Brian Butson, principal of Frances Brandon Pickett Elementary School in the Queen Creek Unified School District, was honored last week as 2021 Administrator of the Year during the Arizona Health and Physical Education convention in downtown Phoenix.
"It’s always great to get recognized for anything, but health and physical education is very important to me," Butson said. "Physical wellness in general is a huge priority in my life, so this award is very special for me."
Brian Webster, physical education teacher at Frances Brandon Pickett Elementary School, nominated Butson for the honor.
"Brian is known to his staff as a very passionate person when it comes to his profession," Webster said. "Brian is also a principal who can be seen around campus. He is a true believer in leading by example. His presence in leadership has been a welcoming and refreshing change at Pickett Elementary. His endless energy is an inspiration for his staff and students. He takes the time to connect with students on a physical and emotional level to get the best out of them behavior wise. He also transcends this connection to staff. Brian has this uncanny ability to seek the best solution through discussion rather than just dictate. This holistic approach makes him beloved by students, staff and parents."
Dr. Jennifer Houston, president of Arizona Health and Physical Education, who presented Butson with the Administrator of the Year Award on Nov. 2 at the Arizona Health and Physical Education Honor and Recognition Awards dinner at the Children's Museum of Phoenix, said Butson is a huge asset in supporting special areas, including physical education.
"Mr. Butson has only been an administrator for four years, but he's made a huge impact on his staff and students. Without the support from administrators like Mr. Butson, implementing a quality physical education program can be challenging to say the least," Houston said. "It is unfortunate that some administrators do not understand how physical education is a part of every child’s school curriculum. Mr. Butson is supportive to all staff and is inclusive in the decision making process for staff and programs. He is a hands-on administrator often helping students one on one and is open to help and support wherever needed."
Arizona Health and Physical Education provides leadership through continuing professional development and advocacy that ensures effective delivery of evidence-informed school physical education and community-based physical activity programs that foster healthy, active and physically literate youth. This was their first in-person annual downtown Phoenix convention since being forced to go viral last year during the COVID-19 pandemic.
