Together with Rev. Wayne Blackburn, Dr. James F. Ferrell established the League of Christian Schools in 1983 while he was serving as the head of the Education Department of Southeastern University in Lakeland, Florida. His lifetime commitment to the integrity, rigor, and excellence in teacher education and school programs is evident across the country. Dr. Ferrell was responsible for an entire generation of professional Christian educators that would permeate both public and private education. But his passion was for Christian Schools and the accreditation protocol that helped them achieve higher levels of excellence.

Dr. James Ferrell continues to leave a lasting impact on the League of Christian Schools. From the inception of the League of Christian Schools, Dr. Ferrell has served on the board and as the head of the accreditation teams, the accreditation commission, and even has a lifetime appointment to the board of directors.

His service is an example to all of us.

Upon honoring him for more than twenty-five years of faithful service the LCS Board accepted a resolution to create the “James Ferrell Lifetime Service Award.” The award is intended to honor, from time to time, a single recipient whom has demonstrated significant contributions to the League of Christian Schools and Christian education both in leadership, personal and professional commitment, and the development of others.

To identify those persons for whom the award is intended, we encourage every LCS affiliate, whether a director, teacher, or support staff, to consider submitting the names of qualifying individuals to the LCS office. To qualify for the James Ferrell Lifetime Service Award, the nominee must:

• Have served in a leadership capacity in one or more LCS schools for a minimum of 15 consecutive or non-consecutive years. This can include superintendent, administrator, director, assistant director, principal, assistant or vice principal, or lead teacher, or any other position which requires the direct oversight of employees and or programs; or,
• Have contributed to LCS in one or more of the following manners:
  • Held elected office (President, Vice-President, Secretary Treasurer); or,
  • Held appointed office (Accreditation Chair, Student Activities Director, Preschool Representative); or,
  • Served as an inspector; or,
  • Served as chair on any LCS committees or task forces; and,
• Participated in LCS activities such as attending educational offerings for each of the years of service; and,
• Be present at LCS Conference to receive the commendation.