The National Catholic Educational Association (NCEA) will honor the Cristo Rey Network; Joni Thompson, president of Our Lady of Tepeyac High School (Chicago); and Art Sheridan, theology teacher at Mother McAuley Liberal Arts High School (Chicago) with the fourth annual 2019 Lead. Learn. Proclaim. Award for their dedication and outstanding achievements in Catholic education. They will be feted at the Lead. Learn. Proclaim. Awards. dinner on April 23, 2019 at 7 p.m. during the annual NCEA Convention & Expo that takes place this year in Chicago at McCormick Place, 2301 South King Drive, Chicago. 

Cristo Rey Network President and Chief Executive Officer Elizabeth Goettl will accept the award on behalf of the Cristo Rey Network. With 35 schools in 22 states, the Cristo Rey Network has grown into the largest network of high schools in the country that exclusively serves low-income students.

Our Lady of Tepeyac High School’s Thompson has served as an English teacher, assistant principal, dean of students, principal and now as president in her 28 years at the school. Thompson has established a professional yet familial relationship between the students and staff. She has been called a transformative leader for creating opportunities and equity for minority and low-income students, many of whom come from immigrant families and live in areas that are plagued by violence and gangs.

Mother McAuley Liberal Arts High School’s Sheridan has been a member of the Theology/Faith Formation department for 17 years. He currently teaches Church History and Social Justice and Living Faith and Global Issues to juniors and seniors, respectively. Sheridan is also a member of the school’s Campus Ministry Team, serving as the coordinator of Student Service.