Chicago, IL (December 12, 2007)— Maureen E. Colin, principal of St. John of the Cross Parish School, located at 708 51 st Street in Western Springs, has been named one of twelve recipients of the National Catholic Education Association’s 2007 Dr. Robert J. Kealey Distinguished Principal Award.

According to Dr. Nicholas Wolsonovich, superintendent of Catholic schools for the Archdiocese of Chicago, “Maureen Colin is an outstanding administrator, who blends her administrative skills with community service to those less fortunate. Ms. Colin successfully leads St. John of the Cross Parish School’s educational program that is identifiably Catholic, academically excellent and financially viable, implementing the mission of schools of the Archdiocese.”

Mrs. Colin’s colleagues note her proficiency in implementing effective instructional methods, the child-centered learning environment she has created as principal over the past nine years at St. John of the Cross, as well as her extensive volunteer service record.

Prior to St. John of the Cross Parish School, Mrs. Colin served as principal at St. Leonard School in Berwyn, and was principal at Frances Xavier Warde School in Chicago for one year.

Chosen from a pool of more than 6,000 principals, Mrs. Colin will receive special recognition by the Office of Catholic Schools during its Heart of the Schools Awards ceremony on January 25, 2008. She will also be honored on March 25, 2008 at a special banquet on the opening evening of the annual NCEA Convention in Indianapolis.

Award recipients are chosen from the twelve geographic regions that comprise the NCEA Department of Elementary Schools. “Each has served at least five years as an elementary school principal and embodies the very best of Catholic education,“ said Brother Robert Bimonte, Executive Director of the NCEA Department of Elementary Schools.

Colin, who resides in River Forest, earned her master’s degree in educational leadership and administration from Dominican University (Rosary College) in River Forest and received her bachelor’s degree from Northeastern Illinois University in elementary education/special education.