LILBURN--Paul Assenmacher, a pitcher for the Cleveland Indians, received the Catholic Elementary School Distinguished Graduate Award, presented by the National Catholic Educational Association (NCEA).

The award was presented to Assenmacher during a special ceremony at St. John Neumann Regional School (SJNRS) during Catholic Schools Week. The award recognizes Assenmacher's outstanding personal and professional achievements.

"Throughout his career Paul has consistently pursued the highest possible professional and personal standards," said SJNRS principal Sister Dawn Gear, GNSH. "He is an example of how Catholic schools educate people to take leadership roles in their community and beyond."

During a prior visit to SJNRS Assenmacher told students about the importance of a Catholic education. He explained that his educational background is an important reason why he is able to achieve his goal of playing professional baseball.

Assenmacher attended St. Cyril of Jerusalem Elementary School in Taylor, Mich., Aquinas High School in South Gate, Mich., and Aquinas College in Grand Rapids, Mich. Three of Assenmacher's four children currently attend SJNRS.

Assenmacher was drafted by the Atlanta Braves and has played with the Braves, Chicago Cubs, New York Yankees and Chicago White Sox before joining the American League champion Cleveland Indians.

"It is with great pleasure that we recognize distinguished graduates from our Catholic elementary schools," said Dr. Robert Kealey, executive director of the NCEA's Department of Elementary Schools. "The education they received in the elementary years has provided a firm basis for growth and achievement in their adult lives."

NCEA established the Distinguished Graduate Award out of recognition that the significant accomplishments of Catholic elementary schools are a hallmark of Catholic education. The award highlights "people who as adults put into practice the values and ideals they learned in their Catholic elementary schools," Dr. Kealey said.