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. 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.