Editor's Note:  Dr. Melinda Blade is a longtime Coronado resident.

Dr. Melinda Blade has received the San Diego Section Athletic Director of the Year Award for 2011-2012. She is Social Studies Department Chair and Director of Athletics at the Academy of Our Lady of Peace.

Chosen by her peers in the California State Athletic Directors Association, Dr. Blade was recognized at a recent CSADA banquet in San Diego for the work and dedication that she has given to her school and community.

She has been a member of the OLP teaching faculty since 1976 and Athletic Director since 1989. Since then, the school has earned 42 varsity championships and six county titles. Dr. Blade has coached at both the high school level and the college level.

Dr. Blade is also a nationally Certified Master Athletic Administrator, having demonstrated exemplary knowledge and on-going professional development in the field of interscholastic athletic administration. A graduate of the University of San Diego, Dr. Blade earned her doctorate in the field of Educational Leadership.