MEDIA ADVISORY
1000 North Beckley Station Road
Louisville, KY 40245-4550
Dr. Michael Bratcher, Principal
502-244-7083
www.stpatrick-lou.org
January 5, 2012
(Louisville, KY) St. Patrick Catholic School proudly announces that Mrs. Phyllis Dries, third-grade teacher, is the recipient of the National Catholic Education Association’s (NCEA) Distinguished Teacher Award for 2012. Mrs. Dries will attend the NCEA national conference in April, where she will be recognized before thousands of Catholic school educators.
Mrs. Dries has been teaching third grade at St. Patrick since 1996. She received her bachelor of arts in elementary education and a master’s degree in education as a reading specialist, both from the University of Louisville. She has been teaching in the Archdiocese of Louisville for 26 years.
Fr. Martin Linebach, pastor of St. Patrick, said about Dries: “I was elated, but not surprised, that Mrs. Phyllis Dries is the recipient of this distinguished recognition. She serves as a master teacher with exceptional skill, sacrifice, and character. Moreover, Mrs. Dries has exemplified what it means to not only teach the Catholic faith but to live it. For this … all of us … parents, students, administrators, teachers, and priests are endowed with the great gift of her presence among us.”
Dr. Michael Bratcher, principal, wrote in his letter of recommendation for Dries: “Phyllis’ commitment to Catholic education is admirable. I could go on about her professionalism and effectiveness as an educator; however, the most important fact is that Phyllis is genuine in her approach to our students. She is well-liked and respected by all. She is dedicated to her profession and giving to her community. Phyllis is a team player and a person of character. The benefits of being in a classroom and working with Mrs. Dries are far-reaching—she exemplifies what it means to be a Catholic educator.”
Mrs. Dries is a member of St. Agnes parish. She has three children and seven grandchildren.
This annual award is presented by the NCEA Department of Elementary Schools and was established in honor of Sister Miriam Joseph Farrell, PBVM, who served as Executive Secretary of Education in Washington, D.C. Nationally prominent in education, Sister Miriam Joseph was appointed by President Johnson to the President’s Title II Advisory Commission. Earlier, she served as supervisor of elementary schools for the Archdiocese of San Francisco, as director of education for her religious community, and as a teacher and principal of elementary schools.
Founded in 1993, St. Patrick Catholic School serves more than 650 students in junior kindergarten through eighth grade. Its mission is to provide students with exceptional spiritual and academic programs. True to the Catholic faith tradition, St. Patrick encourages all children to recognize their God-given talents and the importance of being responsible stewards.
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