CHARLESTON—Fred McKay, from Charleston Catholic School, was chosen as one of the finest principals in the nation and will appear in “Today’s Catholic Teacher” magazine in April.
His teachers and students nominated McKay on the sly and surprised him with the announcement that he was among the five finalists at a recent assembly. The principal joked that the real surprise was how everyone kept it quiet for so long.
Sister Suzanne Phillips said she read about the Exceptionally Fine Principal contest sponsored by World’s Finest® Chocolate and the rest of the teachers agreed to submit McKay’s name.
Sister Suzanne, a Sister of Notre Dame who teaches art and science, said the students went all out, making art, writing poems and essays, and putting together a song and dance routine where the children wore outrageous ties in honor of their principal’s collection.
McKay, who grew up in Charleston and graduated from Bishop England High School, beat 295 others to make the final five.
“I think he’s just a wonderful principal,” Sister Suzanne said. “What I appreciate about him is he’s a listener. He’s very open to teachers and their ideas, just very helpful and supportive.”
As part of their reward, Charleston Catholic will receive 25 cases of the World’s Finest® Chocolate to use as a fundraiser, which equals $1,250, Sister Suzanne said.
McKay plans to give a candy bar to each student and let them sell the rest. He said it’s a great way for the children to help raise money for the new school building.
