For the second time in his 12 years at Manteo High School, principal John Luciano has been selected as Principal of the Year for all Dare County Schools.

Chosen by his peers and members of Central Office, Luciano exemplifies the qualities needed to receive this award, not only once, but twice. 

Luciano typifies the skills necessary to run a successful school. He sets high standards for instruction and student achievement, he recruits and retains quality teachers, he establishes a good rapport with this staff and he creates a positive and safe learning environment.

“I am very proud that Mr. Luciano is Principal of the Year; his recognition is long overdue,” English teacher Anna Thomas said. “He deserves this award because he always puts the interests of the student first, and works hard to ensure that all students are given equal opportunities.  On a professional level – he is receptive to new ideas, is approachable and consistently supports his faculty in all that they do for Manteo High. Mr. Luciano has a good sense of humor which probably helps him hold onto his sanity some days!”

The school has continued to see growth under Luciano’s leadership. He is a strong believer in data-driven instruction, using EVAAS (Education Value-Added Assessment System) with his faculty to set short and long term goals and provide individualized instruction.

“This award is a reflection of the success of our students and staff,” Luciano said. “I am simply the representation for them.”

Luciano attended college at Long Island University and University of New Hampshire. He then earned a master’s degree in mathematics from Long Island University, and he completed his administration work at the University of New Hampshire and the University of Massachusetts.

Luciano began his career in education in the Bronx. After teaching math and science in the Bronx, Luciano moved to New Hampshire. In New Hampshire, he continued to teach math before  moving into administration. Prior to his tenure at Manteo, Luciano served as a principal at high schools in New Hampshire, New York and Connecticut. He brought with him a total of 20 years in administration when he arrived here in 2006.

Luciano has been in the school system for 40 years now and has spent the last of them here at Manteo High. Luciano intends on staying at Manteo High School to finish out his career in education.

“I love Manteo and I hope that my granddaughter goes through these schools,” Luciano said. “It is a great community with a lot of support and the teachers here at Manteo are outstanding.”