The following post was contributed by Annette Jones, Assistant Director of Leadership Development at NCEA.
Recently, the National Distinguished Principals gathered for the prestigious award ceremony at the Capital Hilton Hotel. What an honor and a privilege to share the evening with such amazing and talented educational leaders! Sponsored by the National Association of Elementary Principals, the organization recognized public school, non-public, and international administrators.
The National Catholic Educational Association (NCEA) selected Anne Reap, Philip Riley, Jr., and Mary Pat Schlickenmaier as the 2015 Catholic National Distinguished Principals whose professional backgrounds were shared in the official program:
Anne Reap
Trenton Catholic Academy
Diocese of Trenton
Hamilton, New Jersey
For the past ten years, Principal Anne Reap has led the Lower School of Trenton Catholic Academy (TCA) with commitment, professionalism, and the ability to construct a technology-driven learning environment. Prior to her current position, Reap was principal of the Immaculate Conception School of Trenton, one of five schools in the area that was selected for consolidation in 2005. Despite having to close her school, Reap was proactive and began to prepare her staff for new jobs by providing resume-writing workshops and assistance with professional portfolios. Two months later, she was invited to serve as principal of the newly-formed Lower School, which serves a diverse population of 300 pre-kindergarten through eighth grade students. Today, she continues to foster staff growth by providing numerous leadership and educational opportunities. Reap is an avid supporter of technology and has written grants to obtain iPads, SMART Boards, and one-to-one student/laptop ratio in grades four through eight. Anne Reap holds a B.A. from St. Francis University and a M.A. in Educational Administration and Supervision from Seton Hall University.
Philip R. Riley, Jr.
Saint Monica Catholic School
Diocese of Dallas
Dallas, Texas
Philip Riley has been the principal of Saint Monica Catholic School for three years, but has held leadership positions in the Diocese of Dallas for a total of fifteen years. When he first arrived at Saint Monica- a large, pre-kindergarten through eighth grade school serving 810 students- one of his first tasks was to fix a faculty database system that had been causing profit losses for years. By upgrading to online programs for enrollment and tuition management. Riley has secured an accurate collection process, resulting in extra funds to provide financial assistance for families in need. In his short time at Saint Monica, he has made improvements in nearly aspect of the school. To ensure student engagement beyond weekly Mass, Riley developed a new service program based on the Catholic Social Teachings which include school-wide rosaries and a Eucharistic adoration. He takes personal interest in all of his students, but is especially supportive of those with special needs. By building a new Learning Center , implementing the Take Flight dyslexia reading program, and having two counselors to work specifically on Individual Education Plans, he has provided every student with an equal opportunity to learn. Philip holds a B.A. from Benedictine College and an M.S. from Texas A&M Commerce.
Mary Pat Schlickenmaier
Saint Rita Catholic School
Diocese of Arlington
Alexandria, Virginia
In her seventeen years at St. Rita Catholic School, Principal Mary Pat Schlickenmaier has used innovative approaches to create a vibrant community based on support, respect, and faith. Several years ago, the enrollment at Saint Rita was low with just 163 students. In an effort to increase the population, Schlickenmaier developed plans for a preschool program based on the Catechists of the Good Shepherd. As a result, Saint Rita now has 215 students , in grades kindergarten through grade eight, and forty-one preschoolers. By working with the community, Schlickenmaier has been able to secure additional resource including Title I services funded by Virginia and D.C., and a fully-equipped science lab with the help of local businesses. She accepted the offer for Saint Rita to be a pilot school for the Rowland Reading Foundation’s Superkids Reading Program. Mary Pat holds a B.A. from Loyola University and a M.Ed. from the University of Virginia.
How do Catholic school principals become part of the National Distinguished Principals program?
- The superintendent encourages the principal to complete the new Lead, Learn, Proclaim Application (to be posted on the NCEA website in the coming week).
- The principal completes the application and uploads the supporting documents.
- The superintendent signs the application form.
- NCEA personnel and other professionals evaluate the applications.
- Principals are selected for the Lead, Learn, Proclaim Award and/or the National Distinguished Principals program.
