By John Stegeman
The Catholic Telegraph

Principals from the Catholic schools of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati gathered April 29 at Voice of America Park in Butler County for their annual meeting and awards ceremony.

After being updated on various policies, procedures and important notes from the archdiocese, the principals were treated to the annual awards lunch. Awards are given annually to new principals, mentors, leaving principals and others in a variety of categories. Awards are also given to a pastor and business manager.

A breakdown of each award and its winners follow.

St. John the Baptist Award

This award is to those principals who “stick their necks out” to introduce new and innovative programs into schools. Regardless of whether it succeeds or, like St. John the Baptist, the principal becomes a “martyr,” this award recognizes courageous leadership.

Winners: Dionne Partee, St. Joseph. Steve Schad, Roger Bacon. Mike Goedde, St. Cecilia.

Civitate Dei Award

This award is given to principals who best exemplify the concept of Christian community among principals. Awardees build collaborative communities between school leaders and are unafraid to solicit or share ideas to help build the City of God (Civitate Dei).

Winners: Sharon Willmes, St. Theresa of Avila. Steve Zinser, St. Vivian.

St. Matthew Award

This award goes to a business manager who goes above and beyond in support of Catholic schools. Recipients are prudent financial managers but also understand the unique ministry of Catholic schools. The award is named for St. Matthew, patron of bankers, accountants and financial managers.

Winner: Skip Roos, St. Dominic.

Cure’ d’Ars Award

This award goes to a pastor who shows outstanding support for Catholic education. Not only the winner’s dedication toward their own school, but they champion the mission of all Catholic education in the broader archdiocese community. The award is named for St. John Vianney, patron of priests and also referred to as Cure d’Ars.

Grace Under Pressure Award

Called GUPpy for Grace Under Pressure, winners are faced with unfortunate circumstances but managed them with exceptional poise and professionalism.

Winners: Patty Beckert, McNicholas. Veronica Murphy, Purcell Marian.

Sister Helen Lucille Habig, RSM Award

Given to principals meeting two criteria: long-term service and impact. Recipients worked many years in the field of Catholic education and are “game changers” who help redefine the field. The award is named for Sister Helen Lucille Habig who worked in Catholic education for 58 years before retiring in 2014.

Winners: Patty Normile, Mercy Montessori. Sister Anne Schultz, Mother Theresa.

St. Peter the Rock

This award is for a member of the Catholic Schools Office who goes above and beyond, providing exemplary Christ-like service.

Winner: Wayne Morse.

Christ the Teacher Award

Given to a principal or principals who personify the ideal of Christ the Teacher, winners demonstrate not only excellence in school administration but in Christian service. Through love, compassion and dedication, they serve as examples of Christian leadership.

Winners: Patty Harner, St. Brigid. Polly Muhlenkamp, Immaculate Conception Celina.

New principals honored included Jarrod Zeiser (Annunciation), Dan Minelli (McAuley HS), Matt Schlotman (Royalmont Academy), Robin Johnson (St. Benedict the Moor), Karen Day (Mount Notre Dame HS), Joe Crachiolo (Our Lady of Lourdes), Gregg Marino (Catholic Schools Office), Sharon Bresler (St. Veronica), Susan DiGiorgio (Ascension), Alyssa Wagner (Catholic Schools Office), Karen White (Mercy HS), Joanne Browarsky (St. Francis de Sales, Cincinnati) and Cindy Hardesty (Catholic Schools Office).  Not pictured: Betsy Leu (St. Louis, Owensville) and Georgia Hertenstein (Piqua Catholic).

Mentor principals, those who help guide new principals, included Steve Zinser (St. Vivian), Sr. Pat Kremer (St. Christopher), Blane Collison (Moeller HS), Jason Fightmaster (St. Nicholas Academy), Jenny O’Brien (Holy Family), Kristin Penley (St. Al’s-on-the-Ohio), Jo Rhoten (St. Columban) and Marianne Rosemond (St. Mary, Hyde Park). Not pictured: Lora Krugh (Holy Rosary, St. Marys) and Karyn Hecker (Immaculate Conception, Dayton).

Members of the Principals’ Advisory Committee to the Superintendent included Lourdes Lambert (Alter HS), Bill Hicks (St. Joseph, Hamilton), Jeff Eiser (St. Clement), Corey Stoops (Guardian Angels), Dan Stringer (All Saints) and Sharon Willmes (St. Theresa of Avila). Not pictured: Mike Kirry (St Albert the Great) and Rich Klus (St. Lawrence)

Leaving principals included Steve Zinser (St. Vivian), Bob Herring (Nativity), Pete Dunlap (Catholic Central), Patty Harner (St. Brigid), Donna Brigger (Seton HS), Paul Beyerle (Bishop Leibold) and Sally Hicks (Our Lady of Grace). Not pictured: Karyn Hecker (Immaculate Conception, Dayton) and Larry Mock (Mt. Notre Dame).

Retiring members of the Educational Services Department, Ken Gleason and Cathy Bever were also honored for their service.

Posted June 8, 2015