CHICAGO (December 6, 2004) – Richard Guerin of St. Bede the Venerable School, 4440 W. 83 rd St., is among a dozen principals from across the United States to receive the 2004 Dr. Robert J. Kealey Distinguished Principal Award from the National Catholic Education Association (NCEA). The award honors outstanding educational leaders from the twelve geographic regions that comprise the NCEA Department of Elementary Schools. These principals were chosen from a possible pool of more than 7,100 principals.

Guerin, a resident of Clarendon Hills, Illinois, has been principal of St. Bede the Venerable School since 1975. Prior to that, he was a teacher and assistant principal at Christ the King School, 9240 S. Hoyne Ave., and director of religious education at St. Mary School in Lake Forest, Ill. He holds a bachelor’s degree in philosophy and theology from St. Mary of the Lake Seminary and a master’s degree in education administration/curriculum supervision from Saint Xavier University.

“For nearly 30 years, Rick has dedicated himself to the students and faculty of St. Bede School and has made a difference in the lives of the children he serves,” said Nicholas M. Wolsonovich, Ph.D., superintendent. “He is a dynamic leader who has encouraged and mentored numerous teachers who have gone on to serve as principals in the Archdiocese of Chicago. We are proud of his accomplishments.”

During his tenure as principal, Guerin has offered professional development workshops to his faculty; brought the conflict-resolution program “Words Can Heal” to St. Bede; involved parents in the education of their children by hosting monthly “Breakfast with the Principal” meetings; mentored new principals; taught at Saint Xavier University’s graduate school; and served as chairperson of the local principal’s council.

St. Bede teacher Mary Ryan commented that Guerin “is an education leader in large and small ways. On a large scale, he ensures that a viable, engaging curriculum is present and taught at the school and meets with teachers on a regular basis; on a small scale, he visits classrooms daily and writes comments on every student’s report card each quarter.”

Parish Council and School Board member Nancy Goc observed that, “As a mentor – for young teachers just learning and those more seasoned through the years – Rick will always stay in touch. He’s first with words of encouragement and gentle advice. He practices what he teaches and is always looking for new ways to learn.”

Colleague Robert Smith, principal of St. Patricia School, Hickory Hills, Ill., said, “Rick’s vigor and educational vision are contagious. He is forever reading current research, attending meaningful workshops and participating in fruitful dialogue with a core group of experienced principals. He passes on his energy to all those with whom he interacts, both in and out of school.”

Guerin will receive the award at the NCEA annual convention in Philadelphia in March 2005. He is the tenth Archdiocese of Chicago principal to receive the NCEA Distinguished Principal Award since its inception in 1988.

NCEA is the largest private, professional educational association in the world. Founded in 1904, the association’s membership represents more than 200,000 educators serving 7.6 million students in Catholic education at all levels.

Archdiocese of Chicago Catholic Schools

The Catholic schools of the Archdiocese of Chicago play a critical role in the life of the community by providing academic excellence and faith formation for approximately 111,000 students of many races, faiths and backgrounds in the 276 elementary and secondary schools in Cook and Lake counties. There are 6,200 faculty and staff in the Catholic school system who instill values, teach discipline and achieve strong, consistent academic results in the Archdiocese of Chicago’s 235 elementary and 41 secondary schools. Visit the Catholic schools Web page on the Archdiocese of Chicago Web site at www.archchicago.org.