Susan Sparks is the 2013 Martin Luther King Jr. Spirit Award winner.

Sparks has been the principal at Ruth Livingston Elementary School since 2000. During her tenure, her students have exceeded state averages and standardized test scores, according to Saundra Hill, superintendent of the Pasco School District.

"Susan's vision, practical know-how, and stable leadership are the reasons Livingston is successful," Hill said in a statement.

Sparks started her education career as a third-grade teacher at Livingston in 1982. She moved into administration in 1999.

She will be honored at the annual MLK Day ceremony at Columbia Basin College at noon Jan. 21.