CHICAGO (ELCA) -- Carolyn T. Coffey, principal for Christ Lutheran School, West Covina, Calif., will be honored by the U.S. Department of Education as a "2000 National Distinguished Principal" in an award ceremony this fall in Washington, D.C. Christ Lutheran School is an elementary school of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA).
"I believe that Christian education should develop the whole child spiritually, intellectually, physically and socially," said Coffey. "We have a responsibility to help the children grow in every aspect of their lives. Children must learn to experience their faith; it is not enough to know Bible stories and memory verses. The students must be taught to share Christ's love with others through their actions and words," she said.
Coffey has been principal for Christ Lutheran School since 1977. From 1975 to 1977, she served as director for early childhood education there. Coffey is a member of Christ Lutheran Church, West Covina.
Coffey earned a master of arts degree from Point Loma Nazarene University, San Diego, Calif., in 1992. She earned a bachelor of science in education degree from Dana College, Blair, Neb., in 1964. Dana is one of 28 colleges and universities of the ELCA.
"I share the honor with the church and school and hope both will receive blessings as a result of my being named a National Distinguished Principal," said Coffey. "It is humbling, inasmuch as I know I had only a small part in providing leadership for Christ Lutheran School. There are so many people who had a role in my receiving the award. It would never have happened without a congregation which believed in Christian education, a strong dedicated teaching staff and a parent coalition willing to give of their time and resources," she said.
"God provides us with faithful leaders," said John J. Scibilia, ELCA director for schools. "Without fanfare or praise expected, Carolyn has served God in touching the lives of teachers, families and children."
The U.S. Department of Education's National Distinguished Principals Program was established in 1984 as an annual event to honor elementary and middle school principals "who set the pace, character and quality of the education children receive during their early school years." This program is also sponsored by the National Association of Elementary School Principals in partnership with the Variable Annuity Life Insurance Company, Lincoln, Neb.
One principal is chosen annually from each of the 50 states, the District of Columbia and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Principals representing private schools -- kindergarten through grade 8, Department of Defense Dependents' Schools, and the U.S. Department of State Overseas Schools -- are recognized.
For information contact:
John Brooks, Director (773) 380-2958 or NEWS@ELCA.ORG
http://listserv.elca.org/archives/elcanews.html
- - -
About the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America:
The ELCA is one of the largest Christian denominations in the United States, with 2.8 million members in more than 8,500 worshiping communities across the 50 states and in the Caribbean region. Known as the church of "God's work. Our hands.," the ELCA emphasizes the saving grace of God through faith in Jesus Christ, unity among Christians and service in the world. The ELCA's roots are in the writings of the German church reformer Martin Luther.
For information contact:
Candice Hill Buchbinder
Public Relations Manager
Candice.HillBuchbinder@ELCA.org
