It's been a good year for the Foothills School Division when it comes to awards.

Earlier this year, a new teacher was awarded the Edwin Parr Teacher Award, and now the Province is honouring an Okotoks principal as well.

Vincent Hunter, principal of the Foothills Composite High School and Alberta High School of Fine Arts, was recently acknowledged for his hard work, with the Distinguished Leadership Award.

Hunter says the award is given on a basis of never settling, striving for better and doing your very best.

"I know it focuses on leaders around the province in education, who are working hard with their colleagues to move learning in a direction that is current and thoughtful to the educational needs of our future, which is our students."

The nomination surprised Hunter, he says he's never really though of himself as a leader, but rather someone who watches and learns from other leaders around him.

"What I do, is look around and I think to myself  how lucky I am to be surrounded by great people and work with great colleagues." Hunter shares "I spend more time looking at individuals thinking how they've lead me.  I certainly don't think of my self as anything special, just lucky to be in this position and work at a great school."

Principal Hunter has a message of encouragement for the team that made it possible for him to win this award.

"I want them to know that in no way, shape or form do I see this as an individual award. This is 100% a reflection of the work that they do. That was important to me, when I was told I was receiving this, there was almost a sense of guilt because you're only as good as the people you're surrounded by and I have an amazing team."

The Distinguished Leadership Award is given out by the Province, but nominations come from the individuals school divisions.

On the FSD's website, it says the requirements to receive this award have to do with taking charge, and making the future of education better.

"The CSL Distinguished Leadership Awards creates a learning community of outstanding principals and assistant principals throughout Alberta who can share professionally, interact collegially and act as mentors to new colleagues.  It provides avenues for research and sharing of best practices.  The cadre of Distinguished Alberta School Leaders are people who are looking to challenge the status quo, improve learning in their contexts, and be equipped for higher levels of leadership. "

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