Sowams School Principal Jim Callahan received a special award on Thursday afternoon.

In front of all his students and teachers, Callahan received the Elementary School Principal of the Year Award from the Rhode Island Association of School Principals. The 20-year veteran administrator knew he had been named a finalist for the award, but did not expect the surprise ceremony, which was held in front of the school on Thursday afternoon.

Callahan had been called out to the district’s central office for a brief meeting on Thursday. That time allowed teachers to gather their students in front of the school. 

Before too long, Callahan arrived back at the school, greeted by all of the Sowams School students and teachers, as well as members of the school committee. With music playing in the background, Barrington High School Principal Joe Hurley welcomed Callahan, calling him the biggest superhero of all. Sowams School Nurse Denise Flores placed a red cape across Callahan’s shoulders. 

A short time later, Callahan thanked everyone for the honor.

“This is actually an appropriate way to get this award because I don’t consider this just my award,” Callahan said to the crowd of students and teachers. “Sowams does not run just because I’m the principal. Sowams runs because of everybody sitting out here in front of me. … We’re a team that works here together. 

“All the adults (teachers) that you see sitting out there, standing out there … it’s because of them that Sowams is such a great place. It’s because of all of you boys and girls that Sowams is such a great place. And because of your parents, who are so supportive of Sowams. So, yes, this award has my name on it, but really it’s for everybody sitting out here today because without these people I wouldn’t be able to do my job. So, I want to thank everybody sitting out there today for being such an amazing group of people that I’ve had the privilege of working with, many of you for the 20 years I’ve been here. So thank you.”

Flores nominated Callahan for the award. Flores said Callahan has always displayed steady leadership, and cares greatly about his staff and students. She said he is a modest person and is never looking for the spotlights. 

“Sorry, I gave it to you today,” she said.