Lesley Andola Ferguson, Principal of St. Egbert School in Morehead City, was presented with the Lewis Award for Lifetime Achievement in Catholic Education in Wilmington, NC, on September 27, 2002. She is the second individual to be honored with this Award. Mrs. Ferguson has been principal at St. Egbert’s School for over 30 years, and is believed to be the first lay principal in the school system of the Diocese of Raleigh.

In writing of Mrs. Ferguson, then pastor, Fr. Gregory Spencer, said, “I have never met a principal who is so set on a mission as Mrs. Ferguson. She is not only a woman on a mission, but a woman with a vision as well”. Fr. Spencer also described her as a gifted principal who often reminds the community that St. Egbert’s is a “small mission school”.

Mrs. Ferguson’s award was given during an Emmaus Conference for Catholic school teachers and catechists. While she was unaware of the honor to be bestowed on her, Mrs. Ferguson’s staff and husband knew and enjoyed the surprise presentation. Said Anne Stahel, Lewis Award Chair, “Seeing the surprise on her face was a wonderful treat. The presentation was one of the best ‘gotcha’s’ I have ever witnessed.” Lesley Ferguson continues to serve as principal of St. Egbert School.

Mrs. Ferguson lives in Morehead City, North Carolina