Phyllis Cavallone, principal of St. Therese Chinese Catholic School, 247 W. 23rd St., will receive the 2017 Lead. Learn. Proclaim. Award from the National Catholic Educational Association for dedication and commitment to excellence. The annual award honors those who have demonstrated a strong Catholic educational philosophy as well as exceptional ability, dedication and results. When Cavallone was hired 12 years ago, the school was in danger of closing because of low enrollment. After years of hard work, St. Therese was awarded the National Blue Ribbon in 2011 for overall academic excellence and progress in closing achievement gaps. The school has been recognized for its innovative use of technology, a challenging curriculum that features high school-level math and both Spanish and Mandarin education for all grade levels. “Parents and parishioners know my message, that their child’s education is best augmented when it is wrapped in Catholic values and principles,” Cavallone said.
St. Bede School in Ingleside to close despite massive fundraising Father George Koeune, pastor of Our Lady of the Lakes Parish and St. Bede School in Ingleside, announced on March 21 that St. Bede School would close at the end of this school year because of low registration for next school year.
St. Frances of Rome School in Cicero to remain open St. Frances of Rome School in Cicero received welcome news March 6 when the Archdiocese of Chicago announced that the school, which was slated to close in June, would remain open.
Marian’s Sister Mary Jo using newfound fame to talk about God Before she was a sister, Sister Mary Jo Sobieck was an athlete. Sister Mary Jo, 50, started playing softball, basketball and volleyball in elementary school, and she was a three-sport athlete all through high school and her first two years of college. She dropped basketball for her final two years, but stuck with softball and volleyball.