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Several leaders in Catholic education have been recognized for their dedication and commitment to advancing the mission of Catholic schools. The National Catholic Educational Association (NCEA) announced the recipients of its President’s Awards and Lifetime Commitment to Catholic Education Award on February 3. These honors will be formally presented during the NCEA 2025 Convention in Orlando, Florida, from April 22-24.
The NCEA President’s Awards are given to individuals and institutions that exemplify leadership in enhancing Catholic school education in the United States. The Lifetime Commitment to Catholic Education Award acknowledges those who have significantly advanced the mission of Catholic education over their careers.
This year, Ursuline Sister Joanne Callahan received the Lifetime Commitment Award. She leads the U.S. Province of the Ursuline Sisters of Tildonk in New York's Diocese of Rockville Centre. Sister Joanne stated that this recognition affirms her order and its foundress, St. Angela Merici, who emphasized Christian education for girls in the 16th century. "She was committed to educating women and children," Sister Joanne said.
Sister Joanne began her career as a teacher at St. William the Abbot Parish in Seaford, New York, before becoming principal after an assignment at a Connecticut high school. Later, she contributed to regional school planning within the diocese by organizing parishes into regions for continued Catholic education.
David Faber, superintendent of Catholic education for Michigan's Diocese of Grand Rapids, received one of the Presidential awards for his innovative approach toward expanding educational ministry despite Michigan not being a school choice state. “We created a vision for an alliance of schools,” he told OSV News.
Faber noted that their focus is on "evangelization growth" rather than enrollment growth to bring more young people and families closer to Christ.
Looking ahead, Sister Joanne emphasized increased investment in Catholic education amid current global challenges where traditional values seem diminished. “We need leaders who are going to be morally aware,” she said.
Alongside these recognitions were other awardees:
- Tamiko Armstead received the Catherine T. McNamee, CSJ Award.
- Msgr. Richard Duncanson was honored with the Msgr. John F. Meyers Award.
- Daryl Hagan earned the C. Albert Koob Merit Award.
- Lauren May was awarded the Leonard F. DeFiore Parental Choice Advocate Award.
“These leaders embody servant leadership,” said NCEA president Steven F. Cheeseman about this year's honorees.
Gina Christian is a multimedia reporter for OSV News and can be followed on X @GinaJesseReina.
