Associate principal Lisa Gruman was presented with a Milken Educator Award at a school-wide assembly this morning. Gruman received an unrestricted $25,000, as well as the privilege to participate in the Milken Educator Network.

The Milken Family Foundation has recognized more than 2,500 educators, giving away more than $63 million dollars in individual $25,000 awards.

According the the Milken Family Foundation website, Gruman was honored because she is “always visible in the building and is often described as an administrator who works with students on an individual level.” Gruman has worked closely with the International Baccalaureate Program at Northwest and minority students to close gaps in reading and math achievement.

Senior Vice President Jane Foley of the Milken Educator Awards traveled from Santa Moncia, Calif. to present the award.

“ have a positive impact on education at an even broader level,” Gruman said. “I want to continue to look at ways to improve our NW community and look at ways to help education, in general, all over the state.”