 | Dr. David K. Abrahamson, 2009 Honors
 | | Dr. David K. Abrahamson |
Dr. David K. Abrahamson honored for outstanding contributions to education
by Steven K. Abrahamson, principal
Ridgeview Elementary, Bloomington
On Wednesday afternoon, February 4, during the 2009 MESPA Institute, I was invited to attend the annual Twenty-Five Year Club meeting at the Sheraton Bloomington Hotel. At their gathering, Dr. David K. Abrahamson received their Outstanding Educator Award for 2009. The award is given to acknowledge outstanding contributions to education by honoring a retired principal who has continued to be actively involved in the profession, honoring the accomplishments he has made both before and after retirement.
As a fellow elementary principal, I have had a number of wonderful opportunities and unique experiences over the past 15 years. I truly count it a privilege having been asked to write a brief article highlighting Dave as the 2009 recipient of this award.
Dave is a retired principal from St. Anthony-New Brighton. He continues to be very passionate about education. He also is a former adjunct professor and site coordinator with St. Mary’s University of Minnesota. Through his years mentoring teachers and new principals, Dave has taught us many important truths about teaching and leading. Servant leadership is one of the foundations of who Dave is. MESPA is an organization that serves its members. Dave’s example of servant leadership truly captures the spirit of MESPA. He continues to volunteer many hours to MESPA, Salem Covenant Church, and the St. Anthony Village Kiwanis, organizations that were important  | | Steven K. Abrahamson, principal, Ridgeview Elementary, Bloomington |
to him during his years in the principalship. After retiring, he continued to serve teachers, students, and communities in several interim-principal positions. These periodic opportunities to lead school communities allowed him to remain close to educational leadership issues and practices, yet travel and begin to enjoy some benefits of retirement.
Dave is a man of strong faith and love for his family. He knows the importance of putting faith and family first, even with the difficult time requirements of the principalship. He is one who always stressed the importance of keeping a balance in life. He modeled how critical it was to make connections with my colleagues, being involved in MESPA, and giving back to others through participating in leadership. He taught me that, as a principal, we are in unique positions to build community, inspire students, provide opportunities, and mentor both staff and families.
Dave has high expectations for others, but even higher expectations for himself. Dave is a compassionate individual who thrives on building relationships with everyone in his school and the organizations he serves. He taught me that at the heart of every decision – whether large or small – is the impact on the students, the children he serves. Often his grandchildren will ask, “What would Grandpa do?” or even say to me, “Let’s check with Grandpa” when we find ourselves in a situation that is difficult or one that needs deep insights. Dave has always shown tremendous integrity in his advice and decision-making.
I am honored to call Dave Abrahamson a friend, mentor, and my father!
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