After serving as a deputy principal for 11 years, Shane was presented with a Life Membership to the NSW Secondary Deputy Principals' Association (NSWSDPA) in early December, then later that month, he was promoted to principal.

Shane was born and raised in Gloucester, attending Gloucester Primary School from 1977 until 1983, then off to Gloucester High School from 1984 until 1989.

As a young man, Shane wanted to a professional sportsperson or an engineer, but as he progressed into his senior years, he began to warm to the idea of becoming a teacher.

"I enjoyed Warren Goodrich's classes and thought it look like an alright job," Shane said.

And so began Shane's journey to becoming a high school teacher.

Cobar High School has been Shane's second home since 1995, where he taught technological and applied studies (TAS) until taking on the relieving deputy principal position in 2007.

Shane feels a connection to Cobar as it's very similar to Gloucester in many ways.

"Both populations are about the same, they are both working class towns and everyone knows (or thinks they knows) everyone else's business," he said.

"Being small towns the sense of community really shines in times of adversity and the people come together to support each other.

"Regional communities have a greater sense of what community actually means," Shane said.

Being recognised for his years of service as a deputy principal is quite an honour for Shane, who is believed to be the first Western Region deputy principal to be awarded life membership.

"I'm a bit chuffed really," he said.

"It is a really nice way to finish my time as a deputy principal.

"To be recognised by my peers across the entire State is great feeling. It makes the endless hours spent driving thousands of kilometres worthwhile as well as acknowledging the many days away from my family."

Not to mention the pride felt by his mother, Dorothy, who remains a Gloucester resident.

"He really deserved to get it," she said in reference to both the award and the promotion. "He really loves the place."

The NSWSDPA supports government school deputy principals across the State working to enhance the effectiveness of deputy principals through advocacy, support, professional learning and collegial networks.

Shane has added to the list of 22 deputy principals to be honoured with a life membership to the association.