As Principal of Lakeridge Junior High in Utah County, Garrick Peterson is an exceptional educational leader who received an award for his efforts to mentor McKay School graduate students who are preparing to enter his profession. Peterson received the University Council for Educational Administration (UCEA) award for his contributions to the School Leadership Program in the McKay School Department of Educational Leadership and Foundations, working through the BYU-Public School Partnership.

“I always accept interns from the McKay School leadership programs,” said Peterson. “I work with them and train them as part of their master’s program to become principals.”

In addition to accepting interns, Peterson invites McKay School students to Lakeridge to learn more about what they can do as future leaders and to provide positive experiences for his faculty. “When BYU brings their school leadership students, it benefits my faculty,” said Peterson. “It is good because it helps them remember why they do what they do.”

Peterson said his own experience in the McKay School Leadership Preparation Program (LPP) helped him understand the important leadership role administrators play in schools. As he excels in his administrative role, he helps his interns gain that same vision as they become educational leaders.

“My whole framework changed after going through [LPP],” said Peterson. “I understood that…if you play [this role] well, you can really make a difference in the lives of kids.”