WCHS Assistant Principal finalist for Ohio Assistant Principal of the Year

Westerville Central High School Assistant Principal Eric Nickel is among 11 assistant principals who have been named finalists for the Assistant Principal of the Year by the Ohio Association of Secondary School Administrators.

“To be nominated just means the world to me,” he said. “I take a lot of pride in what I do so to be nominated, especially with the group of people who were nominated, it’s huge. I really appreciate it.”

Principal Dawn Sayre nominated Nickel for the annual award, which recognizes outstanding middle level and high school assistant principals who have succeeded in providing high-quality learning opportunities for students and have made exemplary contributions to the profession. 

“This is my 26th year in education and he’s one of the best I’ve ever worked with,” Sayre said. “I wouldn’t want to run this school without him.”

Nickel taught in Westerville for 17 years before becoming dean of students at WCHS in 2018. He became assistant principal a year later.

In their recommendation letters for the award, teachers and administrators described Nickel as a mentor, role model and “the glue that holds the building together.”

“He has always been an individual who puts the needs of others above his own, builds up the people around him and promotes a safe and encouraging culture,” science teacher Anthony Forrest wrote.

"His contributions and significance for our students and staff at Westerville Central will foster great success in all of our future endeavors."