Terry Chapman Wins National Distinguished Principal Award

Arlington, Va.—Terry Chapman, principal of Our Lady of the Visitation Catholic School in Cincinnati, Ohio, will receive the 2012 Distinguished Principal Award from the National Catholic Educational Association (NCEA).

Chapman will be honored at an awards ceremony during the association's annual convention April 11–13 in Boston, Mass.

Principal of his school since 1988, Chapman has adopted the educational philosophy that effectiveness results when the school family works collaboratively and community develops in an atmosphere of respect. "Our motto is 'There are different gifts, but the same Spirit.' We use this to help kids see everyone has something to contribute and is valuable," he said.

"Terry has emerged as a visible leader among his fellow principals," said Dr. Jim Rigg, educational services director for the Diocese of Cincinnati. "He has successfully implemented a number of new and innovative programs in his school and ensured that all students are given the opportunity to succeed."

Faculty member Jennifer Gutekunst said that when Chapman makes decisions that affect the school, "his first question is always 'what is best for our kids?' He has truly used the gifts God has given him to make our school a great place."

Chapman is one of 11 principals nationwide who have earned NCEA's top award for principals this year. The following will also be honored:

• John Bennett, St. Aloysius Catholic School, Baton Rouge, La.
• Patricia Devanney, St. Anthony School, Winsted, Conn.
• William Geasor, Salve Regina Academy, Brooklyn, N.Y.
• Kimberly Hermsen, Mazzuchelli Catholic Middle School, Dubuque, Iowa
• Mary Kilar, St. John the Baptist School, Whitewater, Wis.
• Sheila Martinez, Our Lady of Victory School, Washington, D.C.
• Nancy Matteo, St. Andrew School, Newtown, Pa.
• Kathleen Murphy, Corpus Christi School, Piedmont, Calif.
• Suzette Williams, Catholic School of St. Eugene, Oklahoma, Okla.
• Kathleen Wollan, Nativity of Our Lord Catholic School, St. Paul, Minn.

"Our award winners demonstrate inspirational leadership, dedication to academic excellence and a strong commitment to offering their communities quality, faith-based education," said Christian Brother Robert Bimonte, executive director of the NCEA Department of Elementary Schools. "These distinguished principals embody the very best of Catholic education in this country."

About the Convention
NCEA's annual convention—which draws educators, administrators, catechists, pastors and parents from throughout the nation—will offer informative sessions, liturgies and networking opportunities. The event at the John B. Hynes Veterans Memorial Convention Center will also feature an exhibition of educational products and services from more than 300 companies.

Keynote speakers will include Father Ron Rolheiser, president of the Oblate School of Theology in San Antonio, Texas, and Dr. Mary McDonald, superintendent of schools for the Diocese of Memphis, Tenn.

The convocation of the National Association of Parish Catechetical Directors and the annual meeting of the Catholic Library Association will take place concurrently with the NCEA convention.

NCEA, founded in 1904, is a professional membership organization that provides leadership, direction and service to fulfill the evangelizing, catechizing and teaching mission of the church. NCEA's members include elementary schools, high schools, parish religious education programs and seminaries.

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