Presentation named finalist for national leadership award

LOUISVILLE, Ky.­­­­—Today’s Catholic Teacher named Presentation Academy one of three national finalists for the Innovations in Catholic Education award in Curriculum and Instruction for its leadership program.

The Innovations in Catholic Education Award recognizes Catholic schools across the country that have led the way by implementing exemplary, groundbreaking programs to improve the teaching and learning of their students, faculty and staff.

“Being named a finalist for this award is a huge testament to the results of our leadership program over the past 25-plus years,” Principal Becca Noonan said. “Since our founding in 1831, Presentation has been preparing young women to lead in a diverse, ever-changing world, and this nomination reflects that.”

More than 100 schools competed for the awards, which were given in four categories: Promoting Catholic identity; Curriculum and instruction; Technology integration and Total community involvement, including fundraising.

Principal Noonan accepted the national finalist trophy on Presentation’s behalf April 24, at the awards banquet held during the National Catholic Educational Association Convention in Chicago.

Presentation’s Leadership Program is specifically designed to link academics with career exploration and leadership skill development. Effective leadership entails the following components: Vision and Focus; Communication and Collaboration; Global Citizenship; and Resilience and Problem Solving. These components are integrated into the instructional design of every class and are the foundation of the program.
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“At Pres, we believe in service leadership,” President Laura Dills said. “In four years, young women discover their heart to serve, answer the call to lead and summon the courage to engage. I am very proud of our school for being nominated for this national award.”

Leadership forums
All students in their freshman, sophomore and junior years participate in leadership forums. Topics covered include conflict resolution, developing a leadership style, personal branding and communication skill development. Pres Girls then share their knowledge with area middle school students by planning and implementing two seventh-grade and two eighth-grade leadership forums.

Senior Independent Program
The leadership program culminates with the Senior Independent Program (SIP), a student-directed, full-year program offered by application only to members of the senior class. Students earn two high school credits and complete a project based on their individual interest. SIP graduates have written, directed and produced plays and films; planned and executed political rallies; written books; and much more.
Global Leadership
Presentation’s effort to increase the number of international students attending the school is ongoing. A cultural trip to Europe is offered every other year, along with service trips to several countries including Kenya and Costa Rica. Presentation families also host students from Denmark and Guatemala.

Career Exploration
Freshmen and sophomores complete career assessments to prepare them for their futures. Juniors are encouraged to shadow at least once during the year, and students also can complete an internship during the summers before junior or senior years. This allows the students to receive hands-on experience in the career field of their choice.

Leadership speaker series
Dynamic female role models are invited to address the student body each year. Past speakers include Martha Lane Collins, former governor of Kentucky and the first female to hold this position); Tori Murden McClure, president of Spalding University and the first female to cross the Atlantic Ocean solo; and Bonnie St. John, an Olympic skiing champion who lost her leg but persevered to become an Olympic champion.

Tower Awards for Women
This year, Presentation celebrates its 24th annual Tower Awards for Women Leaders. This event recognizes seven amazing female leaders in the community during a dinner and silent auction to raise scholarship funds for financial assistance. The women address the nearly 800 attendees, including more than 100 Presentation students. This inspirational evening is one of the highlights of the leadership program. Award recipients are asked to speak to individual classes, host Presentation shadows or interns or be a guest speaker during the leadership speaker series.

About Presentation Academy
Presentation Academy is a college preparatory academy for young women and Louisville’s original Catholic school.  Founded in 1831 by the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth, Presentation is strategically and conveniently located at 4th and Breckinridge streets in downtown Louisville – its biggest classroom. The school serves a diverse student population from more than 50 zip codes in the Kentuckiana area. Presentation is close-knit community of teachers, staff, parents, alumnae and supporters who help prepare Pres Girls for living and leading in a global society.
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For more information, contact Communications Manager Kristin Beck ’05 at kbeck@presentationacademy.org or call (502) 583-5935 ext. 108.