South Ripley Principal Named a PLTW Outstanding Administrator

Derik Hutton is one of only 27 administrators across the U.S. to earn the award.

Derik Hutton. Photo provided.

(Versailles, Ind.) - South Ripley administrator Derik Hutton is one of only 27 administrators across the U.S. to earn the 2024-25 Outstanding PLTW Administrator award, which recognizes outstanding educational leaders for their commitment to providing students with meaningful learning experiences through Project Lead The Way (PLTW) programs.

PLTW is honoring Hutton for his work as the South Ripley Junior High Principal in the PLTW Gateway program. Currently Hutton is in his first year as principal of South Ripley High School after serving as the South Ripley Junior High Principal for the past four years.

“Derik Hutton has done a fantastic job leading an excellent staff of teachers at South Ripley Junior High for the past four years,” said South Ripley Superintendent Rob Moorhead. “His leadership of our PLTW Gateway program has provided outstanding hands-on learning opportunities for our students. We are pleased to see his efforts recognized by PLTW and look forward to his impactful leadership at the high school moving forward.”

SRJHS experienced a great deal of success under Hutton’s leadership. The school earned STEM Certification from the Indiana Department of Education in 2022 achieving a perfect score on the STEM rubric. Additionally, SRJHS was named a PLTW Distinguished School the past two school years and was named a Top Middle School by U.S. News and World Report. SRJHS has established itself as a leader in academic proficiency and is one of the top ranked schools in the state for number of high school credits earned by middle school students.

"One of the most important things we do at Project Lead The Way is recognize and celebrate impactful teaching and learning. Educators across our network are helping students become engaged in their learning, while preparing them for careers and their future," said Dr. David Dimmett, PLTW President and CEO. "We recognize their exceptional leadership and congratulate them for making an impact, not only on their students, but within their school communities.”

Each year PLTW honors outstanding teachers and administrators from across the network who play an immeasurable role in preparing students to thrive in college, future careers and beyond. Learn more about the PLTW National Awards at www.pltw.org/experience-pltw/national-awards/national-awards.