DALLAS– The Catholic Foundation, a Dallas-based community foundation dedicated to compassionate charitable giving and stewardship that serves donors and community needs, has brightened the holidays of 10 area Catholic school employees with Work of Heart Awards. The program recognizes local Catholic school administrators, teachers and staff for 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 winners, who received $500 each for their own personal use, include:
· Kathy Bailey, media specialist/librarian at Prince of Peace Catholic School in Plano
· Julie Condy, director of development, technology director and public relations director at St. Joseph Catholic School in Richardson
· Kay Cummis, pre-K and Kindergarten teacher at Mount St. Michael Catholic School in Dallas
· Patsy Escobar, secretary at St. Joseph Catholic School in Waxahachie
· JoJo Gout, assistant librarian at St. Patrick Catholic School in Dallas
· Amy Hill, 5th grade teacher at St. Cecilia Catholic School in Oak Cliff
· Brent Parrott, technology instructor at St. Joseph Catholic School in Richardson
· Katherine Rodriguez, religion and social studies teacher at St. Philip the Apostle Catholic School in Dallas
· Leah Schlief-Freese, fine arts teacher at Ursuline Academy of Dallas in Dallas
· Madeline Schnurr, 5th grade teacher at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic School in Dallas
“After seeing exceptional Work of Heart Award nominations year after year, it is clear that each and every role in a Catholic school is an important one,” said Edwin M. Schaffler, president and CEO of The Catholic Foundation. “The level of commitment to their work and to the children they are serving, whether directly or indirectly, exemplifies the huge impact even one person can have on so many others. We are thankful and grateful that such dedicated, kind and loving individuals are helping shape future generations in our Catholic schools.”
Students, teachers, administrators, parents and community members are encouraged to nominate deserving educators and staff to receive Work of Heart Awards, as well as $500 grants for personal use, in appreciation of their contributions.
“I believe that Catholic education is the foundation for our youth to grow in God’s love and make this a better world. By working at St. Joseph Catholic School (Waxahachie), I feel I am able to strengthen this foundation,” said winner Patsy Escobar, who has been at St. Joseph in Waxahachie for 10 years. “I feel very honored to have been selected to receive a Work of Heart Award. I never do anything with the expectation of being rewarded, but it’s a good feeling that people notice that job that I so very much enjoy.”
The Work of Heart Award program was established in 2005 to honor Catholic educators and staff in the Diocese of Dallas and was solely funded by an anonymous Dallas family through The Catholic Foundation. Today, The Catholic Foundation continues the program. As of the 2010-2011 school year, the Foundation has presented more than 750 Work of Heart Awards totaling $489,500 to individuals who serve children in 37 area schools. The Foundation continues this program through unrestricted funds and invites interested individuals to make a contribution to the Work of Heart Award Fund at The Catholic Foundation.
“As a second career, I realized I could have a greater impact teaching in private schools,” said winner Brent Parrott, who has taught at St. Joseph in Richardson for six years. “This is an honor, and the award means a great deal to me.”
To nominate a candidate for the Work of Heart Award, please visit The Foundation’s website at www.catholicfoundation.com/serving for instructions on the nomination process and nomination requirements. Excerpts from nomination letters are below.
About The Catholic Foundation:
Chartered in 1955, The Catholic Foundation was founded by a group of dedicated Catholic laymen with a vision that extended far beyond the charitable needs of the moment. This independent, nonprofit corporation has dedicated its resources to compassionate charitable giving through grants provided by benefactors through its many planned giving programs. During the last 25 years alone, more than $70 million from the unrestricted endowment and donor-established funds has been provided to meet the needs within the Diocese of Dallas and the community, through grants to various religious, educational and charitable organizations. For additional information about The Catholic Foundation, call 972.661.9792.
Excerpts from winners’ nomination letters
Kathy Bailey, media specialist/librarian at Prince of Peace Catholic School in Plano
“Kathy has been with Prince of Peace Catholic School for many years. Her sense of humor and her ability to take everything in stride make her a significant role model for everyone. No job is too tough, too time-consuming, or too mundane. Kathy spirits herself and any willing participants into action. Sometimes she works behind the scenes where only a few of us know the long hours she may have spent preparing for an event. Kathy welcomes everyone with a genuine interest in fulfilling their need. She is simply the finest ambassador we have in our arsenal of staff and volunteers.”
Julie Condy, director of development, technology director and public relations director, St. Joseph Catholic School in Richardson
“Julie is simply one of the most tireless members of our school’s administrative team and has enabled us to complete a massive construction of our school’s athletic field and create and complete a $100,000 renovation to our gymnasium. She wrote, researched and completed every aspect of a $150,000 grant that brought an intercom system, DLP projectors, updated software for the school and a new sound system and security cameras for the entire parish campus. She has also created a website for our school that is one of the best in the entire Diocese and has chaired the development of our school’s technology committee. It is through her leadership and vision that our school completed a total upgrade to our technology network, school technology lab and the integration of equipment that will keep our school growing and developing the most innovative technology instructional program possible. I simply cannot express to you the impact that Mrs. Condy has on our school and how her work helps to improve the overall academic program that we offer at St. Joseph. Of even greater importance than the innumerable tasks that she undertakes on behalf of the school is her visible support and participation in nearly every activity that takes place in our parish community which further demonstrates her total commitment to the school. Mrs. Condy is also one of the most dedicated and caring individuals that I have ever been privileged to work with and one person who most clearly exemplifies the values that the Work of Heart Award was created to recognize.”
Kay Cummis, pre-K and Kindergarten teacher at Mount St. Michael Catholic School in Dallas
“Kay, a Montessori-certified teacher, has been teaching at Mount St. Michael Catholic School for six years. Teaching three, four and five-year-olds in pre-K and Kindergarten day in and day out is a demanding job. She meets the challenge with loving kindness and patience as she instructs the children. Kay is a single mom of five who devotes herself to her family, but that does not detract her from the love she offers her students and their families. Mindful of the anxiety parents often have over their young children, Kay is quick in her communication with mothers and fathers and takes a personalized approach to each child’s curriculum. Her approach allows each child to be stretched to his or her potential. One thing Kay is known for is articulating the mission and vision of the school to those she meets. Modeling strong Christian virtue herself, she provides an example to not only those in her classroom, but to other students with whom she comes in contact. In September, she discovered that one of the newest faculty members at MSM was experiencing a family crisis, and she organized an effort among all the stuff and faculty to assist this teacher. Taking the time to do this when she herself has a very full schedule shows selflessness and her true compassion for others.
Patsy Escobar, secretary at St. Joseph Catholic School in Waxahachie
“Patsy Escobar is such an example of one who consistently reaches out to others’ needs without any questions or complaints. Patsy is in her eleventh year as secretary, and I have never heard a negative comment about her from anyone. What a compliment! If there is a need throughout the school or with an individual, Patsy always volunteers to do whatever is needed. Patsy is not a secretary who deals only with the business part of running an office, but she is a secretary who believes in putting people first. She comes early or stays late when needed, runs errands, volunteers her husband when needed, acts as a nurse for the bumps, scrapes and lost teeth of our darlings, and is a good listener. She is a caretaker of children, faculty and parents. She truly lives out the Gospel values.”
JoJo Gout, assistant librarian at St. Patrick Catholic School in Dallas
“Mrs. Gout is the assistant librarian and has been for at least six years. When we decided to write this letter I asked students to tell me something that describes what they like about her. Following are some of their comments:
· She learns all about new books we might like and shows them to us.
· She knows what she is doing!
· She is very nice!
· She always helps us!
· She is a good person to talk to!
· She is always smiling!
· She is always in a good mood!
· She deserves the award 100%!
· She is a hard worker!
I agree with all of their statements but I would be remiss if I didn’t add to the list. She is a perfect example of one who goes the ‘extra mile’ in serving our educational community. She encourages every student to read and goes out of her way to make sure they feel comfortable in the library. She looks for books for so many individual kids to try to get them excited about reading and finds something they are interested in. This is particularly important for students with reading problems. She is a perfect Christian example for our students and staff. She is always kind, always smiling, always encouraging. She looks for and sees the good in every single person she encounters. She truly is a blessing and I cannot imagine what our school would be like without her.”
“Anyone would call me a bookworm. I love to read, and I feel that Mrs. Gout is just the same. Whenever I come into the library I am welcomed by her, and right away we discuss what we’ve been reading. She’s suggested some terrific books to me. Sometimes I’d skip part of recess to talk with her about movies based on books and about the books I’ve been reading. We started our ‘book club’ about two years ago, and ever since, I’ve felt a strong bond with Mrs. Gout. She’s always looking out for me, and making sure I’m reading good books. I feel she deserves this award dearly, and she would be ever so honored to receive it.”
Amy Hill, 5th grade teacher, St. Cecilia Catholic School in Oak Cliff
“I am writing to you today because my fifth grade students have asked me to help them in nominating their teacher as a Work of Heart nominee. I could not have been more pleased when they told me of their wish. Mrs. Amy Hill is an extraordinary teacher and mentor. Amy is a true product of our Diocese and has attended the following schools: St. Piux X for elementary school, Ursuline Academy and then went on to finish her education at University of Dallas. This is Mrs. Hill’s second year at St. Cecilia and she has already contributed so much. Her love and dedication to her students is inspiring. She motivates her fellow teachers and volunteers whenever needed. Mrs. Hill has a very special gift. The gift to reach her students on all levels – academically, socially and spiritually. She is an all-around educator and even more than that is a tremendous person with a caring soul.”
“My teacher is the best teacher in the world. She is kind, and she also does activities with us so we can understand our work better. And she also is very pretty. She really should receive the Work of Heart Award. P.S. Her name is Mrs. Hill.”
Brent Parrott, technology teacher at St. Joseph Catholic School in Richardson
“Mr. Parrott has helped to develop and design an innovative and integrated curriculum that combines the use of all aspects of software, basic programming, and use of data systems that provide the most involved and hands-on experience for every child. Brent also works very hard to ensure that he is the most skilled and knowledgeable teacher possible. I could not be more impressed or pleased with the work he has done and the manner in which he has accomplished that work for the benefit of our students. Clearly his efforts have a tremendous impact on our ability to provide the highest quality technology program for our students and through this work he has improved the overall academic program at St. Joseph. I would also like to laud Mr. Parrott for his efforts this year to complete a very significant upgrade to our school’s lab and the overall technology infrastructure. Our lab’s equipment was very outdated and difficult to make any significant changes to that equipment. We were able to raise the funds to make the necessary renovations. Brent did nearly all of this work himself and on his own time during the summer so that we could have the lab up and running by the time students returned to school. He has had to work each day since school started to help teachers with problems and issues, both small and complex. His patience and understanding of all these issues combined with the demands to be prepared to meet the needs of his own students are a credit to Brent and his commitment to St. Joseph Catholic School.”
Katherine Rodriguez, religion and social studies teacher, St. Philip the Apostle Catholic School in Dallas
“Mrs. Katherine Rodriguez has been an employee here at St. Philip the Apostle Catholic Church since the 1998-1999 school year. She has worked tirelessly as a teacher and has been a mentor teacher. She observes, meets and guides these teachers in the ACE program through their two-year process here. Personally, she has been a teacher for both of my boys when they were here at St. Philip. Mrs. Rodriguez inspired them with many great instructional projects. My oldest son who is a senior at Jesuit College Prep can remember the sod huts and Roman chariots he created for Social Studies in 5th and 6th grades. These projects helped bring history alive for him. My younger son who is a freshman at Jesuit can remember the fairy tale puppet show that he and some of his classmates had to create and show to the younger grades for Language Arts. She really knows how to bring out the creative side to her students. I feel she is an excellent candidate for a Work of Heart Award.”
“Mrs. Rodriguez and her husband are devout Catholics, which is exhibited by their actions and through their three children who have all attended Catholic schools. Her oldest daughter is a teacher at another Catholic school in Dallas, which is a testament to their family’s devotion to Catholic education. I have known Mrs. Rodriguez since 1997. Though the years I have seen her stand firm on her Catholic beliefs, and she shares her passion with the students she comes in contact with. St. Philip is privileged to have Mrs. Rodriguez as a faculty member.”
Leah Schlief-Freese, fine arts teacher, Ursuline Academy of Dallas
“I am a Senior at Ursuline Academy, and am blessed to have many teachers that are extraordinary, but Mrs. Schlief-Freese has been more than just a teacher. She is a skilled artist and an encouraging mentor with an incredible sense of humor. Mrs. Schlief-Freese teaches fine arts classes including ceramics and fused glass. I am passionate about ceramics, and even now, when I have a free period, she welcomes me into the art work to work on projects or to assist teaching younger students some of the skills she has shared with me. In addition, I planned since I was a Freshman to take the Senior fused glass class, so I was disappointed when it wouldn’t fit into my schedule. I talked to her during the summer, while taking another class, and she welcomed me into the art room, and taught me the art of fused glass during her free time. Art is a release for me, and when I am working in her art room, ideas flood my mind. She builds an environment that fosters creativity. At the same time, Mrs. Schlief is honest and endearing. I am so incredibly grateful for having had Mrs. Schlief-Freese as a teacher and a mentor.”
Madeline Schnurr, 5th grade teacher, St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic School in Dallas
Not only have my children had Mrs. Schnurr as a teacher, I have personally been blessed by having Ms. Schnurr as a mentor. Ms. Schnurr has teaching gifts that few others can match. She truly cares about the education of children. She takes extra care in preparing lessons and activities that are meaningful and fun for children. She is animated and always has children actively participating in class. She understands the developmental needs of children and works carefully to ensure that all students are appropriately served no matter what level. I have seen her spend many hours after school working with those students who needed additional help. Ms. Schnurr is a good Christian example for children. Several times I have witnessed her having the children make cards for people who were sick or serving in the military. I have heard her talking to the children about the Christian manner in which they should treat each other. She always does her work with a smile on her face. This is a teacher who truly makes a difference in the lives she touches. Ms. Schnurr has and continues to be a phenomenal mentor. I still model much of what I do on the way that Ms. Schnurr does things. Ms. Schnurr constantly strives to be better. She has been teaching for 16 years and she continues to take classes and attend seminars for professional development. She also gives her time volunteering in leadership roles. Her dedication to her work is unmatched.”