The Washington Post last week honored Joan G. Ogilvy Holden, the head of school at St. Stephens and St. Agnes, with its 2008-2009 Distinguished Educational Leadership Award, which goes to one principal from all of the D.C. area private schools each year.

The Post uses the annual award to recognize educational leaders who go beyond the daily demands of the position to create an exceptional educational environment, reviewing work in all manner of areas from management and public outreach to encouraging innovation and creativity.

Holden has spent 25 years as head of school at St. Stephens and St. Agnes, and her energy, commitment, and talent shine through in the schools exceptional faculty and state-of-the-art facilities and technology, the school said.

She has a grand vision and the drive to bring it to life, without losing sight of the human moments that make education a rewarding profession, wrote a former member of the Board of Governors. Holdens nomination was based on letters from former and current faculty, students and board members.

Holden will be honored with 18 other area principals during a ceremony at the end of April.