JoLynn Clouse

JoLynn Clouse, the principal of Saint Wendelin Catholic School in Carbon Center, said she was humbled by her nomination for a Golden Apple Award from the Diocese of Pittsburgh and shocked to win it.

A Chicora native and Butler resident, Clouse began working at the school in 2003 as a preschool teacher. She taught second grade until becoming principal in 2011. She is a member of the Saint Clare Parish, which includes St. Wendelin.

She said she learned that a family with children attending the school nominated her for the award.

“I was completely shocked,” Clouse said. “This is for the entire Diocese of Pittsburgh. I thought it was really nice. I was humbled by a family at the school nominating me, let alone winning it.”

She said no one at the school has won the award before.

“I have found her to be an outstanding leader,” Father Matt McClain, pastor of Saint Clare Parish, wrote in a nominating letter. “She holds the teachers, students and parents to a high standard of work, excellence, dedication and transparency that she herself exceeds. That is why they so readily follow her.”

Clouse received a bachelor's degree in elementary education from Slippery Rock University and a master's in administration and supervision from Duquesne University.

She is also active in her parish and community, volunteering at the Good Friday Fish Dinner, church picnic and Saint Vincent de Paul food drive.

The school has about 80 students in grades kindergarten through eight and 34 in preschool.

Clouse was one of seven teachers and principals to win an award.