Photo Caption: Sister Veronica accepts the Paideia Award from Father Joseph Hogan at a recent Donor Appreciation Brunch at The Heigh School of Saint Thomas More in Champaign.

CHAMPAIGN — At its recent Donor Appreciation Brunch “Showcase of Thanks,” The High School of Saint Thomas More bestowed its 2012 Paideia Award on Sister M. Veronica McDermott, FSGM. Also honored during the event was Lori Ayers, who received the 2012 Carl D. Stewart Volunteer Service Award.

“Sister Veronica is an inspiration to us all for her commitment to Catholic education,” said Father Joe Hogan, pastor of St. Patrick’s Church in Urbana and St. Mary’s Church in Champaign, in presenting the Paideia Award. “She has readied over 600 of her pupils for their First Reconciliation and First Communion in her time as a teacher, aiding her students in their spiritual journey.”

Sister Veronica is in her 13th year at St. Matthew’s School in Champaign and currently teaches second grade. She has been the superior of her convent at St. Matthew’s for five years, is actively involved in the RCIA process at the parish, and has assisted with Cursillo weekends.

In addition, she has served the papal nuncio and priests at the Vatican Nunciature in Washington, D.C., for five summers.

Father Robert Lampitt, the chaplain at The High School of Saint Thomas More, cited Ayers for her outstanding service and unwavering commitment to the school.

“The phrase ‘No, I can’t help with that’ just doesn’t roll off her lips with any sort of ease,” he said. “And what’s even more impressive is that she has passed this generous attitude on to her children.”