In 2010, when our founding principal, Steve Small retired, we were having difficulty summing up Steve's contribution to Maverick in a few words that would fit on the award we wished to present him. We gave the students a journal so they could write their heartwarming stories about Steve.  Once again the students came through, as they always do!  Steve they said is "The heart of Maverick"

To honor Steve's legacy and his 18 years of contributions to the school we decided to create an annual award.  As well Steve and his wife Shannon had decided to create an annual award.  So… we did what we always do.  We stayed true to our core beliefs of Maverick, our student driven school, and we handed this idea over to the students and they then created the Heart of Maverick award and the criteria and process that this award would have.  This award will be presented at a special class meeting during may or june.  Steve and Shannon donate the cash prize and the students decided this would presented consisting of 1 one hundred dollar bill and 40 five dollar bills encased in an engraved money clip, in other words what the students wanted was a big wad of cash. A wall plaque will be displayed in the school to indicate each year's recipients