PENDLETON — Students at Pendleton Elementary School-Primary conducted a parade for Principal Eric Schill last week to celebrate a professional award he received.

Indiana Association of School Principals honored Schill as a Principal of the Year during a banquet Nov. 24 at J.W. Marriott White River Banquet Room in Indianapolis.

“I was keeping it hush, hush, and people found out about it unfortunately,” he said, explaining that he doesn’t consider the success at the school to be about him. “That award is a tribute to my team and the administration above me … the families.”

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The association recognizes “outstanding school leaders” in 12 Indiana districts who have provided “high-quality learning opportunities for students.”

Schill won the honor for District 5, which is comprised of Boone, Hamilton, Howard, Madison, Miami and Tipton counties. The selection was announced in May.

“These principals are acknowledged by their peers for the exemplary contributions they have made to the profession,” according to the association website.

Schill said he was “extremely happy and thrilled to be recognized” because it reflects on the “big family atmosphere” at the school that lays the groundwork for learning.

“Together as a community we’ve done a lot of things to succeed, but we still have steps to take that would help us in our future.

“I think we’re doing some great things,” he said. And, “There’s a lot of things I still want to do.”