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.
In addition to this honor, Mrs. Williamson will be nominated for the Distinguished Principal Award through the National Catholic Educational Association in Washington, D.C.
Mrs. Williamson has served the spiritual and educational needs of Northwest Catholic since 1987, when she joined the school community as vice principal for academics. She was named principal in 2000, and became principal/chief administrator in July 2009.
At the school, Mrs. Williamson’s responsibilities include supervising and evaluating faculty, maintaining the excellence of the curriculum, developing and monitoring the budget, overseeing advancement and admissions operations and promoting the school’s numerous athletic activities.
"Margie’s longevity of service and her dedication to Northwest Catholic are both outstanding; she models the best qualities of Catholic school leadership. She has a genuine care for her students that permeates all she does, and she is truly present to the Northwest Catholic community at all times," said Mr. Hoyt.
Mrs. Williamson’s accomplishments include spearheading the integration of technology into every classroom; introducing and cultivating the Professional Learning Community model at Northwest Catholic; initiating a student prayer group; helping to coordinate the production of a school recruitment video; getting Northwest Catholic involved with unified sports; and promoting diversity within the school community.
She also encouraged faculty faith development through a university distance learning program, as well as through her "First Things First" initiative, through which she presents the basic beliefs of the Catholic faith at faculty meetings.
Mrs. Williamson was president of the Connecticut Association of Catholic School Presidents, Principals and Superintendents until 2008. She currently serves on the Connecticut Interscholastic Athletic Conference (CIAC) Board of Control, as well as on several committees of the archdiocesan Office of Catholic Schools and CIAC.
The CIAC honored Mrs. Williamson at the 2009 Girls Basketball Tournament for her unflagging promotion of Northwest Catholic athletics.
Mrs. Williamson will receive her award during Catholic Schools Month, January 2011.
