By Rene David Basulto - Monsignor Edward Pace HS
Photographer: Rene D. Basulto
Ana Garcia, principal of Msgr. Edward Pace High School, second from left, poses for a photo after receiving her NCEA Secondary Schools Department Educational Excellence Award. From left: Christopher Cosentino, NCEA Interim Director for Secondary Schools, Donald Edwards, associate superintendent of schools for the Archdiocese of Miami, and Mary Anne Beiting, president of the NCEA Secondary Schools Department Executive Committee.
ORLANDO | Msgr. Edward Pace High School Principal Ana Garcia was presented with the Secondary Schools Department Educational Excellence Award during the National Catholic Educational Association’s 2015 Conference, which took place April 7-9 in Orlando.
Garcia received the honor at an awards convocation attended by Catholic educators from around the country and helmed by Christopher Cosentino, NCEA Interim Director for Secondary Schools. She was one of only seven secondary school educators nationwide to receive the award, which is given to those who exhibit stellar performance in their field and a profound devotion to their mission of Catholic education.
“Ana is a trailblazer, a highly competent educational leader, and a committed Catholic educator,” said Donald Edwards, associate superintendent of schools for the Archdiocese of Miami, as he presented Garcia with her award.
A product of Catholic education and a class of 1980 Pace alumna, Garcia has been principal of her alma mater for 11 years, and assistant principal for five years before that. In her time as principal, she implemented a 1:1 iPad digital curriculum and Signature Academies for students who wish to focus their high school education on one particular track.
Her belief that every child can learn and deserves an excellent Catholic education led her to develop academic programs for students of multiple ability levels, particularly through the school’s Spe Salvi and Spartan Sword and Shield programs.
