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COLORADO SPRINGS, COLO. -- Harrison School District 2 Superintendent Mike Miles has been named Colorado Springs' "Civic Innovator of the Year."

Every year, The Center for the Study of Government and the Individual (CSGI) honors community members who have made a difference in Colorado Springs.

"We look for success stories in our community that show how people can accomplish great things and overcome difficulties," CSGI Executive Director Dr. Jim Null said.

This year, CSGI presented Miles with the 2011 Civic Innovator Award for his innovative leadership that has helped improve teacher quality and student achievements throughout the Harrison School District.

"I am honored and so humbled," Miles said. "I get some credit, but the credit really goes to our teachers and principals."

Miles was awarded during a special luncheon at the Cheyenne Mountain Resort Tuesday. Several community leaders, school board members and school staff attended the ceremony. Many said Miles has transformed the struggling district into schools of excellence.

"He has turned around a school district that was on probation and about to go under," Null said. "His high number of at-risk students are now being accepted into colleges across the state."

Harrison High School Principal Cheri Martinez was among those at the ceremony. She said while Miles is "insistent and persistent, which can be difficult," he has proven to be a strong leader.

"He is absolutely deserving [of the award]," she said. "You couldn't ask for a better community leader right now."

Miles has been criticized for a number of changes he has made during his six years as superintendent. However, he said that is to be expected.

"We've made a lot of changes in the past five, six years," Miles said. " Anything transformative requires change, and not everyone is happy with change. I'm okay with the five angry people syndrome. I think we're just going to keep moving forward."

Null said it is that determination and strong leadership skills that earned Miles the title "Civic Innovator of the Year."

"While I may have done some innovative things," Miles said, "you can't be innovative without the community support, board support and the hard work of our teachers, principals and staff."