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
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.
Students at Chicago Jesuit Academy learning culinary skills On a Tuesday afternoon in January, about 20 students in fifth through eighth grade at Chicago Jesuit Academy, 5058 W. Jackson Blvd., crowded around Chef Sebastian White at a table in the cafeteria for their weekly culinary lesson.
St. Ferdinand students pack 300 lunches for people in need Students at St. Ferdinand School took time out from their classes on Jan. 27 to make 300 packed lunches to feed people in Chicago over the next 24 hours.