Dear Editor: The Institute for Catholic Schools at St. John’s University sends congratulatory wishes to the principals honored by the diocese at the Principals’ Longevity Recognition Awards Celebration (July 1- July 8).

So many of these principals have participated in one or more of our programs: the Management Seminar for Leaders of Catholic Schools, presented in conjunction with the Vincentian Center for Church and Society and Peter J. Tobin College of Business; the Curriculum Leadership Team where they experienced professional development alongside a team of their own teachers; or the St. Vincent de Paul Program as their schools transitioned to new governance in the academy model.

We are honored to work with them year after year as they model servant-leadership for their academy and school communities, enabling them to be true “Communities of Faith, Knowledge, and Service” (NCEA Catholic Schools Week 2017 theme) where students, faculty, families, and staff “Learn. Serve. Lead. Succeed.” (NCEA Catholic Schools Week 2018 theme).

Collectively, their longevity has contributed over 200 years of ministry to Catholic Education! For this we are very grateful to – and very proud of – them! God bless them all.

STEVEN M. NEIER, M.A., M.S.ED.

Assistant Director,

Institute for Catholic Schools                                                          

St. John’s University,

Jamaica