Kathleen Wollan, principal of Nativity of Our Lord Catholic School in St. Paul, was honored with the 2012 Distinguished Principal Award from the National Catholic Educational Association during the annual convention April 11 to 13 in Boston, Mass. During her 19 years as Nativity principal, Wollan coordinated an extensive eight-year renovation and expansion of the school. She also has worked with parish priests, school faculty and parents to strengthen Nativity’s program.

“Together we have implemented a Family of Faith home support program for developing a stronger connection with our parents as they maintain their role as the primary educators in the ways of faith,” Wollan said. Under her leadership, the school designed a comprehensive program for students preparing for the sacraments, and enhanced its Catholic identity by installing religious art throughout the facility.

Wollan is one of 11 principals nationwide who earned NCEA’s principal award. You can read the profile The Catholic Spirit published about Wollan after being named an award recipient.