Thursday, 31 March 2011 10:25

Richard Montgomery, principal of St. Mary School in Derby will receive a 2011 Distinguished Principal Award from the National Catholic Educational Association.
He will be honored at an awards ceremony during the association’s annual convention and exposition April 26-28 in New Orleans, La.
“I was very surprised and very humbled because there are many, very good administrators and principals in our diocese,” Montgomery said, adding that the award is a testament to the support he receives from families, teachers, priests and others interested in good Catholic education.
Brother Robert Bimonte, executive director of the NCEA Department of Elementary Schools said Montgomery has built a reputation of leading as a faithful steward, invoking a sense of calm and a spirit of collaboration.
“He spent several years forming a parish coalition to build a new school, on which the parish broke ground in spring 2010. He prepares students to go out into the world with a solid foundation of spiritual and academic strength,” Brother Bimonte said.
Montgomery said his philosophy is simple: everything we do is a teachable moment. “Do it with Christ at the center,” he said.. “I try to involve the staff and parents as much as possible in the school. Once they see what a special blessing God has provided in this school, they want to be part of it.”
Montgomery is one of 12 principals nationwide who have earned NCEA’s top award for principals this year. The following will also be honored.
Brother Bimonte said those to be honored are gifts to the Catholic Church and shining examples for all educators to emulate.“Through their faith-filled leadership and dedication to excellence, these outstanding principals provide the best in Catholic education to students, families and communities across the country,” he said.
About the Convention
NCEA’s annual convention and exposition, which draws educators, administrators, pastors and parents from throughout the nation, will offer general sessions, liturgies, departmental meetings, and development and technology sessions. The event at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center will also feature an exhibition of the latest in educational products.
Keynote speakers will include Sister Helen Prejean, author of Dead Man Walking and noted death penalty opponent, and Father Michael Himes, professor of theology at Boston College and frequent speaker on Christian theology, sacramental principles and ethics.