"If you walk into Irvington Middle School now, there is such a great vibe," said Irvington parent Jennifer Ruoff. "All the techers are smiling; the kids are smiling."

Ruoff—who has children in sixth grade and kindergarten—said her husband Craig made The Business Council of Westchester's "40 Under 40" list a few years ago, and that "it made a big difference in his career."

After working with Irvington Middle School principal David Sottile on Irvington's Diversity Foundation throughout the summer and fall, Ruoff and her husband decided he would be an ideal recipient of the award.

So they nominated him—and he was selected. Sottile received the prestigious award in a ceremony on Thursday night. 

"This is only his second year as principal—[Sottile previously served as an assistant principal in Eastchester]—and he has truly turned the middle school around," Ruoff said. "When he first came, he met with everyone in the school—custodians, secretaries and teachers—and asked them what they wanted to see change. He listened to what they had to say and steadily implemented the changes."

For Sottile, the award came as a huge surprise. "It was definitely unexpected," he said. "But it feels great. As an educator, there's nothing better than having someone let you know their child is having a good experience at your school."

Going forward, Sottile said his goal is to, "make sure the school and its culture are always improving. My hope is that the kids who walk these halls this year had a great experience and that next year's students have an even better one."

Every year the Business Council of Westchester selects 40 "rising stars" who are "making their mark in their chosen profession at a young age." 

"Everyone respects David [Sottile]," Ruoff said. "And that's crucial to being a great leader."