Highview Elementary School students, family and Board of Education members held a surprise assembly Tuesday morning to present Principal Matthew Lutz the Marvin Maurer Award from the Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence.

Lutz is among hundreds of thousands of RULER educators recognized for "outstanding commitment to embedding emotional intelligence into the fabric of a school, district, or community."

During the assembly, two students read nomination letters submitted to Yale, and presented Lutz with flowers.

Melisa Lipson, who nominated Lutz for the award, said he "consistently introduces fresh approaches that inspire both students and staff."

The Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence will officially honor Lutz at the 2024 RULER Implementation Conference next month in New Haven, Connecticut.