CLAWSON — The pediatrician who brought the height of the Flint water crisis to the forefront of state and national political leaders was honored Feb. 1 by the local Catholic school from which she graduated.

Dr. Mona Hanna-Attisha returned to Guardian Angels School in Clawson to receive the school’s Distinguished Alumni Award from Guardian Angels’ pastor, Fr. Gerry Le

Boeuf.

Dr. Hanna-Attisha, a 1990 graduate of the school, was asked to address the student body at Guardian Angels and nearby Bishop Foley High School, saying her Catholic education “taught me to love all our neighbors, no matter where they are from — religion, color, anything.

”Asked what advice she could share with the students, Dr. Hanna-Attisha, whose research surrounding Legionnaires’ disease allowed her to present evidence on Flint’s lead-contaminated water to state and federal officials, said “Do your homework” was at the top of the list.

“If you know your science and your math, and you know how to present it — in writing and talking — you will have the courage to stand up for what is right,” Dr. Hanna-Attisha said.

The pediatrician also encouraged students to love and serve their neighbor, especially those who are underprivileged.

A statement from the school expressed pride in Dr. Hanna-Attisha’s accomplishments and congratulated her on the award.

“We, at Guardian Angels, are honored to know that Dr. Hanna-Attisha traces her values of love and service back to her early days in Catholic education,” the statement read. “We are proud of her accomplishments and know that she will continue to serve others entrusted to her care.”