From left, Angel Oats, Heart of Excellence Award winner and teacher at St. Sabina Academy; Temple Payne, principal of Christ the King Jesuit College Prep; and Katie Olson, Heart of Christ Award winner and assistant principal at Christ the King Jesuit College Prep, share a laugh at the Heart of the School Awards luncheon May 10 at Ditka's Restaurant in Oakbrook. (Julie Jaidenger/Chicago Catholic)
The Archdiocese of Chicago announced that 18 teachers, administrators and staff members from across its 214 Catholic schools were selected as the 2018 Heart of the School Award winners. The winners, who represent Catholic elementary and high schools across the archdiocese, were selected for their outstanding contributions to the schools and the students they serve. The 2018 Heart of the School Award winners: Heart of Christ is given to faculty and staff members who are outstanding examples of Christian service, love and compassion. Through both work and witness, they live out our Catholic mission every day. Katie Olson, assistant principal, Christ the King Jesuit College Preparatory School; and Pamela Howell, eighth-grade teacher and assistant principal, Queen of the Universe School 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. Cristina Zavattero, third-grade teacher, St. Joseph School, Wilmette; and Dan McGrath, president, Leo High School Heart of Enrichment recipients excel at providing instruction and activities in one or more enrichment areas, such as art, music, foreign language or physical education. Julie McKee; music, physical education and performing arts faculty member; Mother McAuley Liberal Arts High School; and Mary McDermott, band teacher, St. James School, Arlington Heights Heart of Excellence is given to teachers who foster the highest quality of teaching and learning in their classrooms. Angel Oates, fifth-grade teacher, St. Sabina Academy; and Mary Vitaioli, junior high teacher, St. Athanasius School, Evanston 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. Jeana Caminiti, first-grade teacher, St. Ann School; and Kristin Enriquez, head of inclusion, St. Benedict Preparatory School Heart of Innovation recipients reflect the ability to successfully serve students through adaptation and innovation. Sandra Locher, mathematics department co-chair and teacher, Regina Dominican High School, Wilmette; and Suzanne Leahy, fourth-grade teacher, St. Albert the Great School, Burbank Heart of Leadership recipients demonstrate leadership in their school through mentoring, inspiring others and setting a clear vision. Angela Jenks, sixth-grade and junior high literature and language arts teacher, Sts. Faith, Hope and Charity School, Winnetka; and Viatorian Father Patrick Render, pastor, St. Viator parish and school Heart of Service recipients provide excellent support to the school community. Rose Koch, junior high teacher aide, St. Michael School, Orland Park; and Tiffany Schiff, preschool teacher aide, St. Joseph School, Libertyville Heart of the Future recognizes employees who have worked in education for three years or less and demonstrate outstanding excellence, leadership and service. Christine Aguirre, third- and fourth-grade teacher, St. John de la Salle Catholic Academy; and Elizabeth Kelly, Spanish teacher, St. Patrick School, Wadsworth
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.