“I feel honored by the NCEA,” Lambert said. “Working in Catholic schools is the best place to work. You get to celebrate your faith, pray daily and provide an excellent education for the kids.”
The recipients of this award come from the 12 geographic regions that comprise the NCEA Department of Elementary Schools. These principals were chosen from a possible pool of over 6,800 principals. Lambert was chosen among principals from California, Utah, Nevada and Hawaii.
“Ladonna has been a bridge for several parish communities whose children attend her school,” said Patricia Vesely, Superintendent of Catholic Schools at the diocese. “She was overwhelmingly nominated by her peers and colleagues for this award.”
Lambert has served in Catholic education for over 20 years, eight years as principal at St. Hyacinth Academy. She also serves on the Executive Council for the Diocese of San Bernardino, Chairperson for the local Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) team, diocesan coordinator for the Academic Decathlon and she has received the 2004 NCEA Alumni of the Year Award.
“[San Jacinto] is a wonderful community that recognizes the value of Catholic education,” Lambert said. “Catholic education has always been a part of my life.”
She will be honored at a special ceremony and banquet on the opening evening of the Annual Convention of the NCEA on April 2, 2013 in Houston, Texas.