At Maine Prairie High School, a continuation campus in the Dixon Unified School District, Arias said her leadership philosophy centers on prioritizing students’ academic and social-emotional needs. Photo by Nicolas Brown

DIXON, CA (MPG) – Angelina Arias, principal of Maine Prairie High School, has been named the 2026 Region 4 Continuation/Education Options Administrator of the Year, recognizing her leadership in alternative education and commitment to student success.

Arias said she was unaware she had been nominated.

“I was thoroughly surprised,” she said. “I had no idea that I had been nominated. I am honored by the nomination.”

According to Arias, she was nominated by Assistant Superintendent of Personnel Dr. Dan Scudero.

Arias described the recognition as a personal and professional milestone after years in education.

“The recognition means a lot to me,” she said. “I have dedicated my career to being the best version of myself in everything that I do. I have faced many highs and lows in my career, but this reward reaffirms that I was on the right path.”

She said the honor also reflects her background.

“Personally, I am proud to represent the Latino community as a successful Latina in educational leadership,” said Arias. “I come from humble roots where hard work was expected, where food wasn’t always available, and financial stability was non-existent.”

Arias said her parents, migrant workers, emphasized sacrifice and opportunity.

“I am proud to represent all of their hopes and dreams,” said Arias.

At Maine Prairie High School, a continuation campus in the Dixon Unified School District, Arias said her leadership philosophy centers on prioritizing students’ academic and social-emotional needs.

“My leadership philosophy is putting students first,” she said. “I look at the whole child when seeking to understand how to best support my students.”

She credited her staff for helping carry out that vision.

“I have an outstanding team at Maine Prairie,” said Arias. “I don’t do anything alone.”

Arias said her interest in education developed in college, where she explored ways to help others before pursuing school counseling.

“I always knew that I wanted to help people,” she said. “I looked into the school counseling program at Sac State, and I knew instantly that would be my career path.”

At Maine Prairie, Arias emphasized preparing students for life beyond high school through academic and practical skill development.

“Students are taught the skills they will need to master to be successful once they graduate,” she said, citing communication, problem-solving and adaptability.

She said creating relevant learning experiences and a supportive environment helps students apply those skills.

Angelina Arias, principal of Maine Prairie High School, has been named the 2026 Region 4 Continuation/Education Options Administrator of the Year, recognizing her leadership in alternative education and commitment to student success. Photo by Nicolas Brown

Arias also discussed challenges she has faced, including overcoming self-doubt early in her career.

“I put a lot of pressure on myself to not make mistakes,” she said. “This led me to doubt my abilities.”

Support from mentors helped her build confidence.

“I accept praise more willingly now,” said Arias. “I recognize that it has been my hard work that resulted in this nomination.”

Family and community engagement remain central to the school’s approach. Arias said Maine Prairie maintains communication with families, hosts events recognizing student progress and partners with local organizations to provide resources.

“We have been fortunate to partner with community clubs and organizations that benefit our students and staff,” she said.

She said she takes pride in student success across academics, social-emotional development and language acquisition.

“I am proud of removing the barriers that kept students from experiencing success,” Arias said.

Looking ahead, Arias said she hopes to expand the school’s role in the community through new programs and services.

“My goal for MPHS is for our school to be seen as the hidden gem that it is,” she said.

Arias expressed gratitude to those who have supported her work.

“A special thanks to Dr. Dan Scudero for nominating me,” she said. “Finally, I want to thank my wife Theresa, and our children as well as my family for being my lifeboat.”

She added that she is proud to represent her school and district through the recognition.

“I am proud of being recognized as the 2026 Region 4 Continuation/Education Options Administrator of the Year,” Arias said.