RATHDRUM - Patty Morrison is in her 21st year as a Lakeland Joint School District educator, but she's also a rookie of the year.

Morrison, who became Spirit Lake Elementary's principal last year when Steve Rasor retired, recently received the Idaho Gem Award for Rookie Administrator from the Idaho Association of Elementary School Principals.

"I am surprised to receive this award, but very honored to accept it for my wonderful school and the Spirit Lake community," Morrison said. "I am fortunate to begin my administrative career in the town of Spirit Lake. It is a beautiful part of North Idaho. Each day I'm thankful to see my bright students experiencing new opportunities with my talented staff."

Morrison was nominated by B.J. DeAustin, the Garwood Elementary principal and Morrison's former boss.

"I am surrounded by positive people who support me, including my district leadership teammates who are always willing to help me learn the details of my new role," Morrison said.

Morrison grew up in Pinehurst and graduated from Kellogg High in 1986. Her parents were math and science teachers.

"I grew up in a small, Idaho town, and I want all of my students to understand that learning, along with their strong character, create their ticket to realizing their dreams," she said. "The community is very supportive of this vision as well. Our kids are well-behaved and work very hard. We also have a lot of fun along the way. I simply work in an incredible place."

Morrison said she loves offering small-town kids a quality education.

"I enjoy recognizing and supporting the dedication I see in my teachers and staff as they clean the school, create lessons, teach about character and deliver school days full of learning opportunities in a safe and friendly setting," she said.

Morrison worked for 20 years as a K-2 teacher, Title 1 teacher and literacy coach in the district's five other elementary schools. She is on the state's Idaho Reading Indicator steering committee.

Other Lakeland staff who recently earned awards include:

* Lynette Wade, Timberlake Junior High math teacher, Numerica Champion Award;

* Georgeanne Griffith, Timberlake Junior High principal, Lifetime Achievement Award from the Idaho Middle Level Association;

* DeAustin, one of the three finalists for Elementary Principal of the Year by the IAESP; and

* Mary Ann Ranells, superintendent, Professional of the Year Award from the Rathdrum Chamber of Commerce.