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September 7, 2023
Name: Corky McMullen
School: Saint Philip Neri Catholic School
Website: stphilipnerischool.com
Why is Catholic education important?
As Catholic educators, we live our faith inside and outside of our classrooms, ultimately helping children fulfill their destiny to become saints. We strive for the young souls in our building to experience Jesus everyday throughout their rigorous coursework. Christ is the teacher in Catholic schools, and we are simply a beacon for him. That is a radically different approach to education, which is why I love Catholic education. It is about the whole person: mind, body and, most importantly, the soul.
What are some of your goals as a new principal?
As principal, first and foremost, the mission is to serve our Lord, his Church and his people. Our school is simply a part of our great parish. Our pastor, Father Robert Wood, is an excellent shepherd to his flock. Our daily goal is to help guide our students, families and staff closer to heaven. My personal goal is to follow with humility and lead with nobility. I working closely with Father Wood to ensure that we serve our flock together in the best way possible. We have a great parish community that really supports our school.
What is your favorite part of being an educator?
My favorite part about being an educator is being able to witness the growth of others. It is a humbling and rewarding profession. Humility is a major part of any leadership role, and there is nothing more humbling than to see a young student learn how to handle adversity and prosperity through a Catholic lens and apply that to their growth in all areas.
What is your favorite way to spend time away from school?
My time away from school is certainly spent with my family. My wife, Ryan, and I enjoy raising our family (Corky, Beau, Drew, Ty, Smith, Miriam and Emma) in and around the church, but there is never a dull moment in the McMullen house! On any given day, you will most likely see a friendly, or not so friendly at times, competition going on in the driveway, front yard or back yard. We love spending time together playing sports, eating meals, visiting friends and family and of course in prayer.
Name: Jenny Richard
School: Christ the King Catholic School
Website: ckschool.com
Why is Catholic education important?
Catholic education is extremely important as it aids in the formation of the whole child. We, as Catholic schools, are there to support the spiritual, cognitive, emotional, social and physical development of each child who enters our school building. Many of our children here at Christ the King Catholic School spend most of their childhood with us. We take that responsibility to heart. All our actions and words aim to help each child reach his/her full potential, with our Catholic values, virtues and teachings guiding all we do.
What are some of your goals as a new principal?
We are a big school, so my aim is to get to know each child in some way, spend time in every classroom as much as possible, and be present and responsive to the needs of our students, faculty and community.
What is your favorite part of being an educator?
I absolutely love being an educator and I miss being in the classroom daily. My favorite part of being a teacher is the relationship you form with each student, understanding their unique gifts and helping them to find successes in their own ways. I aim to be a teacher’s principal, meaning that I never want to be so far removed from the classroom that I can no longer relate to the joys, demands and intricacies of teaching. Teaching will always be my first love and the reason I went into the field of education.
What is your favorite way to spend time away from school?
I love to be outside (I actually love recess duty), spend time with my children, Julia and Atticus (both of whom are in college) and my husband Rock. I enjoy staying active, running, reading and time with friends. I also enjoy learning German on Duolingo …Vielen dank für ihre zeit!
Name: George Meiwes
School: Saint John Nepomuk Catholic School
Website: sjnok.org/school
Why is Catholic education important?
Catholic schools provide students with a unique learning environment that encourages the love of God and neighbor while providing students with an ethical framework to view the world. Students learn that every person has value and purpose. They are challenged academically to pursue excellence and use their God-given abilities for the betterment of others. Catholic schools educate the whole person- mind, body and soul.
What are some of your goals as a new principal?
My primary goal is to help students grow closer to Christ. We want students to know they are loved and learn to rely on Christ in everything they do. I also want to increase opportunities for students by offering additional extracurricular activities. Our teachers and parents are working hard to form an academic team, robotics team, green team, prayer club, and chess club. We want all of our students to be involved in something positive and give back to their community.
What is your favorite part of being an educator?
Forming relationships with students is the best part of the job. I love getting to know the different personalities of each student, and I enjoy watching them learn and grow. I also think students are unintentionally funny and they keep you young. Students often lack a filter and will let you know the truth regarding your lesson, hair, clothes, etc. If you want the truth about something, ask a first grader.
What is your favorite way to spend time away from school?
I love spending time with my family. My wife and I just had our second baby boy last month. We spend most of our free time playing outside, reading books, and cleaning up after our two rowdy boys. I am also a college football fan. Most of my Saturdays are spent watching Oklahoma football with my family and friends.
To learn more about Catholic schools in the Archdiocese of Oklahoma City, visit archokc.org/schools.
Corky McMullen and family.
Jenny Richard and family.
George Meiwes and family.
