Terry Granger, has partnered with Viatorians for the last 17 years, serving as principal of its schools in

Mr. Terry Granger, center, is congratulated by Fr. Dan Belanger, CSV, left and Fr. Richard Pighini, CSV, right

Bourbonnais/Kankakee, where they have been both innovative and award winning.

Back in 2006, he worked with Viatorians to create a 1:1 laptop program that put a laptop in the hands of every junior high school student at Maternity BVM Parish School in Bourbonnais. The groundbreaking program served as a prototype for schools in the Bourbonnais/Kankakee region as well as the Joliet Diocese. Granger himself was named Principal of the Year by officials with Lewis University, a Catholic university located in Romeoville, IL, which is part of the Joliet Diocese.

Now, Granger serves as president and principal of Bishop McNamara Catholic School, which encompasses schools in Bourbonnais, Bradley and Kankakee, and he is drawing national attention.

Mr. Terry Granger, right, cuts a ribbon back in 2016 at the start of the Bishop McNamara Catholic School system

Earlier this month, it was announced that Granger will receive the 2019 Lead. Learn. Proclaim. Award from the National Catholic Educational Association (NCEA) for dedication and commitment to excellence in Catholic education. He will be recognized during the NCEA 2019 Convention & Expo in April.

Granger was chosen from more than 150,000 teachers and administrators, as well as diocesan leaders and organizations, dedicated to the nation’s Catholic schools. The annual award honors those whose ministry is Catholic school education and who have demonstrated a strong Catholic educational philosophy as well as exceptional efforts, dedication and achievements.

(L-R) Fr. Dan Belanger, Fr. John Belmonte, Mr. Terry Granger, Br. John Eustice, Fr. John Peeters and Fr. Jason Nesbit

“The LLP award is a celebration of all that is good in Catholic schools,” said Dr. Barbara McGraw Edmondson, NCEA Chief Leadership and Program Officer.

Fr. John Belmonte, SJ, who serves as superintendent of Catholic schools for the Joliet Diocese, said the award is richly deserved.

“His sustained focus on our Catholic faith, clear vision and high standards has resulted in a stable K-12 system in the Kankakee area,” Fr. Belmonte said, ” as well as highly effective schools, excellent teaching and strong Catholic school culture.”