WASHINGTON (CNS) – A group of Catholic school leaders, including a student, a few principals, diocesan education officials and other school representatives, were honored Jan. 25 at the White House for their innovation and dedication.

The group was recognized as part of the Obama administration’s “Champions of Change” program, which highlights different groups each week for contributions they make to their communities. Past recipients have included inventors, artists, volunteers, chefs, farmers and health activists.

President Obama was not in attendance for the event.

The attention to Catholic school leaders was timed to coincide with Catholic Schools Week, which was observed Jan. 29-Feb. 5.

Joshua DuBois, head of the White House Office of Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships, praised Catholic schools for not only serving their own students but also local communities.

“You step up to the plate for everyone,” he said, citing the example of how Catholic schools in New Orleans were the first schools to open after Hurricane Katrina.