The Diocese of Salina is proud to announce that Amanda Cook, Principal of St. John’s Catholic School in Hanover, has been named the recipient of the Kansas Association of Independent and Religious Schools (KAIRS) Distinguished Educator Award for the Salina Diocese.
Amanda Cook is a proud alumna of St. John’s Catholic School in Hanover, where she grew up and cultivated a lifelong passion for Catholic education. After graduating from St. John’s, she earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Elementary Education from Benedictine College in Atchison, Kansas, and later completed her Master’s in School Leadership from Benedictine College in 2021. Before becoming Principal of St. John’s in July 2019, Amanda served as a teacher and coach in Hanover for 20 years. She is a devoted parishioner of St. John’s Catholic Church and, with her husband, Jeff, is raising their three children while enjoying family life, traveling, photography, and working on the family farm.
Guided by the school’s mission of Educating the Whole Child—Mind, Body, and Spirit, Amanda has fostered an environment that is both welcoming and inspiring. Her colleagues at St. John’s say, “Mrs. Cook creates an environment at St. John’s where everyone feels like family and everyone feels safe. She always has an open-door policy. She is understanding and supportive to staff and students and collaborates well with the public school to accommodate their students and ours. She keeps abreast of the latest technology and does her best to implement it in our school. She goes above and beyond the call of duty as a teacher/principal. Many generations of her family have attended St. John’s—making it a special place for her to teach. Mrs. Cook is dedicated to making St. John’s the best it can be.”
Superintendent Geoff Andrews echoed this praise, commending Amanda’s dedication: “Amanda’s life is a testament to her deep commitment to Catholic education and her community. Her passion for supporting students and staff, combined with her strong connection and communication with the Hanover community, make her a leader who truly inspires and uplifts those around her. She is an outstanding example of what it means to serve others with faith and purpose.”
Amanda’s work ensures that St. John’s Catholic School continues to serve as a cornerstone of faith-based education, positively impacting the lives of students and families in the Hanover community.
Amanda will receive the award at the KAIRS Annual Banquet in Topeka, on Monday, February 10.
