Perry High School principal Dan Marburger will be honored posthumously with an Iowa Character Award for "his love for his students and the Perry community," which culminated in his death protecting others from a school shooter.
The 17-year-old student shot and killed 11-year-old Ahmir Jolliff and wounded seven other people, including Marburger , before taking his own life. Marburger — who police say tried to intervene to protect students — died 10 days later.
"Dan believed all students deserve access to high-quality education and supported each student who walked through his halls. He felt that everyone had value and purpose," a news release announcing the award said. "Dan saved numerous lives during an active shooter event on Jan. 4, 2024, at Perry High School. His selflessness that day is perhaps the biggest example of Dan's character and his love for his students and the Perry community."
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Marburger will be one of 12 individuals and groups recognized for their exceptional character during a ceremony Friday hosted by the Robert D. and Billie Ray Center at Drake University. Iowans are annually recognized by the Ray Center for showing the six pillars of character, trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring and good citizenship.
Marburger will receive the 2024 Character Champion Award.
The late Marburger served in the Perry district for nearly 30 years , first as an associate principal in 1995 and then as principal beginning in 1997.
A news release from the Ray Center said Marburger developed multiple initiatives at Perry High School, including "High Schools that Work," Project CRISS (Creating Independence through Student Owned Strategies) and more. With the help of guidance counselors, he made sure students had the curriculum they needed in high school and he expanded college credit courses at DMACC Perry VanKirk Career Academy.
Other initiatives Marburger helped develop at Perry High School included a school resource officer program, an alternative school program, an at-risk program and a Mentors of Violence Prevention student leadership program.
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"Dan impacted the lives of thousands of students and staff members, ensuring each became a knowledgeable, skilled, and productive citizen of character," the news release said.
Marburger’s wife, Elizabeth, will accept the award on his behalf during Friday’s ceremony.
A televised special of the 2024 Iowa Character Awards recipients will air at 8 p.m. Aug. 7 on Fox 17. The special also will be posted at IowaCharacterAwards.org .
This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Perry principal posthumously awarded for 'selfless' acts saving others in school shooting
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