FARMINGTON – Mt. Blue Middle School Principal Gary Oswald was named Maine’s middle-level principal of the year by the Maine Principals’ Association on Tuesday.

Oswald has worked for the school since 1986 when he was hired as a physical education teacher. He also served as athletic director and dean of students from 1996 to 1999.

“Gary Oswald exemplifies the very best qualities of the effective middle-level principal in Maine,” MPA Executive Director Richard Durost said in a prepared statement. “Because of his leadership, students thrive academically, teachers grow professionally, and the communities in MSAD 9 are strengthened.”

Durost also noted that Oswald volunteers in the community for special events at the local food pantry and animal shelter.

He received a bachelor’s degree from Plymouth State College in New Hampshire in 1983 and later a master’s degree from the University of Maine in 1999.

Oswald will be honored at the MPA’s Spring Conference awards banquet on May 1. He will also be honored by the National Association of Elementary School Principals and the U.S. Department of Education in corporate partnership with AIG VALIC in Washington, D.C. in October.