Springfield Catholic named Top 50 high school

Springfield Catholic High School has been named a 2010 recipient of the Catholic High School Honor Roll award by the Acton Institute, a Christian think tank.

The high school was selected among 50 recipients of the award out of about 1,300 eligible high schools nationwide, according to an Oct. 15 Springfield Catholic news release.

Jean Gruetzemacher, Springfield Catholic director of development, said the award provides significance on a large scale.

"I think it can't do anything but add to the overall morale of the Springfield Catholic community and the Springfield community at large," she said. "It's a huge recognition for the entire area of Springfield."

The Acton Institute distributes the awards based on academic excellence, Catholic identity and civic education, the release said.

Gruetzemacher said the school submitted its application paperwork in April, and the Acton Institute conducted interviews of administration, teachers and parents throughout the year.

This is the first year that Springfield Catholic - which opened in 1916 - has been named as a Top 50 recipient. Last year, Gruetzemacher said, the school was an honorable mention, making it into the Top 60.

Springfield Catholic administrators - joined by staff and students - will host a news conference today at 2 p.m. at the O'Reilly Gymnasium, 2340 S. Eastgate, to officially announce the award.[[In-content Ad]]