Former Suffield Administrator Named State Principal of the Year

COVENTRY, CT — Joseph Blake, a former assistant principal at Suffield High School and current principal of Coventry High School, has been selected as the 2019 High School Principal of the Year by the Connecticut Association of Schools.

Blake is only the third administrator in state history to have received both the Assistant Principal of the Year Award and the Principal of the Year Award. He was named the state’s top assistant principal in 2014, when we was an administrator at Suffield High School.

Upon receiving the news of his selection, Blake stated, “I am honored to be the 2019 CAS High School Principal of the Year. It is a much appreciated recognition of the positive culture and academic success created by the dedication of the teachers, administrators, staff, students, and families in Coventry. All of Coventry shares this award!”

Sarah Sullivan, a senior at Coventry, said, “Mr. Blake knows when something is up. He will stop us in the hallway because he sees something on our face. There is nothing better than having an adult who wants the best for you.”

Classmate Hannah LeVasseur added, “It’s not fake. You can tell Mr. Blake genuinely wants to be here. He wants to get to know you and see you grow.”

Tara Wesoloskie, parent of a 9th grader, said, “It is very special to see how well Mr. Blake knows our kids. He gets to know them on a personal level and has a handle on their entire experience. Mr. Blake pushed our son further than even we thought he could go.”

Rebecca Kennedy, who has a 10th grader at Coventry, observed, “Mr. Blake connects with every student on the spectrum and knows how to motivate every one.”

Blake will be honored by CAS at the “Celebration of Distinguished Administrators” to be held on Oct. 23, 2019, at Saint Clements Castle in Portland.

Story courtesy of CAS