WASHINGTON, D.C. -The principal at Parkersburg South High School was in Washington Thursday to be recognized as the West Virginia High School Principal of the Year by the National Association of Secondary School Principals and MetLife.

Principal Tom Eschbacher also met with Sen. Jay Rockefeller at his Capitol Hill office where he was congratulated by the senator and had his photograph taken with him.

"Under Tom's leadership, Parkersburg South High School has maintained its status as a West Virginia School of Excellence, and has been successful in academic extracurricular activities, including state championships in policy debates and establishing a competitive band and music program," Rockefeller said.

"This award was determined by the judgment and evaluation of Tom's peers, which is truly a testament to the leadership and integrity he has shown, both as a principal and as a leader," Rockefeller said.

The Principal of the Year program recognizes leadership among high school principals. Principals are nominated and evaluated by their peers. The award is presented in Washington.

Parkersburg South has 1,650 students and the school consistently performs above state average on the West Virginia Educational Standards.