2009 St. John Neumann Medal of Honor
Frank G. Pellegrino
Each year the high school principal and administration of John Neumann Regional Academy awards its highest and most prestigious award, the Saint John Neumann Medal of Honor, to an educator or community leader who has demonstrated exceptional dedication to the mission of Catholic Schools.
This year we honor an outstanding business leader and benevolent member of our community, who has devoted an enormous amount of his time and energy to our Catholic schools. Having been raised in a devout Catholic family, his faith is an intrinsic part of who he is. A person would be hard-pressed to separate this man from his deep conviction and devotion to the Catholic faith, as it guides him in every area of his life: in the conduct of his businesses, in his friendships and in his benevolence within our community. This love of his faith is particularly evident in his desire to constantly seek to advance our Academy, and to make Catholic education accessible and available to any family that desires it for their child.
His support of our Catholic schools over the past 10 years, and most notably in the last 4 years since the consolidation, has resulted in a stronger, more cohesive Catholic school system. In that span of time, his name has become virtually synonymous with Catholic education in Lycoming County. His dedicated work, much of it behind the scenes, to effect change and growth, has been the stabilizing force at our Academy in an ever-changing Catholic school environment.
He is the founding co-chairperson and president of BLOCS of Lycoming County, a community-based organization of business men and women who lend their support to Catholic education. He is president of the Board of Directors of the Beatrice M. Eck Educational Endowment Fund, and he is president of the St. John Neumann Governance Board.
He leads by example with integrity, compassion and fairness. His governing style is one that portrays confidence, strength and true conviction, always with the goal in plain sight: to ensure that our Academy continues to offer the very best academic and spiritual education possible, and to guarantee that anyone who desires a Catholic education receives one.
The 2009 St. John Neumann Medal of Honor is awarded to Mr. Frank Pellegrino.
Past St. John Neumann Medal of Honor Recipients:
2008: Mrs. Sharon Buehrer
2007: Monsignor Francis J. Castellano
2006: Mr. Clarence L. Eck
2005: Mr. Paul H. Beiter
