One of Harrison School District 2’s educators has received statewide recognition.

Mountain Vista Community School Assistant Principal Nicole Paxton has been named Colorado’s 2025 Middle Level Assistant Principal of the Year, D-2 announced Friday in a news release.

The distinction comes from the Colorado Association of School Executives. The association works to empower Colorado education leaders through advocacy, professional learning and networking.

Paxton was selected by a committee of her peers through a process facilitated by the Colorado Association of Secondary School Principals and the National Association of Secondary School Principals, the release stated.

According to Mountain Vista’s website, Paxton’s career spans urban, suburban, and rural school systems, including traditional, alternative and charter environments from K-12 to district leadership over 20 years. Throughout this time, she has taught secondary mathematics, CTE Business Pathways and STEAM courses, guided student council initiatives, and coached students to reach their full potential.

With more than 12 years of experience as an assistant principal, including five years at Mountain Vista, Paxton was credited for her impact on both her students and staff in a news release by D-2.

“When parents are actively involved, students thrive,” Paxton said in the release. “By having these groups that meet once per quarter, parents can be directly involved within the school and are better able to support their child’s learning.”

Paxton will be recognized next spring at the 2025 Colorado Association of School Executives Awards Reception. She will also represent Colorado at the NASSP National Principals Conference this summer and be eligible for the National Middle-Level School Principal of the Year Award.