Northwest Catholic Principal Earns National Education Award

Margaret Williamson came to in 1987 as a vice principal, rose to principal in 2000, and added chief administrator to her title in 2009. But in no time during her long career as a Catholic school administrator did she imagine being recognized nationally.

"It doesn't seem possible that I could be recognized at a national level for something I get up and do every day," Williamson said. "I like to think I follow in the footsteps of some really great people."

The school announced this week that Williamson had been named one of six outstanding high school educators by the National Catholic Educational Association.The executive director of the association, Philip V. Robey, said in a news release that Williamson had been chosen for her dedication and commitment to Northwest Catholic as well as her contributions to secondary Catholic education.

Williamson is the first high school administrator from the Archdiocese of Hartford to receive the honor, which she will collect in April at the association's annual convention in New Orleans.

"This award from the NCEA brings high honor not only to Margaret Williamson, but also to the Archdiocese of Hartford," Archbishop Henry J. Mansell said in the news release. "Her enlightened leadership, consistent ability for hard work, and outstanding dedication to the Catholic Church continue to attract extraordinary esteem, appreciation, and gratitude from all of us in the Archdiocese."

In addition to her long list of credentials as a principal, Williamson is known to attend almost every academic, arts-related and athletic activity at Northwest Catholic, which has about 620 students in grades 9-12.

"I do try to get to as much as I can," she said. "The students work hard and it's important that we show our support for that. It's also a different way to interact with the students, and it's a great way to get to know a wide variety of parents."

Williamson is a member of the Connecticut Association of Catholic Secondary School Presidents, Principals and Superintendents, and just started a two-year term as the group's president. She also has been honored by the Connecticut Interscholastic Athletic Conference for her commitment to girls' basketball and serves on several conference committees.

Before she received her national recognition, Dale R. Hoyt, superintendent of Catholic schools for the Archdiocese of Hartford, had named Williamson the Distinguished Principal for 2010-11.

"Margaret Williamson is a remarkable administrator who, even when focusing on 'big picture' issues such as long-range planning and financial viability, is still able to concentrate on individual students," Hoyt said. "Thanks largely to Margie Williamson, Northwest Catholic High School has flourished in every way."