MATTAWA — Saddle Mountain Intermediate School Principal Melissa Stevenson was named one of the state’s most effective administrators.

The Washington Association of School Administrators and PEMCO Insurance presented Stevenson with a 2009 Robert J. Handy Most Effective Administrator Award at a Yakima conference this month.

Only three administrators statewide received the recognition. Stevenson was the mid-size district category winner.

Along with the award, Stevenson received about $3,300.

Wahluke School District Superintendent Gary Greene said Stevenson is one of the most data-driven administrators he has worked with.

Stevenson is Saddle Mountain’s principal of four years and worked in the school district for more than 10 years.

Greene said Stevenson puts children first and staff second.

“If I were going to leave this district and open up my own school district somewhere, I’d try to take her with me,” he said.

He said Stevenson made him step up as a leader in the district.

In response to the award, Stevenson deferred recognition to her colleagues and students.

“My staff, through their dogged determination to do their very best on behalf of kids, challenges me to continue making improvements in my principalship,” Stevenson stated. “I appreciate their honesty and willingness to do what is necessary to ensure student success.”

The families in the community make school staff want to work in the Wahluke School District, she stated.

“I humbly accept this great honor on behalf of my staff, students, my superintendent, Gary Greene, and the board members of the Wahluke School District,” Stevenson stated.

She thanked the Washington Association of School Administrators for the award.