CHICAGO (ELCA) -- Barbara M. Clark, principal for St. Mark's Lutheran School, Hacienda Heights, Calif., was honored by the U.S. Department of Education and the National Association of Elementary School Principals as recipient of a 2001 National Distinguished Principals Award. She will be honored at an awards banquet October 19 in Washington, D.C. St. Mark's Lutheran School is an elementary school of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America.
"I believe that the most important leadership role that I assume is my responsibility to be an advocate for children," said Clark in her nomination form. "I am a staunch believer in leading by example. Our school administrators are also teachers. I teach 8th grade American history. Spending time daily in the classroom builds solidarity with the faculty and provides me with firsthand knowledge of the skills, interest and character of the young people who will soon be called St. Mark's graduates."
Clark has been principal for St. Mark's Lutheran School since 1986. From 1983 to 1986 she was a teacher and a coach there. Clark has been a member of St. Mark's Lutheran Church, Hacienda Heights, for 15 years.
She earned a bachelor of arts degree in history and political science from Iowa Wesleyan College, Mt. Pleasant, Iowa, in 1981. Clark earned a master of arts degree in organizational management from the University of Phoenix, Southern California campus, Diamond Bar Learning Center, Diamond Bar, Calif., in May 2001.
"I feel honored to be a 2001 National Distinguished Principal. It is an award that I believe reflects the hard work, dedication and enthusiasm that all of our faculty and staff members bring with them to St. Mark's each day," said Clark. "I am grateful that I work in an environment where the congregation, pastor, school parents and the day school committee are strongly committed to education and what is best for young people."
"Ms. Clark is well-known in the educational community for her strong advocacy of an effective education program for all children," said Carolyn T. Coffey, principal, Christ Lutheran School, West Covina, Calif, and recipient of a National Distinguished Principals award last year.
"She spends many hours both on and off campus researching and working with the staff, pastors and school board, developing programs and techniques to enable the staff, students and parents to have a clear understanding of the school's mission," Coffey said.
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. The 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. -- -- -- *Michelle T. Mills is a senior at Bradley University, Peoria, Ill. This summer she is an intern with ELCA News & Information.
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
