RANKIN INLET - Simon Alaittuq School principal Bev Hill of Rankin Inlet was shocked to learn she was among the 32 people from across Canada named as the country's most outstanding principals earlier this month.

Canada's Outstanding Principals program was developed by the Learning Partnership and is now in its seventh year.

The award is presented to principals who have made a measurable difference in the lives of their students and local communities.

Hill, 49, will join the other winners at a gala award ceremony at the Courtyard by Marriott in downtown Toronto on Feb. 8, and also participate in a five-day management course at the University of Toronto's Joseph L. Rotman School of Management.

Hill said while she knew she was nominated, winning the prestigious award came as a huge surprise. She said it's impossible to explain how you feel about such recognition.

"Being chosen to represent your territory, community and school is just over the top," said Hill.

"It's a super accolade to anyone involved in education, but, to me, this is a community and school award.

"Over the years I've learned from people like Simone Clark, Margo Aksalnik, Jesse Payne and Harold Goobie, just to name a few.

"You don't get to where you want to be without people pushing you forward."

Hill said she's looking forward to attending the five-day course at the University of Toronto.

She said the program should enable her to learn a number of new leadership initiatives.

"I'm hoping to bring back some new initiatives to share with the community.

"Our administrators work very closely together.

"That's reaffirmed my belief in public education and we have to promote it more.

"We work hard and tend to be hard on ourselves, so we have to step back once in a while to acknowledge what we're accomplishing."

Hill said the three Rankin schools use a total team approach.

She said that team effort is one reason why she was chosen for the award.

"There's no way I'd win this alone without the support of my staff and the other administrators in our community.

"And the parents have supported me and let me learn during my 21 years here.

"Being allowed to learn as you go along is one of the greatest forms of support you can receive."

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