Duane Larson, Vice Principal at Alice Ott Middle School, has been named Oregon’s Vice Principal of the Year for 2014-15. Larson, Vice Principal at Alice Ott since 2002, received the honor from the Oregon Association of Secondary School Administrators. He was honored at the organization’s annual conference in October, and will also be honored at the 2015 COSA Conference in Seaside.

The award, open to all high school and middle school vice principals in the state, comes just a year after Alice Ott Principal James Johnston was named Oregon’s Middle School Principal of the Year.  Johnston and Larson, along with the entire Alice Ott staff, have helped the school achieve Model School status for the last 3 years, accomplished by no other middle school in Oregon. Model Schools are designated by the Oregon Department of Education for outstanding student achievement.

“Students enjoy Duane even though he holds them to very high standards,” wrote Johnston in his nomination letter. “He is constantly in the hall joking and conversing with them to develop positive relationships. Duane has been at Alice Ott Middle School for 12 years and is a cornerstone to what we have been able to accomplish with student achievement.”

Larson grew up in David Douglas, attending Cherry Park Elementary, Floyd Light Middle, and graduating from David Douglas High School. He received degrees from George Fox College and Portland State University and did his student teaching at Alice Ott.

He joined the staff of David Douglas in 1991, beginning as a 6^th grade teacher at West Powellhurst Elementary before teaching math for three years at Floyd Light. He then served as an administrative intern and David Douglas Community Sports Coordinator before being appointed Vice Principal at Alice Ott.

“Duane ranks at the top of the list of vice principals that I have worked with in my career in multiple districts,” added Johnston in his letter. “He is exemplary, and I could not envision our school or climate without his expertise. He represents what is best about our profession.”