Dallas-based Catholic Foundation gives 10 Work of Heart Awards to area educators

by PegNews wire

Recipients of the Work of Heart Awards were selected from nominations written by students, teachers, parents, administrators, and community members.

DALLAS — The Catholic Foundation announced today that 10 commendable Dallas-area educators each received a Work of Heart Award, along with a $500 grant for personal use. The Catholic teachers and staff were selected for the award based on their dedication and service to their schools, students, and communities. One of the Richardson winners actually saved the life of a co-worker by performing CPR after her colleague suffered a heart attack.

Recipients of the Work of Heart Awards were selected from nominations written by students, teachers, parents, administrators, and community members. 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.

Debbie Story, a middle school math teacher at St. Joseph Catholic School in Richardson, was honored as a Work of Heart Award recipient after she came to the aid of a fellow teacher who suffered a heart attack while awaiting an ambulance. The middle school science teacher, Kristy Feil, survived the heart attack thanks to CPR performed by Story. Feil was told by her cardiologist that outside of a hospital, the survival rate of a heart attack like hers was 17%, so she credits Story with her life.

According to Feil, “Work of Heart is looking for ‘the unsung heroes’ who are going ‘the extra mile’ in serving our educational community and its members. I cannot imagine any one person more deserving of a Work of Heart Award. Debbie has always been a special person to me but has now moved up on my hero list! She is my angel, someone who will forever be in my heart.”

“It’s a great privilege to recognize outstanding Catholic educators month after month, who are literally changing and sometimes even saving lives each day,” said Edwin M. Schaffler, CEO and president of The Catholic Foundation. “Their outstanding dedication and commitment drives us to continue in our mission to honor those who are making positive contributions to Catholic education.”

The Work of Heart Award program was established in 2005 and funded solely by an anonymous Dallas family through the Catholic Foundation. The Catholic Foundation continues the program, providing funding for the grants from its Work of Heart Fund. In addition, individual contributions can be made to the Work of Heart Award Fund at the Catholic Foundation.

In addition to Debbie Story, the following recipients each received a Work of Heart Award and $500 in recognition of their outstanding service. Each is listed with a comment from the nomination letter submitted on his or her behalf:

All Saints Catholic School - Andy Chupka, P.E. Teacher

"Coach Andy is not only fun, but teaches children to play by the rules, to learn to be fair, to develop their self control and to build their sense of good sportsmanship. He is also a quiet counselor; I am personally aware of several instances whereby Coach Andy knew a child was going through a difficult time, and found quiet ways to talk with them, listen to them, and help affirm them. He is an excellent role model of a Catholic man, something which all Catholic schools need.”

Bishop Lynch Catholic High School - Mary Hoefer, Theology/Latin Teacher

“Mary is a very humble person and loving teacher. She works quietly behind the scene, helping her little ‘darlings’ learn everything about the church. They respond well to her as I have heard many call her loving: ‘Mama Hoefer.’ She is very involved in their learning, and takes her mission very seriously. Her love and respect for the Church is legendary and always impresses the students...”

Holy Family of Nazareth - Raquel Morgan, Math Teacher and Basketball Coach

“Not only is she the middle school math teacher, but she is the school disciplinarian and also took on the coaching assignment for the girls’ varsity basketball team this year. She has gone the extra mile for the school by proudly taking on this new role. She sees the good in every girl and works to develop their strengths. Not only does she teach the basics of basketball, but she has taught the team about being a team and about being there for one another.”

Jesuit College Preparatory School of Dallas - Charles Hinton, Football & Track Coach

“He is a favorite of all the students and all the athletes. Perhaps the most popular coach on campus, he combines hard work with a great, positive attitude. He is a great role model, a class act, and a friend to all. He shows up early to work and stays late just about every day, and he always has a smile on his face. Coach Squeeky, as he is affectionately known in the community, is a very deserving Catholic employee for this award.”

Jesuit College Preparatory School of Dallas - Richard Perry, Director of Community Service

“Due to Rich’s diligent and conscientious work, Jesuit students have learned to give Christian service in some of the most difficult and trying circumstances a high school student could be expected to experience. But beyond this, Rich has demanded that Jesuit students truly understand what faith and love really mean in the Catholic tradition. Rich Perry is a well-rounded Catholic Ignatian educator who works from and with the heart.”

Mary Immaculate Catholic School - Sandy Schluterman, School Nurse

“With 520 kids in our school, Nurse Sandy has a huge responsibility and is kept busy all the time, but you would never realize it as she gives such extra care to her young patients! She always has a gentle demeanor and tremendous energy for her work. She always looks for ways to make a working parent’s life easier. She treats both the children and parents with respect, kindness and a reassuring smile.”

Prince of Peace Catholic School - Kathy Bailey, Media Director

“Kathy has exhibited and incorporated in all her duties of responsibility an intelligence, enthusiasm, optimism, integrity and hard work ethic that is beyond measure – no task is too difficult or demanding that Kathy doesn’t excel in its completion. We are most blessed and honored to have Mrs. Kathy Bailey as one of our most devoted, selfless, reliable, genuine educators on Prince of Peace Catholic School staff.”

St. Bernard of Clairvaux Catholic School - Jim McCloskey, Math Teacher

“As an ex-Marine, he can initially appear to be tough. However, after being in his class for a short time, students come to understand that he truly cares for them and wants them to succeed. His students score the highest test scores in the entire school. He demands a lot from his students and even the ones that have always struggled with math complete his class with a greater appreciation for the subject. We are truly blessed to have him as part of our family at St. Bernard of Clairvaux.”

St. Mark Catholic School - Donna Ostermann, 5th Grade Teacher

“She has developed into a teacher who cares about each and every child. She strives to make every student in her classes successful and always puts the children first. Donna Ostermann dedicates herself to her students and to St. Mark’s. She serves as an example by actively participating in mass, going to Confession with her students, and in the way she treats everyone.”

Chartered in 1955, The Catholic Foundation has dedicated its resources to compassionate charitable giving through grants provided by benefactors through its many planned giving programs.

Source: The Catholic Foundation