CHICAGO (September 29, 2005) Richard E. Guerin from St. Bede the Venerable School, 4440 W. 83 rd St., Chicago, Ill., was selected as a 2005 National Distinguished Principal. The 2005 celebration marks the 21 st year that the National Association of Elementary School Principles (NAESP) and the U.S. Department of Education have presented this prestigious award.

“Guerin was nominated and selected by his fellow principals through a statewide search process conducted by the National Catholic Education Association (NCEA) and the NAESP,” said Nicholas M. Wolsonovich, Ph.D., Superintendent of Schools for the Archdiocese of Chicago.

A graduate of St. Mary of the Lake and St. Xavier University, Guerin has served as principal of St. Bede the Venerable School since 1975. “I am grateful that I found my ministry in Catholic Education at St. Bede the Venerable School,” remarked Guerin. “I am fortunate that I have been able to make a difference in so many lives and lucky to still feel energized and gratified every day by the job that I do for our children.”

“Research results prove what school communities know from experience – successful schools depend on dedicated instructional leaders,” said Vincent L. Ferrandino, NAESP’s executive director. “This honor represents our deep appreciation to a few of those who are committed to the academic, social and emotional development of school children, both in the nation and overseas.”

In October, Guerin will travel to Washington, D.C. for two days of activities planned to honor and bring well-deserved recognition to the elementary and middle level educators chosen by the state, the District of Columbia, plus private and overseas schools.

Criteria for selection of the principals, set by NAESP and the U.S. Department of Education, require that the honorees are active principals of schools where programs have firmly established community ties with parents and local business organizations.

Guerin brought the “Words Can Heal” Program to the Chicago Catholic Schools. He was named Educator of the Year by St. Xavier University in 1985, and in 2004 received the Distinguished Principal Award from the National Catholic Education Association (NCEA). A frequent guest speaker at many Archdiocesan parishes and suburban school districts, Guerin has taught graduate school classes at St. Xavier University and has lectured at DePaul, Loyola and Roosevelt universities. He currently lectures at Columbia College.

Rick Guerin and his wife Eileen reside in Clarendon Hills. They have three children, Ricky (Katie), Megan, and Katie (Kevin) and one grandson, Jack.

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 students of many races, faiths and backgrounds in elementary and secondary schools in Cook and Lake counties. At the beginning of the 2005-2006 school year there are 218 elementary and 40 secondary schools. To locate a Catholic school in your area and learn more about Catholic education in Cook and Lake counties, visit the Office of Catholic Schools web page on the Archdiocese of Chicago web site at www.archchicago.org