Dallas-based Catholic Foundation awards 14 Work of Heart Awards to local educators

by PegNews wire

DALLAS — Fourteen local educators, including principals, faculty, and staff, started off the school year on a high note after receiving a Work of Heart Award and a $500 grant for their personal use from The Catholic Foundation. The 2009-2010 school year marks the fifth year of the Work of Heart Award program, which honors Catholic educators for their dedication and service to their schools, students, and communities.

“The beginning of a new school year is an exciting time for students, teachers, and parents alike,” said Edwin M. Schaffler, president of The Catholic Foundation. “The Foundation is honored to be able to recognize these individuals who have already contributed to making this school year an exceptional one by giving of their time and talents. These educators give of themselves each day to ensure that our students benefit from the best educational experience possible.”

The Work of Heart Award program was established in 2005 by an anonymous Dallas family through The Catholic Foundation to honor educators and staff of Catholic lower, middle, and high schools located in the Dallas area. This year, The Catholic Foundation will continue the program, providing funding for the grants from its Work of Heart Fund. Individuals can make personal contributions to the Work of Heart Award Fund at the Foundation to further support the program.

“We are grateful to the family that began the Work of Heart Award program and The Catholic Foundation for continuing the awards for this 2009-2010 school year,” said Sister Gloria Cain, S.S.N.D., superintendent of Catholic Schools in the Diocese of Dallas. “This program provides an opportunity to recognize and honor the men and women who work diligently to educate students in such a manner that they are challenged to develop their full potential in order to make a difference in society and the world.”

Recipients of the Work of Heart Awards were selected from nominations written by students, teachers, parents, administrators, and community members. The Foundation has formed a committee, with members of its Advisory Council, to read the nomination letters received each month and decide which teachers and staff members will receive a Work of Heart Award. The criteria is based on traditional merit including tenure and leadership, acts of kindness or charity, Christian example, mentoring, and simply going the extra mile for an individual student, family, or the community.

The following recipients each received a $500 Work of Heart Award in recognition of their outstanding service. Each is listed with a comment from the nomination letter submitted on his or her behalf.

Christ the King Catholic School: Bill Leicht, Middle School Religion Teacher

“Mr. Leicht is one of the most focused and dedicated teachers with whom I have had the pleasure to work. As the middle school religion teacher, he takes great care to make sure that all of his students are prepared in their faith in order to successfully meet the challenges with which young people must contend in today’s world. All members of the school community and the parish benefit from his efforts to make the liturgical life at Christ the King more beautiful and reverent.”

Rosemary Seltzer, Principal

“Rosemary Seltzer is a model of a consummate, life-long educator. She has served the Diocese of Dallas as a Catholic school principal for well over 20 years. She has provided leadership that encourages and expects both students and teachers to strive for excellence. She takes a personal interest in the educational development of each student, often taking the time to discuss with an individual student his or her academic achievements and goals for the future. The stated mission of Catholic education is to ‘educate the whole child’ and this is the mission to which Rosemary Seltzer has dedicated her life’s work.”

Bishop Lynch High School: Pam Price, Science Teacher

“Ms. Price deserves this award due to her dedication to her students, the student council, and to the school community at large. I admire her ability not only to teach, but also to dedicate her free time to benefit the students, especially her junior class. Ms. Price has a charming way about her that stimulates the spirit of giving around the Bishop Lynch community. I believe that because of her and her infectious spirit, she has increased sales during the annual magazine drive as well as increased the food supply donated to the Brady Center during our Thanksgiving food drive.”

Good Shepherd Catholic School: Robert Mosher, Middle School Teacher

“Brother Robert Mosher has been teaching at Good Shepherd for 30 years and has been teaching for 57 years. He is an exceptional teacher, as well as role model for his students and the community at large. He consistently challenges his students in the middle school and provides them with the skills to compete and succeed in numerous high schools in the area. He is a holistic teacher that is concerned with each student’s physical, emotional, and mental well-being.”

Gail Richardson-Bassett, Principal

“Our principal does an outstanding job. She is always helping everyone, every day, every moment, and doing everything that comes her way, even physical tasks not usually performed by a principal such as putting chairs and tables away after a meeting or some special event. She is always there to listen and resolve problems for students, parents, and staff. I have never seen a principal do so much good for everybody.”

The Highlands School: Sean McNally, English Teacher

“Sean McNally not only teaches what one would expect for English, but helps the students discover the dignity of the human person as portrayed in the literature they read. He helps students reflect on the behaviors of characters and what can be learned for our lives today. He has been a good mentor for our students inside and outside the classroom.”

Immaculate Conception School: Dana Rudman, Secretary

“Ms. Rudman has worked for our school for three years and is an outstanding advocate for our school and Catholic education. She always has a positive attitude and is willing to go beyond what is asked of her. Her support often goes unnoticed, and a Work of Heart Award would not only be an honor but a true thank you for all of her contributions to our school over the years.”

John Paul II High School: Michelle Comer, Communications Specialist

“Ms. Comer’s untiring and enthusiastic leadership behind the development and launch of our new website has been inspiring to all of us who have worked with her during this very involved process. Working closely with our IT department, faculty, staff, and parents over the last year, she has successfully coordinated the development of our new site. She enthusiastically and humbly volunteered to spend numerous weekends and late nights dedicated to this project, and her efforts have been rewarded with the launch of our new site.”

Notre Dame School: Stephanie Ewry, Intermediate Department

“Ms. Ewry is nurturing, kind, and compassionate when she needs to be and is disciplined, authoritative, and challenging when she needs to be. She goes out of her way to make all of our students feel appreciated. Whether it is a Christmas stocking full of goodies or a new addition to our prize chest, she is full of surprises and makes sure to give them to all the students, leaving no one out. She makes it a joy to come to work and is a true treasure to our students. ”

St. Joseph Catholic School, Richardson: Phil Riley, Principal

“Phil Riley became principal of St. Joseph during the 2008-2009 school year and brought with him a dynamic sense of purpose and a clear vision. His leadership and philosophy have created an environment where mutual respect and hard work are recognized. Mr. Riley is a tireless in his professional commitment to this school and his enthusiastic presence is everywhere. He engages others to devote their times and talents, as it is so obvious how he is generous with his. We are incredibly fortunate he is our principal.”

St. Mary of Carmel Catholic School: Barbara Lee, Alphaphonics Program

“I have watched our students flourish under the instruction of Ms. Lee. Her class is more than just a place for the learning the curriculum. She talks with students about their day, their lives, and their struggles with learning. She shares her own personal story and tirelessly tells them that they can do whatever they set their minds to! Ms. Lee truly is a gem.”

St. Monica Catholic School: Sharon Wetzel, Full Time Aide

“Sharon Wetzel always has the children’s best interest at heart in every situation. She is an exemplary role model to the students and faculty. She is a jack of all trades at St. Monica’s. Not only does she oversee and protect children on the playground, she also aides eight teachers on a daily basis along with helping in other areas. She makes it all look completely effortless and never complains. She is always upbeat and brings her faith into all she does.”

St. Pius X Catholic School: Mary Brayton, Kindergarten Teacher

“Mrs. Brayton has already done an outstanding job of teaching kindergarten in her first year of having her own class. Not only is she extremely patient, she has consistently demonstrated a genuine interest in wanting all her students to succeed. It has been an honor to have her as our child’s first teacher and we are confident that she has a bright and successful teaching career ahead of her.”

St. Rita Catholic School: Sonbol Mannas, Admissions Director

“Ms. Mannas is a great asset to our staff. She takes our families full circle in the admissions process and is so very patient along the way. From kindergarten shoe policies to the hard stuff of financial aid, she wraps her arms around any situation with great compassion and enthusiasm. Her interest in every family is commendable.”

Source: The Catholic Foundation