Damien High School Principal Dr. Merritt Hemenway and seniors Andrew Carrillo (Ontario, CA) and Yitzak Molina-Romo (Baldwin Park) were honored at the Los Angeles Diocese’s Christian Service Awards on March 20 at the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Angeles.
Archbishop Jose H. Gomez presided over the ceremony that honored over 70 administrators, teachers and students who have excelled in Christian Service in the communities of Los Angeles, Santa Barbara and Ventura Counties.
Carrillo and Molina Romo were recognized for their Christian service, commitment to the community and passion to help others.
Dr. Hemenway was recognized for his 50 years of service in the Los Angeles Diocese Catholic school system. A national principal of the year winner, he has spent 36 years leading five schools: Bishop Amat 1981-1990; Cantwell 1990-1991; Cantwell Sacred Heart of Mary 1991-1994; Santa Margarita Catholic High School 1994-2002; Bishop Amat High School 2002-2012; and Damien High School 2012-present.
After high school, Dr. Hemenway attended St. Mary's College of California located in Moraga. Dr. Hemenway moved on to Cal State Los Angeles completing a Masters in Education and a teaching and Secondary Principal Credentials. He also earned a credential in Adult Education. His Ph.D. was earned at Claremont Graduate University in 1999 researching the effect of the Internet on the teaching-learning process.