PORT ANGELES — Like most people, Mary Hebert drives home after a long day’s work to eat dinner.

But unlike most, afterwards she heads right back.

And she often stays there until 10 p.m., only to return at 7:30 a.m. the next day.

Since 1999, Hebert, 51, has been the principal at Dry Creek Elementary School.

According to teachers and Port Angeles School District officials, what sets Hebert apart isn’t just the long hours she puts in.

It’s her personal attention to students, parents and staff.

This week, Hebert was chosen as a winner of a KCTS Golden Apple Award, which honors a handful of state educators annually for their work in schools.

“She’s got huge vision,” said Amity Butler, a Dry Creek Elementary teacher who nominated Hebert.

“She focuses on every single child and on every single teacher, and tries to move us all forward.

“She doesn’t separate herself from her job.”

As part of winning the award, Hebert will have a KCTS film crew follow her around school later this year.