MOSES LAKE — It was an exceptionally well-kept secret.

Especially since most of the people keeping that secret were grade-schoolers. And the secret they were keeping was from their principal, Kelly Frederick.

That she had been named the Association of Washington School Principals’ “Principal of the Year” in the Columbia Basin.

And so when she was called to the gym on Tuesday afternoon at a little past 3 p.m., Frederick was certain it was just another thing principals have to handle.

“When I came in, I didn’t even have a clue,” she said. “They told me to come in, there was a discipline problem, so I probably came in looking like…”

And she made a serious, stern, angry face.

Instead, Frederick was greeted by her whole school — teachers and students — as well as fellow principals from across the Moses Lake School District, senior administrators, a few members of the school board, and her family.

“I am so surprised, and I’m also very honored,” Frederick said.

Frederick attributed the award to the quality of the students at North.

“No one can be a principal of a school unless they’ve got the kids that show the grit and the perseverance when things get tough and schedules get crazy, that they will try their hardest whether it’s an assignment they want to do or an activity in the gym they want to do,” Frederick said.

“I am so pleased that people from all over the Columbia Basin are here, principals, administrators, your teachers, and they all recognize that I am lucky enough to get to work at North Elementary school,” she added.

Frederick reminded her students that they have a purpose in life, and a purpose for being at North Elementary School.

“It is to learn, to show grit, to be kind, and to dream about what you’re going to be in a few years,” she said.

She also asked her gathered students to be careful and stay safe over the Christmas and New Year’s holidays.

“We want you to come back in January and be the best North Stars you can be,” Frederick said.

Charles H. Featherstone can be reached via email at countygvt@columbiabasinherald.com.