Efe Agbamu, a principal at Park High School in Cottage Grove, has been named Minnesota's secondary principal of the year.

The award for middle and high school principals recognized Agbamu for her ability to achieve academic and community goals, for improving teaching and learning and encouraging a positive school environment for staff and students.

Agbamu, who has been at the school for four years, instituted an International Baccalaureate (IB) program at the school in 2009. IB programs generally involve more challenging courses and make students internationally competitive.

Before going to Park, she was principal of Highland Park High School in St. Paul, also an IB school.

Agbamu now will compete to become the national secondary principal of the year. That winner will be named in September.

DAAREL BURNETTE II