OLG&#039;s Former Principal Denise Lewis Retires After 15 Years

July 28, 2021

(PENNDEL, PA) -- After 30 years of dedicated service in Catholic education, Denise Lewis, principal at Our Lady of Grace School (OLG) announced her retirement after serving as principal for the last 15 years.

The entire OLG community benefited greatly from Lewis’ leadership and passion for learning and education for over a decade. Lewis’ commitment and service to the OLG community has left a monumental impact. Notable initiatives during her tenure include upgraded security cameras around campus, the STREAM (Science, Technology, Religion, Engineering, Art, Math) program, lockers for middle school students, grants to fund various technology upgrades, and the implementation of a Board of Limited Jurisdiction.

Lewis’ time spent at OLG includes fond memories of the interactions she had with children and seeing them grow academically and socially. Lewis looked forward to visiting children in their classrooms each day to receive an update on their daily activities. She notes the children are what she will miss the most serving as OLG’s principal.

Lewis’ career in education began in 1977 when she graduated with a dual certification in elementary and special education. She started at Norristown School District as a special education aide and substitute teacher for various special education classes. From there, she taught First and Fourth grade in Catholic schools for the next 13 years. While she was home raising a family, she also taught a PreK class at a local preschool. Once her own children went off to kindergarten she resumed her Catholic teaching career. In June of 2005, Lewis was asked to be the interim principal of Saint Paul's in East Norriton. From there, Lewis attended the Principal Program at the Archdiocese of Philadelphia, as well as

attended Saint Joseph’s University for her Masters in Administration and Curriculum Supervision. Since then, Lewis has been principal of OLG from 2006-2021.

“As my tenure as principal of Our Lady of Grace comes to a close, I want to express my deepest gratitude for the support I’ve received from this community over the last 15 years. You have enriched the lives of so many, perhaps unknowingly. It has been an honor to serve as the principal of the OLG school community,” Lewis said. “May God bless you with every kindness and may His holy mother, Mary, guide you with her Grace.”

About Our Lady of Grace
Founded in 1923, Our Lady of Grace is a Catholic, co-educational elementary school in Penndel, PA for children in Pre-K through eighth grades. The mission of Our Lady of Grace School is to cultivate each child’s unique God-given gifts and talents by upholding the highest academic standards while instilling in all students a spirit of devotion and service in the Catholic tradition. Our Lady of Grace provides a safe and vibrant environment where the community is family. Our Lady of Grace is a member of the Archdiocese of Philadelphia and is accredited by the Middle States Association. To learn more, visit www.olgschoolpenndel.org.