A devout Catholic who spent her secondary years attending Catholic schools, Hines joined St. Margaret's as the principal in June 2002.

Hines, who at age 30 ­ is one of the youngest principals hired under the Archdiocese of Washington, said her path was set at an early age by parents who instilled the importance of a good education.

"Forever it's been in my heart to teach," she said. "My parents put a lot of emphasis on education, because just like most parents, they always wanted their children to exceed their potential."

The Archdiocese of Washington covers Washington, D.C. and five Maryland counties, including Prince George's.

Hines' teaching career began in 1995 with a return to her former elementary school, Holy Name School in the District, before joining public schools in the District and later, the county.

But spiritual and personal reflection, in the wake of the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks, made her want to return to a place where faith could be openly expressed. Hines said her search led to the small Catholic school housed within St. Margaret's Church on Addison Road South.

"I felt a need for spiritual healing," Hines said. "I definitely marveled in the fact that the church and school are in the same building ... and that's what it really came down to--uniting the church and school."

Part of that mission has included launching initiatives aimed at nurturing students' personal, as well as educational and spiritual, growth. Some of the new projects Hines introduced include health classes focused on character building and the Angel Eye Award, which recognizes students for performing simple but helpful tasks like volunteering in class.

"I think [Hines] has being doing a wonderful job," said Janin Willis, president of the school's Home and School Association (HAS)--the school's equivalent to the PTA. "She's very enthusiastic and dedicated to the children. She brings a new youthful spirit to the school."

Willis said the simple measures Hines takes--such as offering smiley-faced slippers to cheer up students having a bad day--sometimes make all the difference.

"It's little things like that [which] she does to encourage them," Willis said.

Hines said her greatest challenge this year has been parent-involvement and funding. With 157 students registered this year, St. Margaret's is facing one of its lowest enrollment figures in recent years.

Bill Murray, the school's development director, said the school is responding by introducing a newsletter and alumni association, which officials hope will spread word-of-mouth.

Challenges notwithstanding, Hines said she remains focused in creating a school that operates as a community, one in which faculty, students and parents work together.

"I strive to lead the school based on that [community] premise ... so that everyone considers themselves a stakeholder in the future of the children here at St. Margaret's," Hines said.

E-mail Tyisha Manigo at tmanigo@gazette.net.