ARCHDIOCESE - Two local educators learned last week that they are in a small group of Catholic principals and teachers to be honored this year by the National Catholic Education Association.

Mary E. Stratford, principal of All Saints School in Cincinnati, is one of 12 principals from across the United States to receive the 2008 NCEA Dr. Robert J. Kealey Distinguished Principal Award from the Department of Elementary Schools. Stratford was chosen from a possble pool of more than 6,000 principals.

CT/TONY TRIBBLE

Lisa Driggers was surprised with the news of her award at St. James School Dec. 4, as faculty and staff applauded the announcement.

The selection committee, upon reading Driggers' application and letters of reference and comparing it to the other applicants, could not say enough about how impressed they were with what this young woman accomplishes both in and outside the classroom.

Driggers, holding a bachelor's degree from Wright State University and a master's degree from Xavier University, is in her 11th year as a teacher of seventh-grade religion and English at St. James School, a four-time National Blue Ribbon School of Excellence.

Driggers states that her philosophy of education is, "Christ is the reason for this school . . . We are to teach all subjects in such a way that every child leaves our school better prepared to be a disciple of Christ."

Principal Donna Beebe and assistant principal Steffenie Brueneman said, "Miss Driggers is much more than a teacher or co-worker; she is an inspiration for all students, parents, and staff members at Saint James. Her optimistic attitude, relentless work ethic, perseverance and kind spirit serve as a model for all to follow. Her dedication and love for her students and the school are exceptional. She is highly thought of by her students, the parents, her peers and the entire Saint James School community."

Fellow teacher Jeffrey Fulmer stated, "Lisa is also one of the best teachers I have seen in the classroom. She is creative and energetic. She truly loves what she does every day, and that love is very apparent to her students, parents and the faculty. It is a love and passion that is infectious. Just teaching with her has made me into a stronger and better teacher. Lisa is always working to improve her lessons, to teach to each individual student and help each student reach his or her potential."

The professional history portion of the application indicates that Drigger has not only taught religion and social studies, but also has prepared her students for the sacrament of Confirmation. She has and continues to take an active role in more than 20 committees and school and parish projects. For 10 years, she has been a presenter for the Everybody Counts Program, which helps all persons young and old to be accepting of persons with disabilities.

Driggers does all this from the confine of a wheelchair which she has been in the greater part of her life.

Mary Stratford was selected for the principal's award as a result of the strength of her application and the very supportive letters of reference from her superintendent, parents and staff members.

Marianist Brother Joseph Kamis, superintendent of schools for the Archdiocese of Cincinnati, stated, "Mary is a strong educational leader who works with her pastor in providing spiritual opportunities which nourish the students and staff." Statford stated in her philosophy of education that she administers a "full service school" in an effort to meet the needs of every student and every staff member. She further stated, "The faculty is well aware of the expectations, often hearing 'It's always about the kids.' That statement guides our decisions."

Stratford holds a bachelor's degree in education from Youngstown State University and a master's from Xavier University. She is in her 13th year as principal of All Saints School. She says her three greatest accomplishments over these years are "faculty development, improved pedagogy through the use of technology and a safe and secure school."

A parent at All Saints School, Judge Jody Luebbers, wrote, "My children have grown in education and relgious matter far more than I had expected. This is primarily and directly attributed to Mary and the staff that she has in place."

Stratford and Driggers will be honored at special ceremonies and a banquet on the opening evening of the annual Convention of the National Catholic Educational Association on April 14, 2009 in California.