The Archdiocese of Chicago’s Office for Catholic Schools announced that 18 teachers, administrators and staff members from across its 217 Catholic schools were selected as the 2017 Heart of the School Award winners. The award recognizes outstanding Catholic school employees who represent Catholic elementary and high schools across the two-county archdiocese. 2017 Heart of the School Award winners Heart of Excellence is given to teachers who foster the highest quality of teaching and learning in their classrooms. Kathleen Dudek Douglass, Ascension, Oak Park and Mary Stenson, Regina Dominican High School, Wilmette Heart of Inclusion is given to teachers, staff members and administrators who foster inclusion in education by welcoming and serving all students, regardless of their socioeconomic background or the presence of defined learning needs. Susan Kehoe, St. Catherine of Alexandria, Oak Lawn and Chiara Nease, Holy Trinity High School, 1443 W. Division St. Heart of Enrichment recognizes school employees who excel at providing instruction and activities in one or more enrichment area (e.g. art, music, foreign language, physical education, etc.). Kelly Lamorena, St. Hilary, 5600 N. Fairfield Ave. and Kyle Petros, St. Josaphat, 2245 N. Southport Ave. Heart of Service recognizes individuals who provide excellent support to the school community. Joe Accardi, St. Benedict Prep, 3900 N. Leavitt St. and Lisa Sarcinella, St. Barnabas, 10121 S. Longwood Dr. Heart of Christ recognizes individuals who are outstanding examples of Christian service, love and compassion. Eileen Bruno, St. Alphonsus/St. Patrick, Lemont and Daniel Zundel, Christ the King Jesuit College Prep, 5088 W. Jackson Blvd. Heart of Innovation recipients reflect the ability to successfully serve students through adaptation and innovation. Diniah Dean, De La Salle Institute, 3434 S. Michigan Ave. and Julie Tuten, SS. Faith, Hope and Charity, Winnetka Heart of Leadership recipients demonstrate leadership in their school through mentoring, inspiring others and setting a clear vision. Christine Bremner, Our Lady of the Wayside, Arlington Heights and Lily Olson, St. Gall, 5515 S. Sawyer Ave. Heart of Connection recipients recognize that the school is part of a greater community and actively seek to build connections between the community and the school. Jim Dippold, Cristo Rey St. Martin College Prep, Waukegan and Sharon Smogor, Carmel Catholic High School, Mundelein Heart of the Future recognizes employees who have worked in education for three years or less and demonstrate outstanding leadership and service. Michelle Gross, St. Cletus, La Grange and Erica Massarelli, St. Mary, Buffalo Grove
Cardinal Cupich visits school that held mock conclave On the morning of June 2, Cardinal Cupich, dressed in a red cassock and wearing a red zucchetto, joined the student “cardinals” at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Academy to see a reenactment of their now-viral mock conclave and to answer their questions about the real conclave that elected Pope Leo XIV.
Local school’s mock conclave goes viral around the globe Two days before Pope Leo XIV, a native Chicagoan who is a member of the Augustinian religious community, was elected the 267th pope by the College of Cardinals, students at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Academy elected their own native Chicagoan in a mock conclave, and the student elected took the name “Augustine” when he accepted his election.
St. Ann School receives $97,000 from Big Shoulders Fund St. Ann School Principal Kathleen Fox credits a school culture that emphasizes ongoing learning and making sure each students feels that they are known and valued for its growth in test scores and other academic measures.