Salem, Oregon – The Coalition of Oregon School Administrators (COSA) and the Oregon Association of Secondary School Administrators (OASSA) are pleased to announce that Erik Lathen, Principal of Illinois Valley High School in Cave Junction, Oregon, has been named the 2025 High School Principal of the Year. This prestigious award recognizes Lathen’s exceptional leadership and his transformative work in creating a student-centered culture of respect, excellence, and determination at Illinois Valley High School.

Lathen’s leadership journey at Illinois Valley High School began with a bold challenge: revitalizing a school serving three of Oregon’s most economically disadvantaged zip codes. Despite these obstacles, he quickly established an inclusive and supportive environment where students and staff thrive. “In a matter of weeks, Erik had truly transformed Illinois Valley into something amazing and highly reflective of the eight years he invested at North Valley High School,” shared Superintendent Dave Valenzuela. “His ability to inspire, connect, and lead has been instrumental in turning Illinois Valley High School
into a model of excellence within our district.”

“It’s hard to be a high school principal,” COSA Executive Director, Dr. Krista Parent shared. “[Lathen] has shown extraordinary leadership in challenging times and has made a lasting impact on his community.”

Under Lathen’s leadership, Illinois Valley High School adopted the core values of Respect, Excellence, and Determination, now embodied in the school’s “Live RED” philosophy. These principles are integrated into daily life at the school, fostering a culture where positive behavior is the norm, and every student feels valued. “Today, students and staff know what it means to Live RED, and they strive to uphold these values daily,” Valenzuela added.

Lathen’s impact extends beyond the school walls through his distributive leadership style. By empowering staff with leadership opportunities and promoting collaboration, he has inspired four team members to step into administrative roles within the district. His ability to lead with humility and purpose has not only transformed Illinois Valley High School but also strengthened the broader Three Rivers School District.

Erik Lathen will be honored at the annual Seaside Conference in June 2025, where colleagues and education leaders from across the state will celebrate his exceptional contributions to Oregon’s public schools. He will also be nominated for the National High School Principal of the Year.