UNLV preschool director Catherine Lyons recently received two awards from the Southern Nevada Association for the Education of Young Children.

She received the organization's Super Nova Award as preschool director of the year and its Zenith Award for her contributions to the field of early childhood education.

The Super Nova Award is given to administrators who are "resourceful, promote positive interactions and teamwork, and are stellar role models for their staff." The Zenith Award is given to an individual who "goes above and beyond in their contributions to the early childhood field."

Lyons has worked at the UNLV/CSUN preschool for nine years, serving as director for the last seven. The school serves children with and without disabilities, ages 12 months to 5 years. Approximately 180 families have children enrolled in the school.