SESSER (WMIX) – The principal at Sesser-Valier High School was surprised with the announcement during an assembly Thursday that she’s been selected as the 2024 Illinois High School Principal of the Year.

The Springfield-based Illinois Principals Association announced Thursday that they selected Natalie Page for the honor.

Page is in her eighth year as SVHS Principal. Prior to that, she taught at Sesser-Valier Elementary School for 18 years.

Page and her husband, Brian, live in Sesser.

US News & World Report named Sesser-Valier High School one of 2023’s Best High Schools.