Hendricken was set to receive some national recognition on Tuesday, as Principal Joseph “Jay” Brennan was to be honored at the White House on National Teacher Appreciation Day as a “great educator.”

Brennan was the only educator chosen out of 33 entries submitted to the Council for American Private Education (CAPE). Daniel Ferris, superintendent of Catholic schools for the Diocese of Providence, nominated him.

“Mr. Brennan knows all 900 students by name and something about each of them. They know he is their advocate and best support,” Ferris said in his nomination. “He leads by serving others and models high expectations, sincerity and humility. He’s a great principal and a great man.”

For National Teacher Appreciation Day, President Barack Obama recognized educators from across the country and announced the National Teacher of the Year. Brennan, a 1972 Hendricken graduate, was in Washington, D.C., to participate in the ceremony.

“I would never have expected this in my wildest dreams,” Brennan said. “I was pretty stunned and honored to be invited to the White House as an accomplished educator.”

Brennan, along with his wife, Diane Brennan, flew to Washington to partake in the ceremony. Brennan credited his wife as a major help in receiving this honor.

“She is my partner in everything,” he said. “She gives me the latitude to do this job.”

Brennan believes his experience as not only a Hendricken teacher but also coach and guidance counselor has led him to have a unique ability of understanding students, faculty, and parents alike as principal.

In his various roles he was able to get a “real insight” into students, their academic goals and concerns, which helps to set him apart.

“I can really listen and be empathetic, which is helpful. As principal I do my best to see that students, teachers and parents are listened, to make sure they are all taken care of. I want to create a community of family here; that’s what I consider my role in this position.”

Brennan shares the honor with the rest of the Hendricken community and says this recognition is theirs as well because if he “wasn’t at a great school with great kids, teachers and administration,” he wouldn’t be heading to Washington, D.C., for the celebration.

“This whole community is being recognized with me,” he said.

Many throughout the Hendricken community have reached out to Brennan to share their congratulations and support for his recognition.

The announcement was shared on the Hendricken Facebook page, and Brennan said there were hundreds of comments from colleagues and alumni about how deserving he is of the recognition. Students and athletes he hasn’t spoken to in years have even reached out to congratulate him and share stories of how much Brennan meant to them throughout their education.

“It’s nice to have so many people reach out and consider me deserving,” Brennan said.