María Isabel León Receives Simón Bolívar Medal for Excellence in Education

The Minister of Education of Colombia Presents the Award to the Academic Leadership Team at the Gimnasio Fontana

Bogotá, Colombia - May 15, 2009 - María Isabel León ("Marisa"), the incoming Head of School of the Magellan International School in Austin, Texas, was honored today together with the rest of the academic leadership team at her current school in Bogotá, Colombia, the Gimnasio Fontana, in recognition of the school's recent accreditation by the Council of International Schools, the leading international school accreditation organization. Marisa is currently the High School Principal at Gimnasio Fontana where she has also been Middle School Principal and Elementary School teacher.

The team was awarded the Simón Bolívar Silver Medal for Excellence in Education by the Minister of Education of Colombia, who was present at the ceremony. The medal, named after one of the most important leaders of Spanish America's successful struggle for independence against Spain in the early 1800's, is given to educational institutions younger than 25 years who have proven their excellence and commitment to education in Colombia.

This award of distinction comes as Marisa is transitioning to her new role at MIS and leaving her school and a legacy in Bogotá. In her own words:

"As I prepare to depart Bogotá, Colombia for Austin, I am so very happy to end my tenure at Gimnasio Fontana by celebrating this major achievement. It is the perfect time for my school to transition to a new leadership that can take it further in its growth and success. I look forward to applying all my experience, passion, knowledge and commitment to The Magellan International School."

About The Magellan International School

The Magellan International School is an independent, not-for-profit, school opening in August of 2009 in Austin, Texas with Pre-Primary through 2nd Grade, adding one grade level per year thereafter. The School’s fundamental objective is to prepare children to become engaged Global Citizens of the 21st Century that can meet the challenges and opportunities facing the world in this age of globalization. The School features an International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme curriculum within the context of an English-Spanish Dual Language immersion program. Mandarin is offered starting in 3rd grade. For more information visit www.magellanschool.org