Mt. Edgecumbe names new academic, residential principals as applicant deadline nears

Mount Edgecumbe High School has named new leaders for both sides of its statewide residential school model while reminding new applicants that their application materials are due by midnight June 15.

The Sitka-based residential high school announced Terrence Shanigan as its new residential principal and Dr. Neville Boone as its new academic principal in posts on the school’s Facebook page.

The appointments put separate leaders over the academic and residential sides of a school that serves students from across Alaska. For families sending students to Mt. Edgecumbe, that structure matters: the school is not only a classroom campus, but also a home away from home for teenagers from rural and urban communities around the state.

Shanigan is a Mt. Edgecumbe alumnus from the class of 1989 and has worked at the school before as a teacher, head coach and residential staff member, according to the school’s announcement. MEHS said his family connection to the school spans three generations and nearly 60 years.

He is Alutiiq from the Native Village of Kanatak and has served as tribal council president, tribal court judge and tribal administrator. His background also includes work as chief of staff in the Alaska State Senate, director of legislative and tribal affairs for the Municipality of Anchorage, an Alaska State Trooper and a U.S. Navy combat veteran. The school said he is also the parent of a current MEHS senior.

Boone’s background includes education administration in Georgia, South Carolina, Utqiagvik and Fairbanks, according to the school. MEHS said he is a former U.S. Marine and holds a doctorate in education administration and supervision from Liberty University.

Boone’s Alaska experience includes work as an assistant principal in Utqiagvik and an administrative role in Fairbanks. In the school’s announcement, Boone said his goal is to build a student-centered, family-oriented and community-driven environment.

The school also reminded families that the deadline for new applicants to submit all required application components is midnight June 15.

The reminder applies to new students only. Returning students should not submit a new-student application, according to the school.