Valle Catholic celebrated National Catholic Education Association (NCEA) Principal Appreciation Day on Thursday, November 19th by honoring Principal, Dr. Mark Gilligan and Assistant Principal, Mrs. Jill Metzger.
Students were involved in the planning and surprised both principals throughout the day to show their appreciation with small gifts and hand-made cards. 
Dr. Gilligan was honored with an assembly of high school students who read a poem in their principal’s honor and presented him with special gifts.
The grade school celebration was planned by the Middle School Student Council with guidance from Mrs. C Basler, Mrs. K Palmer and Mrs. J Weiler. Mrs. Metzger was honored with a special Mass followed by a presentation by students that included a poem about Mrs. Metzger and how special she is to the Valle family.
Kindergarten students made one of Mrs. Metzger’s wishes come true (living in a Disney castle) by making her Our Valle Princess.
A video was presented to Mrs. Metzger that the students put together. The video offered different reasons students and faculty are thankful for Mrs. Metzger, from pretty make up and scarves to making our school a better place and caring about each individual student she encounters.
The Valle Preschool presented Mrs. Metzger with a hand-painted (by Connie & Dan Hermann) Dr. Seuss chair!
For over fifteen years the National Catholic Education Association Elementary Schools Department has designated the Thursday before Thanksgiving as NCEA Principal Appreciation Day. School administration is one of the most challenging ministries in the Church today. The dedication and enthusiastic leadership of principals are major factors in giving Catholic schools their national reputation for excellence. It is fitting to recognize the time and energy given by Catholic school principals to their schools all year long. This year, NCEA dedicated Thursday, November 19, 2015 as NCEA Principal Appreciation Day.