February 1, 2023 at 1:20 a.m.
CATHOLIC SCHOOLS WEEK AWARDS
CATHOLIC SCHOOLS WEEK AWARDS
Janet MacLasco, Sacred Heart School, Troy
MacLasco has been the face of Sacred Heart School for more than 20 years as the school’s administrative assistant. Known as a Jane-of-All-Trades by colleagues, MacLasco would often be found holding down the office on her own, all while answering the phone, grabbing ice for a boo-boo, helping retrieve a change of clothes for a student, and counting money in between her snack of peanut butter and crackers.
MacLasco frequently volunteered at various school events, welcoming people at the door, and always with a smile. Co-workers describe her as dedicated to the school, willing to assist teachers and a true friend to all. Parishioners loved visiting with her as well, making her a wonderful and important bridge between the parish and school communities.
MacLasco retired on Dec. 1. While the entire Sacred Heart community was sad to see her go, they wish her well in her retirement and hope she enjoys spending more time with her children and granddaughters.
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Mother Frances Cabrini Distinguished School Support Award honors a member of the school community who challenges the entire community to make a stronger commitment to the school’s Catholic mission through the personal giving of time and talents. This stewardship is an affirmation that the education of our youth involves the entire community.
Tillman Nechtman, St. Clement’s Regional Catholic School, Saratoga Springs
Now in his second year as School Board president, Nechtman has been a member of the St. Clement’s community for almost a decade. Working closely with staff, PTO and various committees throughout the school, Nechtman always brings 1000 percent to everything he does and is an example of faith, dedication and commitment.
A vocal advocate for Catholic education, Nechtman understands the unique mission and needs of Catholic schools. He has a way with words and uses his talent in support of the school, whether it be a plea to parents for volunteer time, engaging in various fundraising endeavors or creating faith-filled activities for the student body. Last year, Nechtman co-chaired the school’s largest fundraiser, the Spring Ball. He also chairs the mother-son bowling event, something that is near and dear to his heart.
Nechtman is a member of the Catholic Identity Committee and, as such, has found unique ways to share his faith with the school community. He writes reflections for weekly school emails, has designed Lenten scavenger hunts for students, and recently helped create a Twelve Days of Christmas project for the school.
All of this hard work and service continues even as Nechtman and his family deal daily with his wife’s seven-year battle with lung cancer. Nechtman’s appreciation for the support, prayers and comfort offered by the St. Clement’s community throughout this challenging situation has been returned tenfold through his volunteer hours and commitment to the school. He is one of St. Clement’s biggest cheerleaders.
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St. John Neumann Award for Commitment to Catholic Education recognizes an individual who communicates to the Catholic community, and to the broader community, that Catholic schools are the best investment and hope for the future of our church and society. The award gives public acknowledgment for service to Catholic schools demonstrated through personal characteristics of zeal, support, enthusiasm, purpose and selfless generosity in the spirit of St. John Neumann.
Ernest Casile, St. Mary’s Institute, Amsterdam
Casile is most frequently known as an interim principal these days. If you look at his track record, however, you’ll soon realize he is anything but “interim” for the Catholic schools of the Diocese of Albany. It’s much more accurate to call him a “staple,” a reliable leader we have come to count on again and again.
After a career in public education, Casile retired, but it didn’t take long for him to return to the education field he loves so much. He served as principal of St. Ambrose School in Latham and went on to work in the Catholic School Office. He tried his hand at retirement a few more times, but his calling to ministry and his commitment to Catholic schools kept pulling him back, leading him to take on several interim principal positions at St. Thomas the Apostle School in Delmar, Sacred Heart in Troy, and, most recently, St. Mary’s Institute in Amsterdam. Casile’s reassuring and calm presence has smoothed out pivotal transitions and paved the way for continued success for our schools, our teachers and our students.
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Albany Diocesan School Board Community Partner Award recognizes members of our broader community who partner with us to demonstrate their commitment to Catholic school education.
Jack Aernecke, Notre Dame-Bishop Gibbons School, Schenectady
Since his graduation from Notre Dame-Bishop Gibbons in 1963, Aernecke has dedicated his life to supporting and promoting Catholic education. Aernecke connects people; it’s just what he does. Because of his professional background as a former news anchor for Channel 6, he knows how to put just the right people in touch with folks at Notre Dame-Bishop Gibbons. He is an endless well of ideas for how and where to recruit potential students. As Notre Dame-Bishop Gibbons worked to expand its science labs, Aernecke spearheaded a campaign to secure funding not only in grants from places such as the Schenectady Foundation and Amazon, but from individual donors as well. Through his support, the school has been able to update its labs and improve its internet access.
Aernecke is always willing to lend his voice (literally) when the school needs a recording. And when it’s open house time, he is there, ready to give a tour to a potential family. He ends each tour with these words: “A lot of schools can give you an education, but only Notre Dame-Bishop Gibbons can give you an education that will shape your life.” Aernecke walks the walk, as a graduate and as the parent of a graduate. He supports Notre Dame-Bishop Gibbons all ways: financially, spiritually, physically. And yet he continues to say that he has gotten far more from Notre Dame-Bishop Gibbons than he could ever hope to return. Aernecke is the ultimate volunteer for his alma mater.
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