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Chinook Elementary School honored principal Anita Stevens during a surprise assembly on Thursday, Oct. 8, 2015. The group congratulated her on winning a National Distinguished Principal Award from the National Association of Elementary School Principals. Stevens said she was reading to a classroom when she was called to the gym. "Usually things don't get past me at all, but I had no clue," she said of Thursday's gathering. There, Stevens was given a sash and a crown, and staff, parents and students spoke in appreciation of Stevens' dedication to the school. Stevens, who said she was nominated anonymously for the award, found out she was a winner at the end of last school year. This month, award winners from many states will travel to Washington, D.C., for a three-day event. Stevens, who is in her seventh year as principal at Chinook and 25th year in the Anchorage School District, said she's humbled. "It was very overwhelming in a very positive way," she said.