Union Center Elementary Principal Christopher Gabriel has resigned to join the Crown Point Community School Corp. as assistant principal at Colonel Wheeler Middle School.

Gabriel enjoyed success at Union Center in the Union Township School Corp., near Valparaiso.

The school earned National Blue Ribbon honors last year based on student academic performance. Gabriel has been the principal there since 2021.

“Chris Gabriel’s background in educational leadership, coupled with his strong ties to our community, make him an outstanding fit for this role,” said Crown Point Superintendent Todd Terrill. “We are excited to welcome him back to Crown Point, where he will be a valuable asset to our team at Colonel Wheeler.”

Gabriel began his education career in Crown Point as a technology education teacher at Colonel Wheeler Middle School from 2007-2016. He also coached junior varsity baseball and middle school wrestling.

Before coming to Union Center, he was the principal of the Wanatah Public School and also served as assistant principal and athletic director at Kouts Middle/High School.

Gabriel, a graduate of Merrillville High School, earned his teaching degree at Purdue University and completed his master’s degree in educational leadership at the American College of Education.

His first day with the district is Monday.

Carole Carlson is a freelance reporter from the Post-Tribune.