By The Catholic Week Archdiocese of Mobile Superintendent/Director of Catholic Education Gwen Byrd will two awards in the upcoming weeks. Byrd will receive the National Catholic Educational Association's Lifetime Commitment Award at the NCEA 2023 Convention April 11-13 in Irving, Texas, as well as the Drug Education Council of Mobile's Watson Guy Award on March 20. Byrd has served as superintendent for Catholic schools in the archdiocese for more than 40 years and plans to retire following the 2022-23 school year. The Watson Guy Award goes to a community leader who strives to improve the lives of children and families. She will receive the honor during a luncheon at noon at Renaissance Mobile Riverview Plaza hotel. New in 2023, the NCEA award is for recognition of achievements over an entire career rather than or in addition to any single contribution to further the mission of Catholic education in the United States. She is one of five individuals who will be honored for contributing significantly to Catholic education. Given in honor of past NCEA presidents, the 2023 honorees demonstrate change and inspiration to further the mission of Catholic education. NCEA President/CEO Lincoln Snyder said “Catholic school communities nationwide are blessed to have individuals and organizations such as our honorees as devoted and faithful servants to the gospel values we hold dear and a deep commitment to the mission of Catholic school education.”