The diocesan Office of Catholic Education gathered school leaders at the 1804 Manor House in Akron on May 1 to celebrate the service of retiring principals and to announce 2025-2026 diocesan Catholic school award winners. The celebration took place during the annual spring principals’ lunch.
Frank O’Linn, diocesan superintendent of schools, began the program by sharing highlights from the past year and hopes for the future.
“A year of Hope: To the Heights” was the OCE theme for the year. It was rooted in the motto of St. Pier Giorgio Frassati, “Versa l’alto” or “To the Heights.” He was canonized in September 2025 in Rome.
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“As a system, we continue to innovate and learn,” O’Linn said. “The Keeping the Faith Strategic Plan for Elementary Education is evolving, with groupings and needs forming organically. Most importantly, our actions and activities remain firmly focused on working together to strengthen our shared system of Catholic schools throughout the diocese,” he added.
During the luncheon, the OCE recognized principals and schools with awards ranging from Catholic identity to school operations.
The program concluded by honoring retiring principals and OCE leaders for their years of service to the diocesan Catholic school community. Retirees recognized at the luncheon included the following principals: Rita Basalla, St. Mary Byzantine School; Danene Beal, St. Francis Xavier School; Patricia Nugent, St. Mary School, Akron; Diane Salamon, St. Vincent de Paul School; and Edward Vittardi, St. Albert the Great School.
OCE retirees who were honored were Tracey Arnone, associate superintendent of elementary schools, and Jennifer Miroglotta, curriculum coordinator.
Together, the retiring principals and OCE administrators have nearly 300 years of combined service to schools in Northeastern Ohio.
Click here for more information about the retirees and awards presented to schools in the diocese.