Arlington, Va.—Kathleen Wollan, principal of Nativity of Our Lord Catholic School in St. Paul, Minn., will receive the 2012 Distinguished Principal Award from the National Catholic Educational Association (NCEA).
Wollan will be honored at an awards ceremony during the association's annual convention April 11–13 in Boston, Mass.
During her 19 years as Nativity principal, Wollan coordinated an extensive eight-year renovation and expansion of the school. She also has worked with parish priests, school faculty and parents to strengthen Nativity's program.
"Together we have implemented a Family of Faith home support program for developing a stronger connection with our parents as they maintain their role as the primary educators in the ways of faith," Wollan said. Under her leadership, the school also designed a comprehensive program for students preparing for the sacraments and enhanced its Catholic identity with installation of religious art throughout the facility.
"In addition to her professional responsibilities, Kate has made time to be an active member of her parish and a contributing member of the broader community," said Martha Frauenheim, schools superintendent of the Diocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis. "Kate models the Catholic faith by her intrinsic desire to share the good news of Jesus Christ with everyone she meets."
Wollan 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.
- Terry Chapman, Our Lady of the Visitation School, Cincinnati, Ohio
- 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.
"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.
-end-
Back