement said students regularly engage in hands-on agricultural and environmental learning experiences that connect classroom instruction with real-world applications.
SAGES also promotes the belief that "Little Kids Can Do Big Things." Through project-based learning and agriculture-focused lessons, students study ecosystems, collect data, grow plants and vegetables and learn in outdoor classroom spaces.
In nominating Hanni for the award, Waupun Area School District Administrator Steven K. Hill praised the principal's approach to leadership.
"Megan Hanni is the kind of principal rural education needs more of. One who sees possibilities where others see limitations, who builds teams that believe in each other, and who keeps students at the center of every decision," Hill wrote.
Hanni will be recognized during the WiRSA conference luncheon Oct. 29 at the Stevens Point Convention Center.
This story was produced by reporter Nida Tazeen, [email protected], with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Journalists were involved in every step of the review, editing and publishing process. Learn more at cm.usatoday.com/ethical-conduct.
This article originally appeared on Fond du Lac Reporter: Waupun's Megan Hanni named Principal of the Year