St. Malachy principal honored

“You don’t get to be good at what you do by yourself,” St. Malachy Principal Jennifer Simmons said. “It’s about the team you’re working with to get there.”

This year, the Diocese of Des Moines began a new recognition program. In March, they sent communication to families and parents of the diocese about nominations for administrator, teacher and volunteer of the year.

Out of more than 70 educators and volunteers nominated, St. Malachy’s Simmons was selected as rural administrator of the year.

“Jennifer quickly rose to the top,” said Nicole Evans, director of marketing for the Diocese of Des Moines. “She received many nominations from her faculty, families and the parish.”

The awards are broken up into rural and metro schools. Honorees were selected based on their demonstrated impact on the Diocese of Des Moines Catholic Schools and their commitment to faith, academic excellence and fostering a vibrant school community.

Evans said Simmons is a scientist at heart, and has made STEM education a priority for students. “Students in all grades have the opportunity to explore problem-solving and new technologies under her leadership,” Evans said. “This was her demonstrated impact to academic excellence.”

“I was shocked,” Simmons said. “I think it’s a great reflection on the work we’re doing here.” With more than 20 years of experience in education, Simmons earned a bachelor of science degree from Northwest Missouri State University and a master’s degree in educational leadership from Viterbo University. A life-long learner, she aspires to someday earn a Ph.D. in education.

“All of this year’s nominees are stellar examples of faith in action with a desire to promulgate the Catholic faith through strong, vibrant Catholic schools,” said Donna Bishop, superintendent of schools. “While it was difficult to narrow the honorees down to six individuals, I believe the six chosen were the best of the best. We are blessed to have such amazing administrators, teachers and volunteers advocating on behalf of our Catholic schools.”

Marjorie Scott of Orient said she knew Simmons through her time as a substitute teacher with St. Malachy. “She was always very helpful to me when I was substituting,” Scott said. “If I had any questions or problems, she was always there and was really friendly.”

While Scott hasn’t substituted at St. Malachy since before COVID, she recalled the way Simmons always jumped in to help. “I’ve worked under some administrators that stay behind their desks,” she said. “She wasn’t like that. She would go out of her way to help with bus duty or in the classroom.”

She just finished her seventh year as principal at St. Malachy, but she’s been teaching since 1999. She said the previous Catholic schools she’s taught at were each special in their own way, but there’s something different about being an educator in a small community.

“When I’m not at school, I’m still a part of St. Malachy,” she said. “When I’m at the post office or the grocery store, I’m representing St. Malachy.”

The Diocese of Des Moines serves through 80 parishes and 16 schools. Simmons will be honored along with the other honorees at the inaugural Bishop’s Celebration of Catholic Schools on August 27 in Indianola.

“My students were really excited for me,” Simmons said. “It speaks to all the effort and good things put into this place every day.”