A St. Joseph School District principal has received an award for her commitment to social justice and multicultural education.

According to a press release, Missouri Western State University presented the 2018 Drum Major for Justice Award to Coleman Elementary School Principal Heather Gladhart during an event earlier this week.

As previously reported, Missouri Western accepts nominations and gives the award to citizens who live ordinary lives but do extraordinary acts of service. The award is presented to one student, one member of the St. Joseph community and a Missouri Western employee.

Gladhart was nominated by Ellen Kisker for the work she has done at Coleman to develop the multicultural program and event at the school, which includes students from 24 countries.

“All the students attending Coleman Elementary have some form of activity where they learn about the students from other countries,” Kisker said. “They are taught civility and respect toward others. They are taught that unity, or working together, makes our community better and stronger.”

Kisker noted that Gladhart goes above and beyond in her work to connect with students and their parents.

“This award really belongs to all the staff at Coleman for the work that they do each day to ensure that all students feel welcome in our school, no matter their race or nationality,” Gladhart said. “Our diverse population is one of the things that I love most about our school. Together, we can help our students and community see the good in each other, to embrace our differences and be the change.”