The journey to OLP, Moreau Catholic High School

DIANA (STRAGGAS) DEFRANCE Director of Alumni and Special Events

When asked If I would write a brief acknowledgment concerning Lauren, I did not hesitate for a moment. I first met Lauren when she was the Director of Admissions and leader of Link Crew. My daughter Chrissy ‘05 was a student leader for camp. Chrissy recalled how “perky’ Lauren was at 5:30 am! The years that Lauren and I worked together at Moreau Catholic High School were truly amazing. We worked closely together during her time as Assistant Principal of Instruction and as Principal. She was steller the day she recorded an Apple presentation - no notes or retakes! She was instrumental in securing the school two Apple Distinguished Awards. She is blessed with the gifts of intelligence, dedication and perseverance. Lauren will always find ways of completing a task - no matter how many mountains she must climb. Your steadfastness will help students become faith filled leaders who will transform the world. Congratulations Lauren for all your years of service to Catholic Education as well as your 10 year work anniversary at Academy of Our Lady of Peace.

PHIL WILDER Former Teacher

I once had the honor to meet with Charles Garfield, the author of Peak Performers, who had been part of the Apollo 11 Mission. After the accomplishment of this remarkable national goal, he was inspired to study those special individuals in all fields who are driven to accomplish great things. I have been so honored and blessed to have worked with Lauren Lek when she was a student in my class and then later as a colleague when she returned to bring her sense of mission and passion as a teacher, administrator, and principal to Moreau Catholic High School. In all of these times she not only displayed and spread the magic that comes with peak performers but also inspired all of us to join with her to do the same!

PAT GEISTER Former Principal

It is my honor to have known Lauren and all her family when I served as principal at Moreau Catholic High School. Lauren was truly an exemplary student and greatly appreciated by her peers and teachers for always keeping the mission and standards of our school in focus. I have enjoyed hearing of her sequences of dedicated study from high school student to great achievement as an educator. In particular her dedication to STEM and transformative education have led many students and teachers to a keener sense of equity and excellence. Congratulations, Lauren!

YOLANDA MORAN Spanish Teacher

I had the enormous pleasure and honor to have had Lauren as a student. Few times we are presented with a student who is energetic, eager and fully dedicated to school. I’m sure that she was not just that kind of student in my class. She is a perfectionist in all she does. It was my pleasure to have been guided by her when she became principal of the school after graduating from college. It was a very sad day for our school when she left us and moved to San Diego to take the post of principal at The Academy of Lady of Peace. Your gain was certainly a big loss to us. I wish her continued success for she truly deserves it. Love and prayers always.

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CHRIS ABDENOUR Parent and Former Colleague

I met Lauren, her first year student teaching my daughter as she gracefully and intelligently led the class. She next taught my son’s English class in a challenging yet fun environment. I later had the pleasure of working with her at MCHS’ Admissions Department and witnessed her approachable demeanor comfortably encourage future students to join the Mariner family. When my family circumstances brought me to San Diego, Lauren welcomed me at OLP with open arms. Lauren is not only a fantastic professional but a true friend; I happily congratulate her!

DR. LIZ GUNERATNE President

Congratulations to Dr. Lauren Lek ’97! The Mariner family joins the Academy of Our Lady of Peace family in celebrating a decade of her phenomenal leadership. As President of Moreau Catholic High School, Dr. Lek’s alma mater and a school community in which she shared her myriad gifts, I am honored to commemorate this milestone from her home on Mission Boulevard in Hayward, California. Dr. Lek profoundly influenced our community through her faith-filled service as a teacher and leader, and she has always radiated light and hope. I am sure the past decade has been filled with much joy and success, with more to come. We join you in celebrating Dr. Lek and look forward to her continued transformational impact upon the lives of young people!

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