The award, which is conferred by the US Department of Education and the National Association of Elementary School Principals, was initiated in 1984 to recognize public and private school principals who make superior contributions to their schools and communities. The honor was bestowed upon an exemplary principal in each of the fifty states and in US schools in several foreign countries. Ms. Haworth is one of five private school principals to merit the prestigious title.

Hollis Thoms, Co-Interim Director of Lutheran Schools of Southern California and Hawaii (LSSCH), a CAPSO affiliate, describes Ms. Haworth as a model of effective leadership and the "driving force" behind Laurel Hall's successful expansion program. "Her leadership hasn't been confined to her own school," added Mr. Thoms, "she serves a larger community of schools as Chairperson of LSSCH and always sees a project through from beginning to end."

Making the story even more special is the fact that Ms. Haworth is, herself, a graduate of Laurel Hall. Prior to assuming the principalship of the school six years ago, Ms. Haworth taught K-8 music, was a classroom teacher of grades K, 1, 4, and 5, and served as principal of the First Lutheran School in Torrance. She has also directed a performing arts program.