“There were so many names to remember that most people didn’t remember names and they said ‘hey, Taiwan’. My name for 2 days was ‘Taiwan’,” said Dr Moran, chuckling as she recalled the time she spent in D.C.
On October 24 2013, Dr Catriona Moran, the Lower School principal, arrived in Washington D.C. for the National Distinguished Principal Award awards ceremony. Being one of the only two overseas principals as well as the first Irish citizen to have received  this award, Dr Moran described the whole award ceremony as one that was “full of joy”, calling it “the Oscars of principalship”.
During the awards ceremony, Dr Moran donned an evening gown designed by Tatiana L. (12), a stunning fusion of both Western and Chinese cultures. “It [the dress] represented the culture, it represented our school, and represented how our school can foster and honor every talent that you have,” Dr Moran said.
Dr Moran grew up in a world  that focused on academic results. As a child, she had to learn English, Gaelic, as well as French. However, she noticed that “students emerging from strong American education systems were more confident, and more articulate”, which are rather uncommon traits amongst students under the European system of education.
Dr Moran has been part of the American education system for 24 years and claims that she would have gone for an American-style education if she ever had the choice. Her dedication to the American education system is definitely what earned her the National distinguished principal award. However, the award was not the only recognition that Dr Moran has received in honor of her hard work. Her own lower school students honored her last year with a special banner titled “Best self, best work, best principal” during their annual end of the year assembly. “It was very cute,” said Dr Moran.