Ann Neal Honored as Outstanding Educator 

St. Agnes Academy Upper School Director of Theatre Arts, Ann Neal, is the 2019 recipient of the Albertus Magnus Award. The award, presented annually by the St. Agnes Academy-St. Dominic School Board of Trustees, recognizes an outstanding educator who demonstrates the four pillars of the Dominican charism - Study, Prayer, Community and Service.

“Ann Neal has the uncanny ability to draw out each child’s potential, leading them to discover talents they didn’t know they had,” said Joy Maness, Dean, St. Agnes Academy Upper School. “She empowers each student to shine.”

Mrs. Neal joined the Upper School faculty in 2003, and her dedication to her students and passion for the arts are evident to all.  She serves as Chair of the Fine Arts Department and teaches Drama I -Oral Communications with a Dramatic Flair, Drama II, and Drama III.  During her tenure at SAA-SDS she has taught every grade on campus, and the Theatre Department has flourished. She directs at least three productions every year, earning numerous honors. The Drama Department’s spring production of Freaky Fridayrecently earned eight Orpheum High School Musical Theatre Award nominations including Outstanding Direction.  

 “I have never met someone more supportive than Mrs. Neal,” said SAA junior Summer Edwards. “She has a way of making everyone feel loved and important while also challenging them - both in class and during rehearsals - to always become better.”

Junior Denise Geronimo describes Mrs. Neal’s passion for the arts and education:  “From the moment I walked into her Drama I class freshman year, I knew that Mrs. Neal was going to be a teacher that I would never forget. For years, she has advocated for the voice of young girls through her work in the classroom and in the theater. Everyday, her enthusiasm, support, and hard work demonstrate her extreme love for St. Agnes Academy. She constantly gives without expecting any praise or reward in return.”

Under Mrs. Neal’s guidance the students have established the Share the Love Tour. Several times each year the drama students board a bus and take the music and the soul of the theatre to the community, to people who cannot get to their performances.  They visit nursing homes and schools in some of the struggling areas of the city.  Mrs. Neal believes it is part of the department’s mission “to make people happy.”

“Mrs. Neal promotes hard work, positive attitudes, and a love for life. She has taught me that there is no obstacle in life I cannot overpower. She has been my teacher, director, confidant, #1 supporter, and friend throughout my four years at St. Agnes. She has changed my life for the better,” said SAA senior Amelia Hopper. 

Prior to joining the SAA-SDS faculty in 2003 Mrs. Neal taught at Fayette Academy where she started the drama program. She also taught at Woodland Presbyterian School, Memphis Prep and Leland High School in Mississippi.  She is married to Mike Neal and has a daughter, Mackenzie.