Several years ago, Mattahunt Elementary Principal Walter Henderson led a school that wasn’t on the top of anyone’s list. In fact, by 2017, it was closed for repeated poor academic performance reviews.

Today, Henderson accepted a coveted prize on behalf of the Mattahunt, which has been named the ‘School on the Move’ by the non-profit school improvement organization EdVestors. The award comes with a $100,000 prize and positive attention to highlight the school’s increased academic performance and improved attendance.

“This is a journey; the Mattahunt story is a journey,” Henderson said during a ceremony announcing the award on Tuesday at the Westin Copley Hotel in Boston. “Nine years ago, the Mattahunt was down and out. We were one of the lowest performing schools in the state. So, you know, that was a setback, but a setback is just a setup for a comeback.”

The School on the Move prize — now in its 19th year—draws attention to Boston Public Schools, leaders, and teachers who create and continuously improve learning environments. By documenting and spotlighting the stories of advancement, EdVestors said it “aims to assist more schools in making substantial strides in their students’ progress.”

The Mattahunt comeback hinged on innovation in pioneering the nation’s first dual language Haitian Creole program for elementary school students. The school, set back in a quiet, wooded areas on Mattapan’s Hebron Street, has also fostered an inclusive and academically challenging environment while celebrating students’ cultures, and strong family and community engagement.

As a school where half of students speak a first language other than English, the Mattahunt is committed to academics in both Haitian Creole and English. The team uses assessment and observation data to target English language instruction for each student. With a commitment to the science of reading and tailored instruction, Mattahunt’s English learners have made significant strides in English language progress as measured by ACCESS and improved attendance. The community has taken notice: there are waiting lists for the Mattahunt’s Haitian Creole classrooms.

The Mattahunt will receive $80,000 in cash, with $20,000 designated toward best practice research, according to EdVestors. Fellow finalist schools – Boston Adult Technical Academy (Bay Village) and Josiah Quincy Elementary School (Chinatown) – will receive a $20,000 award.

Henderson said no child at the Mattahunt “will fall through the cracks,” and said showing love to the children is the key day in and day out.

“You know, there's an ancient script that says, love is patient, love is kind, it does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud, it does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, and it keeps no record of wrongs,” said Henderson. “Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails. If we love the children, they will never fail, and we will never fail.”

Also present at the gala Tuesday morning were Mayor Michelle Wu and Supt. Mary Skipper, who congratulated the Mattahunt on going from down and out, to up and coming.

“Our Boston Public Schools community is proud to celebrate the remarkable achievements of the Mattahunt. Their inspirational story shows that through the power of community and a strong shared vision, schools can deliver a high-quality education for every student,” said Boston Public Schools Superintendent Mary Skipper.