During a Mass at St. Mary’s Cathedral in Peoria, principals, pastors and chaplains heard words of thanks from Bishop Louis Tylka, who presided. The annual celebration recognizes retirements, anniversaries and distinguished awards and also include a luncheon at the Spalding Pastoral Center. During the luncheon, Dr. Jerry Sanderson, Superintendent of Catholic Schools, recognized principals and pastors for their many years of service to Catholic Education. Among those recognized for their years of service were:

30 Years of Service

Father Joseph Dondanville, Pastor, Holy Family, Lincoln

Father Jeffrey Stirniman, Pastor, Galesburg Catholic Parishes

20 Years of Service

Mrs. Brooke Rick, Principal, Marquette Academy, Ottawa

10 Years of Service

Mr. Nathan Boudreau, Principal, Holy Family, Oglesby

Father Adam Cesarek, Pastor, Blessed Sacrament, Morton

Mr. Randy Frakes, Principal, Immaculate Conception, Monmouth

Mrs. Stacie Gianessi, Principal, Holy Family, Peoria

Father Joel Phelps, Pastor, St. Malachy, Rantoul

Mrs. Adrienne Wilson, Principal, Corpus Christi, Bloomington

This academic year will be the last for five principals who are retiring: Mrs. Melissa Zobrist, Principal, Blessed Sacrament School, Morton; Mrs. Jennifer Kamradt, Epiphany School, Normal; Ms. Tracy Cherry, Principal, Schlarman Academy, Danville; Mr. Richard Koehler, Principal, Peru Catholic School, Peru; Mr. Michael Lootens, Principal, Alleman High School, Rock Island.

The Office of Catholic Schools also honored Distinguished Teacher of the Year, Mrs. Chris Kapraun, St. Patrick School, Washington. She was nominated by her Principal Cassi Smith who selected her not only for her 45 years of teaching but for her dedication to help shape the lives of countless students as a mentor, coach and role model.

(left to right) Dr. Susie Cicciarelli (Assistant Superintendent of Catholic Schools), Bishop Louis Tylka, Cassie Smith (Principal of St. Patrick, Washington), Chris Kapraun (Teacher of the Year), Father John Steffen (Pastor, Mary, Mother of God Parish), and Dr. Jerry Sanderson (Superintendent of Catholic Schools)

Distinguished Principal of the Year was given to Mr. Michael Lootens. Mike not only served as principal for Epiphany, Normal for 10 years but as Principal of Rock Island Alleman for the past 3 years.  He has displayed a bit of shrewdness as well as much patience and outstanding faith to lead as principal in Catholic Schools for the past 13 years.

(left to right) Dr. Susie Cicciarelli (Assistant Superintendent of Catholic Schools), Bishop Louis Tylka, Father Paul Carlson (Pastor of the Year) and Dr. Jerry Sanderson (Superintendent of Catholic Schools)

(left to right) Dr. Susie Cicciarelli (Assistant Superintendent of Catholic Schools), Bishop Louis Tylka, Mike Lootens (Principal of the Year) and Dr. Jerry Sanderson (Superintendent of Catholic Schools)

Father Paul Carlson was named Distinguished Pastor of the Year. Father Paul has been a tremendous blessing at the school. He wears a chaplain, IT and a janitorial hat. His calm demeanor and support have made him a worthy candidate for the Distinguished Pastor Award.

(left to right) Dr. Susie Cicciarelli (Assistant Superintendent of Catholic Schools), Bishop Louis Tylka, Father Paul Carlson (Pastor of the Year) and Dr. Jerry Sanderson (Superintendent of Catholic Schools)