Amanda Cook

Amanda Cook serves as principal of St. John’s Catholic School in Hanover, Kansas, where she is dedicated to fostering a faith-filled school community in which students are known, loved, and encouraged to grow academically, spiritually, and personally.

A Hanover native and proud graduate of St. John’s Catholic School, Amanda earned a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education from Benedictine College in Atchison, Kansas, and a master’s degree in School Leadership from Benedictine in 2021. She devoted 20 years to serving students as a teacher and coach before becoming principal of St. John’s in July 2019. With more than 27 years of experience in education, she is especially committed to supporting teachers, building strong relationships with families, and preserving the important role of Catholic education in rural communities. In February 2025, Amanda was honored as Educator of the Year.

Amanda was raised in the Catholic faith and is an active parishioner of St. John’s Catholic Church. Her leadership is rooted in the belief that Catholic schools are called to educate the whole child, form disciples of Christ, and help each student recognize and use his or her God-given gifts.

Amanda and her husband, Jeff, have two sons and one daughter. They enjoy traveling, spending time with their extended family, and working together on the family farm. Amanda also enjoys photography and can often be found capturing special moments for student-athletes from St. John’s and Hanover High School.