Catholic Transcript Online

WEST HARTFORD – Margaret Williamson, principal and chief administrator of Northwest Catholic (NWC) High School, has been named the 2010-2011 recipient of the archdiocesan Distinguished Principal Award.

"Honorees for the award bring dedication, enthusiasm and passion to their role as administrators; they create a positive learning environment in their school, integrating best practices and welcoming diversity; they are faith-filled educators in the Catholic tradition as well as lifelong learners, making professional contributions to their school and to the Archdiocese," said Dale R. Hoyt, superintendent of Catholic schools.

BRISTOL – St. Paul Catholic High School has exceeded the goal of its annual fund drive by more than $25,000.

Cary Dupont, school president, said that this year’s drive brought in more than $150,000, and he said that the donors’ generosity is a result of the good news that is coming from the school.

BLOOMFIELD – Anthony J. Cernera, president of Sacred Heart University in Fairfield, will speak at the annual Columbus Day Breakfast, to begin at 7:30 a.m. Oct. 8 at Anthony’s Ocean View, 450 Lighthouse Road, New Haven.

The event is hosted by Archbishop Henry J. Mansell in conjunction with the archdiocesan Foundation for the Advancement of Catholic Schools (FACS).

DERBY – When parents from St. Mary-St. Michael School learned that the Archdiocese of Hartford planned to close their school last February, they went into action.

After forming a five-member parent task force, they moved quickly to develop a two-pronged financial advancement plan focused on enrollment and development. The Archdiocese accepted it in April and it was put in place July 1. Now, they’re putting the plan into action.

The Christian rock band eXaudio performs at the 2009 Catholic Youth Spectacular at New Britain Stadium. From left are Brian Hartley, Steve Kibbe and Matt Bureau.

BLOOMFIELD – When some 2,000 young Catholics process onto the spacious grounds at the Archdiocesan Center at St. Thomas Seminary on Sept. 12, they will be singing “When the Saints Go Marching In,” along with a Christian band called eXaudio. It will be the opening of the fifth annual Catholic Youth Spectacular, and will feature music by eXaudio and Christian singer Jesse Manibusan, said Shawnee Baldwin, coordinator of the event.

NORTH HAVEN – Joseph Bonito of Wallingford and Deidre Mitchell of North Haven are recipients of the St. Frances Cabrini Men’s Club/Rev. Vincent E. Lyddy Scholarships for 2010. Each has been granted a $1,200 award to assist and encourage the pursuit of higher education.