Yvonne McNeal has been named principal of St. Mary's Academy, Inglewood, the first laywoman to head the college preparatory high school for girls in its 120-year history, effective July 1.

A 1972 alumna of the school, McNeal currently serves as St. Mary's academic and personal counselor for freshmen and sophomores. Previously she was vice principal at Sacred Heart High School, Lincoln Heights. She has served the Catholic educational community as a counselor, teacher, music minister and campus minister.

Sister of St. Joseph Fay Hagen resigned her position as principal in January for health reasons. Under her leadership, St. Mary's enrollment increased dramatically and the entire physical plant was renovated. Tamara Martinez-Payne, formerly principal of St. Monica High School in Santa Monica, has been interim principal since January.