The Central Minnesota Association of Secondary School Principals (CMASSP) recently held its annual awards ceremony at Pebble Creek, with Becker High School administrator Brian Baloun being named the High School Assistant Principal of the Year.

Baloun has served as a school administrator for the past 15 years, including stops in St. Cloud, Sartell and at Becker High School for the past eight years.

“My most rewarding part being an administrator is building the relationships I have over all of these years with students and parents,” Baloun said as he reflected on his career.   “I still get emails from parents and students from my other schools about goings-on, and appreciation for my work with their students, etc.    I have sincerely enjoyed my time in Becker, and am appreciative of the opportunity I have had to come and work here.”

BHS Principal Dave Kreft has worked with Baloun for the past six years and nominated his colleague for the award.

“Brian is so deserving of this award, as he is a shining example of what an assistant principal should and can be,” Kreft said.  “He is fully committed to Becker High School and will often say ‘whatever we need’ when presented with a challenge or task.  Brian navigates a firmness with students with flexibility to make sure each situation is handled appropriately, consistently, and with dignity.  I have been fortunate to work directly beside him for my six years in Becker.”

Reflecting on the award, Baloun was quick to dole out his appreciation for those he works with.

“The award is very much appreciated but humbling to me.  I’m not one to seek out any accolades,” Baloun said.  “This is shared with those I work with.  We are all doing our best each day to help build our students into good citizens when they go out into the real world after graduation.  Becker is a great place!”

Baloun also recently announced his retirement, with plans to spend more time at his cabin.

“It’s my sanctuary to get away and relax,” Baloun said.  “My wife still plans to work for a couple more years, so I may seek out a part time job.”

He intends to include some time traveling, and perhaps spending winters in a warmer climate.

His plans also might include, “spending some more time with my brother who just retired,” Baloun quipped, referring to his twin brother Brent, the recently retired former Police Chief in Becker.