Melbourne Central Catholic’s Michael Burke Among Top Catholic School Presidents In Nation
By Space Coast Daily // April 22, 2016
inspires Catholic educators across the world
BREVARD COUNTY • MELBLOURNE, FLORIDA – Michael C. Burke, president of Melbourne Central Catholic (MCC), has been selected as one of only two Catholic school presidents in the nation to be recognized with top honors from the National Catholic Educational Association (NCEA).
The teachers, principals, pastors, presidents, superintendents and organization who serve in the nation’s Catholic school educational system will be recognized during the annual NCEA 2016 Convention & Expo that will take place March 29-31 in San Diego, CA.
The annual award honors those who have demonstrated strong Catholic school education philosophy as well as exceptional ability, dedication and results.
“NCEA commends the outstanding efforts, contributions and achievements of these exceptional leaders in Catholic education,” said Dr. Thomas W. Burnford, NCEA interim president.
“We are grateful for the leadership of Michael Burke who serves as an ambassador of faith formation and academic excellence, and inspires Catholic educators across the world.”
Burke, who has served as president of MCC for six years, has 30-plus years working in the Catholic school profession. Across those years, he has effectively served in a variety of roles including classroom teacher, coach, principal and president.
Some of Burke’s noted accomplishments cited in his nomination include:
• Increasing enrollment at MCC by 55 percent during his tenure as school president
• Implementing a multi-faceted global studies program at MCC which includes international students on campus (representing 20 countries), international student travel opportunities, and partner school exchange program in Ireland and mission trips.
• Partnering with Florida Institute of Technology, allowing MCC students the opportunity to take college courses and earn an Honors Diploma at no additional cost to the student.
• Strengthening the school’s Catholic identity and faith formation by implementing a Franciscan charism, partnering with Catholic Heart WorkCamp for mission trips in St. Lucia, St. Croix and Jamaica, hosting an annual Service Day for all students and modeling his faith through his compassionate leadership style.
“Mr. Burke is a visible leader and a true gift to the Diocese,” said Henry Fortier, Superintendent of the Orlando Diocese.
“He has transformed Melbourne Central Catholic in many ways. He is a humble man who works diligently to afford the best Catholic education possible to all students.”
NCEA, founded in 1904, is a professional membership organization that provides leadership, direction and service to fulfill the evangelizing, catechizing and teaching mission of the church.
MCC is a four-year college preparatory school founded in 1961. The campus is located on 40 acres in Melbourne and includes 8 buildings, athletic fields, a gymnasium, a chapel and a media center.
CLICK HERE for more information about Melbourne Central Catholic.
