2012 Press Releases
Statement on Hospital Joint Operating Agreement
Catholic High School Placement Test – December 8, 2012
Saint Leonard School Students Celebrate Veterans
Archdiocese of Louisville Honors 3,670 Years of Teaching Service
ACCOMMODATE 2012
Catholic Elementary Open House Day
Couples Celebrate a Combined Total of 7,443 Years of Marriage
Saint Francis of Assisi Student Represents Kentucky at Broadcom MASTERS Competition
Catholic Elementary Teachers Gather for Opening School Rally
Catholic Secondary School Class of 2012 Students Receive Record Number of Scholarships
U.S. Secretary of Education Recognizes St. James School, Elizabethtown, as a 2012 National Blue Ribbon School
WordMasters
David Carr, Stuart Priddy and Christopher Rhodes To Be Ordained To the Priesthood for the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Louisville
St. Mary Academy Students Honored for Energy Achievement Program
Ascension School Holds Musical Performance and Art Show
Archdiocese of Louisville Collects Nearly $200,000 for Tornado Victims
Archdiocese of Louisville Welcomes 465 New Members
Archdiocese of Louisville Celebrates Catholic Schools Week
Mrs. Phyllis Dries of St. Patrick Catholic School Receives National Catholic Education Association’s Distinguished Teacher Award
STATEMENT
November 14, 2012
For information, call:
Cecelia Price, (502) 585-3291
Statement on Hospital Joint Operating Agreement
We understand that Governor Beshear has announced that an agreement has been reached for a joint operating agreement involving KentuckyOne Health, University Hospital, and the James Graham Brown Cancer Center. We are hopeful that this effort will benefit patients through improved care, better access, lower cost, and a commitment to care for the poor and marginalized.
The Archdiocese has not been a part of the planning or negotiations. As previously stated, KentuckyOne Health has the support of the Archdiocese since the partners in the KentuckyOne health system have committed to respecting one another’s traditions, missions, and values, including our own Ethical and Religious Directives for Catholic Health Care Services.
There do not appear to be moral roadblocks to continuing recognition of KentuckyOne Health by the Church. We will rely on moral ethicists to advise us as the new agreement is finalized.
Archdiocese of Louisville
November 14, 2012
CALENDAR ADVISORY
November 7, 2012
For information, call:
Cecelia Price, (502) 585-3291
Catholic High School Placement Test – December 8, 2012
Students in eighth grade who wish to attend a Catholic high school next year are required to take the Catholic high school placement test scheduled on Saturday, December 8, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Students take the test at the high school they plan to attend. They must bring a $10 fee and two #2 pencils.
The placement test helps Catholic secondary schools determine the most appropriate course work and academic path for meeting the needs of each student.
For more information, call the Catholic School Information Line at 502/634-1315 or visit www.archlou.org/schools.
MEDIA ADVISORY
For Immediate Release
November 5, 2012
For information, call: Kristin Wallingford,
(937) 515-1471 or (502) 897-5265
Saint Leonard School Students Celebrate Veterans
(Louisville, KY) On Friday, November 9, at 8:00 a.m., St. Leonard School (440 Zorn Avenue) will hold a special event in honor of veterans for Veteran’s Day, November 11. During this event, Marybeth Stewart from the Veterans’ Affairs Voluntary Services and some veterans will visit the school to speak to all grades about veterans and to receive the letters to veterans written by students. The first-grade class also will sing a song and recite a poem in honor of veterans at this event, which will take place in the school cafeteria.
Kristin Wallingford, a St. Leonard first-grade teacher, organized this project for veterans as part of her leadership project for the Kentucky Teacher Internship Program. On November 1, all homeroom teachers at the school were given a Veterans’ Day packet for each student. Each student was invited to write a letter to a veteran and to honor those veterans that they may know personally. In addition to writing letters, the school is displaying in the cafeteria an “Honor Wall” about veterans known to students personally.
The purpose of this project is to help students understand the sacrifice made by veterans and to express appreciation for those who have fought for the United States. A moment of silence for veterans also will be observed by the school on Monday, November 12.
MEDIA ADVISORY
For Immediate Release
November 1, 2012
For information, call: Cecelia Price
502/585-3291 (office) or 417-7187 (cell)
Archdiocese of Louisville Honors 3,670 Years of Teaching Service
(Louisville, KY) On Thursday, November 8, 2012, the Archdiocese of Louisville will honor 227 Catholic school teachers who have achieved a total of 3,670 years of teaching experience. This luncheon will be held from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at The Olmsted, 3701 Frankfort Avenue.
In addition, Catholic Education Foundation Teacher Awards will be presented to nine high school teachers. This award, administered by the Catholic Education Foundation, was established in 2004 by the Dan Ulmer Family to recognize excellent and dedicated Catholic educators who consistently surpass expectations.
Teachers are being recognized for 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, and 45 years of teaching.
Years # Teachers
5 58
10 50
15 35
20 25
25 20
30 14
35 15
40 8
45 2
These teachers serve nearly 20,000 students in 47 PK-12 Catholic schools in six counties of the Archdiocese of Louisville.
CALENDAR ADVISORY
October 12, 2012
Contact: Cecelia Price,
502/585-3291, ext. 1103
Please run the following announcement in community calendars or air on public service announcements:
The Archdiocese of Louisville’s Office of Lifelong Formation and Education is sponsoring the annual “ACCOMMODATE 2012” at Mercy Academy (5801 Fegenbush Lane, Louisville) on Thursday, November 8, 2012. The event will be held from 7:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. in Mercy’s gymnasium.
Accommodate 2012 is a college night for students seeking support services. Representatives from colleges, universities, and other post-secondary programs will be available to talk with parents and students about:
- How colleges and universities are addressing the needs of students with learning differences.
- Alternative choices to a 4-year college track.
- Availability of community resources to support college students.
The Kentucky Office of Vocational Rehabilitation also will be available to discuss the availability of assistive technology for post-secondary students with special needs.
No advance registration is required, and the event is free and open to the public. Door prizes will be given out throughout the evening. Please contact the Office of Lifelong Formation and Education at 502/448-8581 or olfeschool@archlou.org for more information.
CALENDAR ADVISORY
For Immediate Release
October 1, 2012
For information:Cecelia Price
502/585-3291
Catholic Elementary Open House Day
Please run the following announcement in community calendars or air on public service announcements:
Catholic elementary schools in the Archdiocese of Louisville will hold a Catholic Elementary Open House Day on Tuesday, October 23. Families interested in Catholic education may visit any elementary school between the hours of 9 to 11 a.m. or 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Please call 502/634-1315 or visit www.ArchLouSchools.org for more information about this event.
There are 38 elementary schools in six counties of Central Kentucky: Jefferson, Hardin, Marion, Nelson, Oldham and Washington. For more information about Catholic schools, go to www.archlou.org/schools.
MEDIA ADVISORY
For Immediate Release
September 24, 2012
For information:Cecelia Price
502/585-3291
Couples Celebrate a Combined Total of 7,443 Years of Marriage
(Louisville, KY) Archbishop Joseph E. Kurtz, D.D., is celebrating the annual Wedding Anniversary Mass on Sunday, September 30, 2:00 p.m. at the Cathedral of the Assumption, 435 South Fifth Street. This event honors 157 couples celebrating their 30th, 40th, 50th, and 60+ wedding anniversaries. The anniversary breakdown is:
30 years: 24 couples
40 years: 40 couples
50 years: 53 couples
60 years: 21 couples
61 years: 2 couples
62 years: 5 couples
63 years: 2 couples
64 years: 2 couples
65 years: 6 couples
66 years: 1 couple
71 years: 1 couple
The longest-married couple (71 years) is Agnes and James MacPherson from St. Paul Parish.
Media outlets that wish to do interviews must be at the Cathedral at least 20 minutes early. We cannot conduct interviews after 1:45 p.m. because of preparations for the liturgy.
This event is sponsored by the Family Ministries Office, one of the 17 service agencies of the Archdiocese of Louisville.
MEDIA ADVISORY
For Immediate Release
August 30, 2012
For information:Paula Watkins
502/459-3088
Saint Francis of Assisi Student Represents Kentucky at Broadcom MASTERS Competition
(Louisville, KY) Cassie Drury, an 8th-grade student from St. Francis of Assisi School (1938 Alfresco Place), has been selected to represent Kentucky as a Broadcom MASTERS Finalist. She is the only student from the state of Kentucky that was selected for this competition. Thirty finalists were chosen from 300 national semifinalists, who were chosen from an entry pool of thousands.
The title of her project is “Exploring Cell Signaling in Wound Healing.” Cassie will travel to Washington, D.C., during Broadcom MASTERS week (September 28–October 3, 2012) to showcase her project for the public and compete with other finalists on teams in hands-on STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) activities. She also will compete for the $25,000 Samueli Foundation Award, a gift of Susan and Henry Samueli, co-founders of Broadcom Corporation, as well as other awards. The week’s activities culminate with an awards dinner at the Carnegie Institution of Washington on October 2.
The Broadcom MASTERS Competition is a national science, technology, engineering and math competition for U.S. students in grades 6-8. The Broadcom MASTERS (Math, Applied Science, Technology and Engineering for Rising Stars), a program of the Society for Science and the Public, inspires and encourages the nation’s young scientists, engineers and innovators. For more information and a list of national winners, visit www.societyforscience.org/masters.
MEDIA ADVISORY
For Immediate Release
August 6, 2012
For information:Cecelia Price
502/585-3291 • 502/417-7187
Catholic Elementary Teachers Gather for Opening School Rally
Approximately 850 teachers from 38 Catholic elementary schools will gather on Friday, August 10, to celebrate the beginning of the 2012-2013 school year. This event will take place from 9:00 a.m. to noon at St. Margaret Mary Parish, 7813 Shelbyville Road. The theme is “Catholic Schools: The Arms of God. ” Dr. Mary McDonald, former superintendent of Catholic schools in the Diocese of Memphis, will deliver the keynote address about the Catholic identity of schools and the impact of Catholic school teachers.
After the keynote address, Very Reverend Mark Spalding, Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Louisville, will celebrate liturgy. Following the liturgy, representatives from the Catholic Education Foundation will present the Ulmer teacher awards.
The Archdiocese of Louisville has 47 Catholic elementary and secondary schools serving six counties of Central Kentucky.
AGENDA
9:00-9:30: Gathering/Hospitality
9:30-10:30: Welcome and Keynote Address (Dr. Mary McDonald)
10:30-11:30: Liturgy
11:30-11:45: Catholic Education Foundation Ulmer Awards (Brad Rives, Chair, Catholic Education Foundation)
MEDIA ADVISORY
For Immediate Release
June 14, 2012
For information, Call Cecelia Price
502/585-3291
Catholic Secondary School Class of 2012 Students Receive Record Number of Scholarships
The 1,468 seniors who graduated from the 9 Catholic secondary schools in the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Louisville received a record $114.1 million in scholarships to colleges, universities, vocational or business schools. This figure does not include grants or Kentucky Educational Excellence (KEES) scholarship money; these seniors received nearly $6 million in KEES grants. Scholarships were given to 868 students, or 59% of the graduating class, for a total of 2,862 scholarships. Ninety-seven percent of these seniors will continue their education at colleges, universities, vocational or business schools.
The class included 18 National Merit Semi-Finalists, 36 National Merit Commended Students, 57 Governor’s Scholars and 5 Governor’s School for the Arts participants. Ten students received National Merit Special Scholarships, and 1 student received a National Merit Achievement Scholarship.
These seniors also amassed more than 72,000 hours of community service during the 2011-2012 school year.
Eight of the nine schools (Assumption High School, St. Francis DeSales High School, Holy Cross High School, Mercy Academy, Presentation Academy, Sacred Heart Academy, Trinity High School and St. Xavier High School) are located in Jefferson County; 1 school (Bethlehem High School) is located in Bardstown, Kentucky.
MEDIA ADVISORY
For Immediate Release
September 7, 2012
For information: Sr. Michael Marie Friedman, OSUMSJ
270/765-7011
U.S. Secretary of Education Recognizes St. James School, Elizabethtown, as a 2012 National Blue Ribbon School
Today, U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan recognized St. James Elementary in Elizabethtown, Ky., as a 2012 National Blue Ribbon School based on its overall academic excellence. Two hundred sixty-nine schools were recognized overall, and St. James was one of five private schools recognized in the state of Kentucky.
The Department of Education will honor St. James with approximately 219 public and 49 other private schools at a recognition ceremony on November 12-13 in Washington, D.C. In its 30-year history, the National Blue Ribbon Schools Program has bestowed this coveted award on nearly 7,000 of America’s schools.
“Our nation has no greater responsibility than helping all children realize their full potential,” Duncan said. “Schools honored with the National Blue Ribbon Schools award are committed to accelerating student achievement and preparing students for success in college and careers. Their work reflects the conviction that every child has promise and that education is the surest pathway to a strong, secure future.”
The National Blue Ribbon Schools award honors public and private elementary, middle and high schools where students perform at very high levels or where significant improvements are being made in students’ levels of achievement.
The program recognizes schools in one of two performance categories. The first category is “Exemplary High Performing,” in which schools are recognized among their state’s highest performing schools as measured by state assessments or nationally-normed tests. The second category is “Exemplary Improving,” in which schools that have at least 40 percent of their students from disadvantaged backgrounds demonstrate the most progress in improving student achievement levels as measured by state assessments or nationally-normed tests. St. James was recognized as being an “Exemplary High Performing” school.
To select National Blue Ribbon Schools, the Department requests nominations from the top education official in every state, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the Department of Defense Education Activity and the Bureau of Indian Education. The Council for American Private Education (CAPE) nominates private schools. A total of 417 schools nationwide may be nominated, with allocations determined by the number of K-12 students and schools in each jurisdiction. The Secretary of Education invites nominated schools to submit an application for possible recognition as a National Blue Ribbon School.
Founded in 1870, St. James Elementary is one of 38 elementary schools in the Archdiocese of Louisville serving 393 students in grades PK-8. Next month, the school will be moving to a new school building on Robinbrooke Boulevard in Elizabethtown.
NOTE TO EDITORS: A list of the 2012 National Blue Ribbon Schools is available at http://www.ed.gov/nationalblueribbonschools. Nominated schools from some states will be included at a later date following final certification by the state’s chief state school officer.
CLICK TO VIEW WORDMASTERS PRESS RELEASE
MEDIA ADVISORY
For Immediate Release
May 14, 2012
For Information: Cecelia Price,
502/585-3291 (office) / 417-7187 (cell)
David Carr, Stuart Priddy and Christopher Rhodes To Be Ordained To the Priesthood for the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Louisville
(Louisville, KY) On Saturday, May 26, 2012, Archbishop Joseph E. Kurtz, D.D., will ordain David Joseph Carr, Stuart Benjamin Priddy and Christopher S. Rhodes to the diocesan priesthood for the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Louisville. The ordination will take place at 11 a.m. at the Cathedral of the Assumption, 433 South Fifth Street.
Deacon Carr, 45, is a native of Louisville and the son of Alfred and Verna Carr. Carr worked as a security policeman in the United States Air Force. After this service, he received a bachelor’s degree in general studies from Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana, and a master’s degree in theology from Saint Meinrad School of Theology, St. Meinrad, Indiana. He entered the seminary in 2007 and then earned a bachelor of sacred theology from Saint Mary Seminary in Baltimore, Maryland, and a master of divinity from Sacred Heart School of Theology in Franklin, Wisconsin. Deacon Carr is a member of Blessed Teresa of Calcutta Parish in Fairdale, Kentucky, and will celebrate his first Mass there on Saturday, May 26 at 5:00 p.m. He has been assigned as associate pastor of the Basilica of St. Joseph Proto-Cathedral in Bardstown, Kentucky, and of St. Michael Parish in Fairfield, Kentucky.
Deacon Priddy, 37, is a native of Elizabethtown, Kentucky, and is the son of Judy Roguz. He received a bachelor of arts in communications from the University of South Florida in Tampa, Florida; a bachelor of arts in philosophy from the Pontifical College Josephinum in Columbus, Ohio; a master of arts in Catholic philosophical studies and a master of divinity from Saint Meinrad Seminary in St. Meinrad, Indiana. Deacon Priddy is a member of St. James Parish in Elizabethtown, Kentucky, and will celebrate his first Mass there on Sunday, May 27, at 10:00 a.m. He has been assigned as associate pastor of Holy Spirit Parish in Louisville and part-time associate pastor of Immaculate Conception Parish in LaGrange, Kentucky.
Deacon Rhodes, 34, is a native of Dallas, Texas, and is a twin and one of four siblings born to Major Rhodes and Larry Stanton. He earned a bachelor of arts in economics from Morehouse College in Atlanta, Georgia, a master of philosophy from Saint Meinrad Seminary in St. Meinrad, Indiana, and a master of divinity from Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C. Deacon Rhodes converted to Catholicism while attending Morehouse College after his experience with Catholic campus ministry at that school. He is a member of Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish in West Louisville and will celebrate his first Mass there on Sunday, May 27, at 10:00 a.m. Deacon Rhodes has been assigned as associate pastor of St. Augustine Parish in Lebanon, Kentucky, and of Holy Name of Mary Parish in Calvary, Kentucky.
These three men will serve as diocesan priests within the Archdiocese of Louisville. A bishop or archbishop ordains diocesan priests, also called secular priests, for a particular geographical area called a diocese or archdiocese. Diocesan priests usually serve in parishes, though they also may serve in schools, hospitals, prisons or diocesan offices, depending upon local needs. Diocesan priests ordained for the Archdiocese of Louisville serve in the 24 counties in Central Kentucky that make up the Archdiocese.
CATHOLIC SCHOOL MEDIA TIPSHEET
For Immediate Release
April 30, 2012
For more information, call:
Cecelia Price, 502/585-3291
St. Mary Academy Students Honored for Energy Achievement Program
(Louisville, KY) St. Mary Academy (11311 St. Mary Lane, Prospect, Ky.) fourth-grade students are being honored for submitting an outstanding portfolio in Kentucky’s Youth Awards for Energy Achievement Program. Three representatives from the fourth grade will present the project about energy and its consumption and conservation on Wednesday, May 2, at around 10:00 a.m. at the Convention Center in Frankfort, Ky. Students also will attend a luncheon in their honor in Frankfort that day.
St. Mary Academy Archery Team Competes in National Tournament
(Louisville, KY) On Friday, May 11, 30 archers from St. Mary Academy will compete in the National Archery Tournament at the Kentucky Fair and Exposition Center. At this event, the archers hope to qualify to participate in the World Tournament in Orlando. The tournament is a day-long event, and the school will know more specific times for student competition closer to May 11.
For information about either of the above events, please contact Kitty Schloemer, Assistant Principal, St. Mary Academy, 502/315-2555.
CALENDAR MEDIA ADVISORY
April 5, 2012
Contact: Mary Jo Ellis or Tina Gibson, 502/451-2535
Ascension School Holds Musical Performance and Art Show
(Louisville, KY) On Thursday and Friday, May 10 and 11, at 7:00 p.m. the middle school (grades 4-8) Music Theatre Program at Ascension School (4600 Lynnbrook Drive) will present Willy Wonka Kids’ Spring Musical. This event will be held in the parish gym.
The public is invited; tickets are $5 for those 2 and older and may be purchased at the door or in advance in the school office.
From Wednesday, May 9, to Monday, May 21, Ascension School will hold an art show featuring the work of students in all grades. Each class has focused on a different artist, and all students will have artwork on display that replicates that artist’s work and/or technique. Art will be displayed in the gathering space outside the church.
There is no charge for the art show. During the school musical performances on May 10 and 11, the art show will be open from 6:15 to 7:00 p.m. and again after the show; on other days, the art show is open during school hours, 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
MEDIA RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 3, 2012
CONTACT: Bart Weigel, 502-637-9786
Archdiocese of Louisville Collects Nearly $200,000 for Tornado Victims
(Louisville, KY) For the past several weekends parishes within the Archdiocese of Louisville have held special collections to the assist the victims of the tornadoes that ravaged parts of Kentucky and southern Indiana in March. As of April 2nd, $194, 718 has been donated and more than $200,000 is expected by the end of the week. The funds are being managed by Catholic Charities, which has trained staff to work with victims of disasters.
Since the day of the tornadoes, Catholic Charities staff member Cathy Palmer-Ball has been active with KY-VOAD (Volunteer Organizations Active in Disaster) working to determine the long-term needs of those affected.
“In the initial phase, we worked with responders to ensure that immediate needs were met,” said Palmer-Ball. “Now we are returning to the affected areas and communicating with local service providers to determine what other needs are ready to be addressed.”
Steve Bogus, Executive Director of Catholic Charities, is glad the agency is in a position to help the victims, “The generosity of the people of the Archdiocese has been overwhelming.”
Bogus reported that he has been in discussion with the dioceses of Lexington and Covington in Kentucky and the Archdiocese of Indianapolis to offer any assistance the agency has available. Also, Catholic Charities has formed an internal committee to manage its disaster response and review requests for assistance.
“The early responders performed a wonderful job,” said Palmer-Ball. “Our role will be to help individuals and families throughout the entire process. Right now victims are working with FEMA and their insurance companies, but we anticipate a long recovery period with many unforeseen obstacles. Families will have their homes replaced with initial money from insurance or FEMA, but may need help with furnishings or appliances. Others may suffer emotional trauma or financial distress. We’re here to provide ongoing case management and assistance for as long as it takes, whether it’s three months, six months, or a year.”
Catholic Charities of Louisville Inc., a member of Catholic Charities USA and an apostolate of the Archdiocese of Louisville, provides services for people in need, advocates for justice in social structures and calls the entire Church and others of good will to do the same.
MEDIA ADVISORY
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 20, 2012
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, CALL:
Cecelia Price, 502/585-3291 (office) 502/417-7187 (cell)
Archdiocese of Louisville Welcomes 465 New Members
(Louisville, KY) Four hundred sixty-five individuals who are preparing to enter the Roman Catholic Church will be recognized during the “Rite of Election and Call to Continuing Conversion” ceremonies at two locations. The first will be on Saturday, February 25, 11:00 a.m. at St. Patrick Parish (1000 N. Beckley Station Road). The second will be on Sunday, February 26, 2:30 p.m. at the Cathedral of the Assumption (433 South Fifth Street).
During this rite, the Catholic Church acknowledges God’s call to these participants to enter this faith tradition, gives testimony as to their readiness and witnesses the participants’ acceptance of God’s call. These individuals will formally enter the Church at the Easter Vigil on Holy Saturday (April 7, 2012) or at other ceremonies during the year.
These men, women and children from 61 parishes have been participating in a process called the Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA) for a year or more.There are two groups involved:
- Candidates: those baptized in another Christian tradition whose baptism will be recognized by the Catholic Church. This group will enter the church at the Easter Vigil or other ceremonies during the year through the sacraments of Confirmation and Eucharist. There are 243 candidates.
- Catechumens: those who have never been baptized. The individuals in this group sign their names to the Book of the Elect. By signing their names to this book, the participants are stating that they intend to enter the Catholic faith through the sacraments of Baptism, Confirmation and Eucharist at the Easter Vigil. The Book of the Elect will be presented to Archbishop Joseph E. Kurtz at the Rite of Election ceremony. There are 222 catechumens.
MEDIA TIP SHEET
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 25, 2012
For information, call Cecelia H. Price
502/585-3291 • 502/417-7187
Archdiocese of Louisville Celebrates Catholic Schools Week
More than 20,000 students and 1,500 faculty and staff at 48 Catholic elementary and secondary schools will celebrate National Catholic Schools Week from January 29-February 4, 2012. The theme for this year’s Catholic Schools Week is “Catholic Schools: Faith, Academics, Service.”
Festivities for the week include the annual liturgy at 10 a.m., Tuesday, January 31, at Holy Trinity Parish (501 Cherrywood Road). Student and faculty representatives from Catholic schools in the Archdiocese of Louisville will attend this liturgy, which will be celebrated by the Vicar General for the Archdiocese, Very Reverend J. Mark Spalding.
At the liturgy, awards will be given, including the Distinguished Elementary Principal
Award to Cathy Guizio of St. Martha School, the Religious Educational Excellence Award to Johna Fortener of Presentation Academy, and the Outstanding School Volunteer Award to Sally Lynch of John Paul II Academy. In addition, the recipient of the Fr. Joseph McGee Award for Outstanding Catholic Educator, Mary Jane Spaulding of St. Dominic School in Springfield, will be acknowledged. The Father McGee award is presented each year at the Salute to Catholic School Alumni dinner, which will be held on Wednesday, March 14, 2012.
In addition to these awards, the Catholic Education Foundation will be presenting its first poster and essay-writing contest awards to three elementary students for winning posters and one high school student for a winning essay. The poster and essay contests invited students to celebrate Catholic schools and the contributions schools make in “Faith, Academics, and Service.”
The 48 Catholic elementary and secondary schools are located in seven counties in the Archdiocese of Louisville. Schools will be participating in many activities throughout the week. Following is a sampling of these activities.
St. Albert School Holds Intergenerational Discussion about Confirmation and Honors Distinguished Alumnus, Mayor Greg Fischer
On Tuesday, January 31, beginning at 8:30 a.m., St. Albert School’s (1395 Girard Drive) 8th-grade Confirmation candidates will invite their grandparents to Mass and to a discussion about changes in the sacrament of Confirmation. Those students whose grandparents cannot attend will be matched with members of St. Albert Parish’s senior citizens group, Aces. Mass will begin at 8:30 a.m. and will be followed by activities in the school cafeteria at around 10:00 a.m.
On Thursday, February 2, at 9:30 a.m., St. Albert School will honor distinguished graduate Mayor Greg Fischer, who graduated from St. Albert in 1972.
Contact: Bernadette Cooper, Principal, 502/425-1804
St. Andrew Academy Invites Community to Forum on School Choice and to Open House
On Wednesday, February 1, St. Andrew Academy (7724 Columbine Drive) will welcome community members of southwest Louisville to a forum about school choice at 6:30 p.m. The event will include an airing of the film Waiting for Superman, an award-winning production that examines the challenges of our educational system, and a presentation about the availability of tuition assistance by School Choice Scholarships of Louisville.
On Sunday, February 5, at noon, St. Andrew will hold an open house and registration for interested families.
Contact: Jennifer Barz, Principal, 502/935-4578
St. James School Holds Open House and Variety Show
On Tuesday, January 31, St. James School (1818 Edenside Drive) will welcome interested families to an open house and variety show from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. The variety show featuring performances by students will begin at 7:00 p.m. Refreshments and door prizes will be available.
Contact: Kelly Yurt, 502/454-0330, ext. 31
St. Leonard School Considers “How to be Cool” and Welcomes Speaker about Community Service
On Tuesday, January 31, at 9:15 a.m., St. Leonard School (440 Zorn Avenue) will host Lorie Jacobs, Development Director of United Crescent Hill Ministries, who will speak to students about the needs of the Crescent Hill neighborhood and ways to be of service in their neighborhoods.
Throughout the week at morning assemblies (held at 7:50 a.m.), the St. Leonard 4th- and 5th-grade students will demonstrate how “it is cool to take care of yourself” for the rest of the school. Students will discuss how to make good food choices, how to be prepared for class, and how to be neat and clean, based upon their own resolutions to be “a better me.” This project is an extension of the school motto, which is “St. Leonard is Cooler by the River.”
Contact: Janice Barry or Linda Kinderman, Principal, 502/897-5265
St. Patrick School Wages Penny War
From Monday through Friday of Catholic Schools Week, St. Patrick School (1000 North Beckley Station Road) will hold a penny war to raise money for Nativity Academy in Louisville.
Contact: Robin Nall, 502/608-3127 or Dr. Michael Bratcher, Principal, 502/244-7083
St. Raphael School Celebrates Students at Appreciation Events
On Friday, February 3, St. Raphael School (2131 Lancashire Avenue) will hold a Magic Show with the theme “Respect for Others” at 9:00 a.m. for grades preschool and grade 1 and at 10:00 a.m. for grades 2 and 3. At 1:30 p.m., the faculty versus student volleyball game will be held.
Contact: Jean Ann May or Dr. Paul DeZarn, Principal, 502/456-1541
NELSON COUNTY: St. Joseph School in Bardstown Holds Several Events
At St. Joseph Elementary (320 West Stephen Foster Blvd.) in Bardstown, Ky., students will participate in a variety of activities. Students will write thank-you notes to parents, and middle school students will attend a skating party at the Whispering Wheels Roller Rink on Monday, January 30. On Tuesday, January 31, principal Michael Bickett will call a school-wide bingo game at 2:00 p.m. On Wednesday, February 2, students in grades 3-5 will enjoy skating at the Whispering Wheels Roller Rink, and on Thursday, February 2, students of St. Joseph Elementary will attend Mass at 10:00 a.m. at the Basilica of St. Joseph Proto-Cathedral (309 West Stephen Foster Avenue). After Mass, middle school students will go to Bethlehem High School for lunch and activities with the Bethlehem students, and the primary level students will be entertained in the gym at 1:00 p.m. by the Bureau of Lectures and Concert Artists from Lawrence, Kansas. On Friday, February 3, the 8th-grade versus faculty volleyball game will be held at 1:30 p.m.
Contact: Connie Whiteman or Michael Bickett, Principal, 502/348-5994
MEDIA ADVISORY
1000 North Beckley Station Road
Louisville, KY 40245-4550
Dr. Michael Bratcher, Principal
502-244-7083
www.stpatrick-lou.org
January 5, 2012
Mrs. Phyllis Dries of St. Patrick Catholic School Receives National Catholic Education Association’s Distinguished Teacher Award
(Louisville, KY) St. Patrick Catholic School proudly announces that Mrs. Phyllis Dries, third-grade teacher, is the recipient of the National Catholic Education Association’s (NCEA) Distinguished Teacher Award for 2012. Mrs. Dries will attend the NCEA national conference in April, where she will be recognized before thousands of Catholic school educators.
Mrs. Dries has been teaching third grade at St. Patrick since 1996. She received her bachelor of arts in elementary education and a master’s degree in education as a reading specialist, both from the University of Louisville. She has been teaching in the Archdiocese of Louisville for 26 years.
Fr. Martin Linebach, pastor of St. Patrick, said about Dries: “I was elated, but not surprised, that Mrs. Phyllis Dries is the recipient of this distinguished recognition. She serves as a master teacher with exceptional skill, sacrifice, and character. Moreover, Mrs. Dries has exemplified what it means to not only teach the Catholic faith but to live it. For this … all of us … parents, students, administrators, teachers, and priests are endowed with the great gift of her presence among us.”
Dr. Michael Bratcher, principal, wrote in his letter of recommendation for Dries: “Phyllis’ commitment to Catholic education is admirable. I could go on about her professionalism and effectiveness as an educator; however, the most important fact is that Phyllis is genuine in her approach to our students. She is well-liked and respected by all. She is dedicated to her profession and giving to her community. Phyllis is a team player and a person of character. The benefits of being in a classroom and working with Mrs. Dries are far-reaching—she exemplifies what it means to be a Catholic educator.”
Mrs. Dries is a member of St. Agnes parish. She has three children and seven grandchildren.
This annual award is presented by the NCEA Department of Elementary Schools and was established in honor of Sister Miriam Joseph Farrell, PBVM, who served as Executive Secretary of Education in Washington, D.C. Nationally prominent in education, Sister Miriam Joseph was appointed by President Johnson to the President’s Title II Advisory Commission. Earlier, she served as supervisor of elementary schools for the Archdiocese of San Francisco, as director of education for her religious community, and as a teacher and principal of elementary schools.
Founded in 1993, St. Patrick Catholic School serves more than 650 students in junior kindergarten through eighth grade. Its mission is to provide students with exceptional spiritual and academic programs. True to the Catholic faith tradition, St. Patrick encourages all children to recognize their God-given talents and the importance of being responsible stewards.
