Huntsman Award for "Excellence in Education"

Today our wonderful Principal, Julie Larsen, received the Huntsman Award for "Excellence in Education".  She is the most amazing person I know in her field.  She started as principal the same year I started as a counselor.  She hired me when I was not even half way through my program.  After four years at Boulton Elementary, she was asked to work her magic at Oak Hills.  She asked me to come with her, and when the counselor spot became available, of course, I was thrilled to make the move with her.  She hit the ground running from Day 1, and has only increased in speed.  She always brings her "A" game.  She has supported me through thick and thin and thinner.  There was never a day she didn't have my back through a myriad of challenges in my life, not to mention all that she has done for our school. 

In January I started a quilt for her.  We wanted it to be sentimental, but also pretty.  I went around to everyone in the school and asked them to choose a word, just one word, that represented Julie to them.  They chose with great thought and care.  Everyone wanted their word to be perfect.  These words were embroidered on a fabric label which we attached to the back of the quilt.  Now when she wants to remember how we feel about her, she can wrap herself up in that quilt and read the words.  We were going to give it to her at the end of the year celebration we have to celebrate what we have done and goals for next year.  When we received word that she won the award, we sped it up and presented it to her today.  This morning Karen Huntsman and her team arrived to tell her that she was being so honored.  She will receive a check for $10,000 to spend however she wants.  There are only ten of these given in the state.  It is an amazing act of generosity and kindness on the part of the Huntsmans.  All in all, a great day at Oak Hills!!