A former student, deputy principal and acting principal, Ally Gibbons "chose herself" as the new principal of Rotorua Girls' High School - standing out above the rest.
Yesterday she was officially welcomed into that role in a rousing pohiri at the school that had shaped so much of her past - and was now to do the same to her future.
Speaking at the pohiri, Board of Trustees chairman Chris Nairn said there were many people pleased to see Mrs Gibbons appointed as head of the school, especially the people of Te Arawa.
"She was always the front runner for the position. It just took some longer to know it than others."
Mr Nairn said Mrs Gibbons had held various leadership roles both nationally and internationally, and understood both past and present teaching practice.