(Louisville, KY)  Paul DeZarn, principal of St. Raphael School (2131 Lancashire Avenue) was selected as a 2006 National Distinguished Principal. DeZarn won the award on behalf of private schools. This is the second principal from the Archdiocese of Louisville to win the National Distinguished Principal Award. Mary Alice Zettel, former principal of Holy Trinity School, won in 2003.

Paul DeZarn was one of the regional candidates nominated for this award by the National Catholic Educational Association. In 2005, DeZarn won the NCEA’s Dr. Robert J. Kealey Distinguished Principal Award for the southern states region, which includes Kentucky, Tennessee, Alabama, Louisiana and Mississippi.

A graduate of Saint Meinrad College (B.A. in history and philosophy) and Indiana University (M.S. in science education), Mr. DeZarn has been principal of St. Raphael since 1975. Prior to this, he taught at area Catholic elementary and secondary schools.

“Research results prove what school communities know from experience—successful schools depend on dedicated instructional leaders,” said Vincent L. Ferrandino, NAESP’s executive director. “This honor represents our deep appreciation to a few of those who are committed to the academic, social and emotional development of school children, both in the nation and overseas.”

The National Distinguished Principals program is made possible through the corporate sponsorship of AIG VALIC, an industry leader currently managing long-term investment programs for more than 28,000 education, healthcare, public sector and other not-for-profit and for-profit organizations in more than 41,000 locations—representing nearly 2 million investors throughout the country.

Paul DeZarn will travel to Washington, D.C., on October 26-27 for two days of activities planned to honor and bring well-deserved recognition to the elementary and middle-level educators chosen by the states, the District of Columbia, plus private and overseas schools.

Criteria for selection of the principals, set by NAESP and the U.S. Department of Education, require that the honorees are active principals of schools where programs are designed to meet the academic and social needs of all students and where there are firmly established community ties with parents and local business organizations.

DeZarn and his wife, Donna, live in Louisville and have 5 children. Under his leadership, St. Raphael School has won many awards, including the Blue Ribbon School designation by the U.S. Department of Education.

The 2006 celebration marks the 23rd year that the National Association of Elementary School Principals (NAESP) and the U.S. Department of Education have presented this prestigious award. Call Raven Padgett (NAESP headquarters) at 703-684-3345 for more information about the organization or this award.