Newsmaker: Gail Holzer

Age: 53

Residence: North Huntingdon

Family: Husband, Robert; sons, Zachary and Christian; daughter, Sarah

Occupation: Principal of Redeemer Lutheran School in Oakmont since 1993

Education: Bachelor's degree in education, Clarion University

Background: Started as the preschool teacher and director at Redeemer 22 years ago when it had just 10 students (it now has 143); previously taught second and third grade at St. Matthew Lutheran School (now St. Matthew Christian Academy) in the North Side

Noteworthy: Holzer has been named the Lutheran Education Association's Distinguished Lutheran School Administrator award winner for 2009.

Quote: "It's been amazingly rewarding, just to watch the number of children who come through our doors every day. The kids that we're able to touch and minister to, building their faith, that's really why we're here. It really is an environment and atmosphere of love, friendship and family."