New and unfamiliar faces swarm the halls of Wenatchee High School every September. Hundreds of unknown first and last names are attached to each person as they enter the building, and with walkie-talkies in hand, the administration stands by different entrances, greeting students. This year, another administrative office will be added to the mix. For Principal Assistant Annika Bibby, the large student body is far from frightening.

The 2015-16 school year will be Bibby’s second year at WHS. Last year, she worked in the special education department. Before that, she taught special education at Vale Elementary School in Cashmere for five years.

“I wanted to impact more students than just the ones I saw in my classroom,” Bibby said on her transition to WHS.

Bibby also has experience working at WHS as well, stepping in for Dean of Students BJ Kuntz last year while she was on leave.

Moving from the elementary school to the high school, Bibby came to Wenatchee to “broaden horizons and to know what it’s like to work with a bigger student body.”

Bibby herself has a significant education record. She attended Sedro-Woolley High School in Skagit Valley, and moved on to receive her undergraduate degree at Eastern Washington University, double majoring in elementary education and special education. She earned her master’s degree in education through Central Washington University. Bibby is currently finishing her administration credentials through Washington State University while she works as principal assistant.

With the future in mind, Bibby plans to stay in administration to keep supporting students.

“I love working with high school aged students,” Bibby said. “It’s really fun helping students find out what they want to do after high school, and helping get them on that path.”