Chad Cantrell, principal at Cactus Canyon Jr. High, 801 W. Southern Ave. in Apache Junction, was recently recognized by Kathy Hoffman, superintendent of public instruction for Arizona, during National Principals Month in October.

Ms. Hoffman encouraged educators to nominate a principal who positively impacted their community, according to a press release, adding that the team could share stories on Superintendent Hoffman’s social media pages.

Mr. Cantrell was nominated by an educator at Four Peaks Elementary, where he was principal prior to moving to CCJH, the release said.

Mr. Cantrell was selected based on “the nomination that spoke highly of his work at Four Peaks and Cactus Canyon and how he trusted his team, and in return, they trusted him,” according to Emily O’Neil, communications advisor for Ms. Hoffman, in a prepared statement.

The line from the nomination that was adapted into the social media post was “Chad Cantrell is a leader that allows teachers to be their authentic self while students are the focus.”