CATHOLIC SCHOOLS WEEK AWARDS

Jennifer Kraus, Theresa Lewis, James Morrell and the Knights of Columbus all honored this year

Jennifer Kraus, Theresa Lewis and James Morrell have all received awards this year for their dedication to Catholic education. (Photos provided)

St. Thomas Aquinas Distinguished School Staff Award honors a school staff member (secretarial, development, maintenance, etc.) who goes above and beyond the call of duty in her/his role. This dedication is demonstrated in daily activities which support the school’s mission and community.

Jennifer Kraus, St. Kateri Tekakwitha School, Schenectady

Jennifer Kraus, school business manager at St. Kateri Tekakwitha School in Schenectady, will receive the St. Thomas Aquinas Distinguished School Staff Award for reflecting the school’s mission of “welcoming all to joyfully nurturing knowledge and faith by treating every family with respect, patience and kindness.” A hallmark of her service is a tireless commitment to assisting families navigating the Department of Social Services. “Whether working with long-standing parish families or newcomers navigating the school system for the first time, she provides a sense of stability and reassurance that allows parents to feel truly part of our community,” wrote Denise O’Connor, principal, in her nomination letter. “... Her work opens doors – literally creating access to Catholic education for families who might otherwise be unable to join our community.” While her behind-the-scenes work is meticulous and indispensable, it is her “heart for service” that makes all the difference. Father Robert Longobucco, pastor of St. Kateri’s, also noted Kraus’ stand-out service to the school: “Since joining our parish school family nearly 19 years ago, Jenny has always been a dedicated, hard-working, valuable employee,” he wrote. “That is her baseline. It’s the caring, thoughtful, innovative and compassionate manner in which she goes about serving our students that distinguishes her.”

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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.

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Theresa Lewis, Notre Dame-Bishop Gibbons School, Schenectady

Theresa Lewis, school secretary at Notre Dame-Bishop Gibbons School, will receive this year’s Mother Frances Cabrini Distinguished School Support Award in honor of the way she goes above and beyond in her position for the school community and as a “second mother” to students and staff alike. “In addition to the love she shows everyone around her, Theresa is a moral compass for the faculty,” wrote Lisa Dobkowski, math teacher and school parent, in her nomination letter. “… Theresa has such deep faith and knows how important it is that the faculty keeps their focus on the Gospel message in all that we say and do each day.” In addition, she advocates for students whenever possible, and, knowing that many students have food insecurity, even feeds students — literally — with her famous banana bread. Interim Principal Tricia White added to the accolades, writing: “Theresa is the point person for our community … Her faith in God is infused in every aspect of her view of her purpose in our school, to her family, and the community. She serves and challenges others to do the same.”

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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. 

James Morrell

James Morrell has been a faithful, long-time supporter of many Catholic and other nonprofit organizations through the Capital Region for several years. His philanthropic support has made a substantial impact on sustaining and strengthening Catholic education throughout the Diocese. Morell is a former member of the Diocesan School Board and the Financial Council of the Diocese of Albany. We are eternally grateful for his time, expertise and support and are proud to recognize him with the St. John Neumann Award for his commitment to Catholic education.

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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.

The Knights of Columbus

The Knights of Columbus is the world’s largest Catholic fraternal service organization, founded in 1882 by Blessed Father Michael J. McGivney. Today, it empowers Catholic men to live their faith through charity, unity and fraternity, offering community service, supporting the Church, and promoting Catholic education globally, with members in over 15,000 councils worldwide. We are very pleased to recognize all Knights councils throughout the Diocese for their faithful support through student scholarships and other initiatives that benefit their local school communities. — Catholic School Office