by thelewisaw1dev | Aug 1, 2016 | Interesting Tidbits, News
As we look forward to the 25th Anniversary of the Award this school year of 2016-2017, we will continue looking back at past recipients…
Deborah Haggerty
1999-2000 Monsignor Gerald Lawrence Lewis Award for Excellence in Teaching
Then and now:
At the time Mrs. Haggerty received the Award she was teaching Kindergarten at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic School in Rocky Mount, where she started in 1980. She taught Kindergarten for an amazing 33 years. In 2013 Mrs. Haggerty became the Principal of the school and continues in that position.
Mrs. Haggerty recalls that her most memorable experience “…is when you see the sparkle in a Kindergarten child’s eyes when he realizes he can actually read and you know that you were a part of that process!”
Mrs. Haggerty would like teachers striving for excellence to know that they must “Never give up — you do make a difference in the lives of each student, even when some days you can’t see it!”
“Being able to share your faith, pray, and teach about God is what makes Catholic schools the best gift to our children.”
Bishop Michael Burbidge, John and Debbie Haggerty, Monsignor Lewis, and Anne Stahel
Rozanne Farrell
2001-2002 Monsignor Gerald Lawrence Lewis Award for Excellence in Teaching
Then and now:
When she received the Award Mrs. Farrell was teaching Sixth Grade Language Arts and Religion at St. Michael the Archangel Catholic School in Cary. She is retired as a classroom teacher but continues to enjoy working as a private tutor.
“There are many memorable moments; however one always makes me smile. I was discussing the biblical story of Noah’s Ark. As I reached the height of the story when the doors of the ark closed and the rain began, we heard a thunderous boom in the sky followed by a heavy downpour. I couldn’t have planned that! Love God’s sense of humor!”
Mrs. Farrell feels that teachers striving for excellence should ”be open to students’ ideas. Their suggestions may make you think about new ways to present your content. Also, provide a variety of ways for your students to show you what they know.”
Mrs. Farrell shared her thoughts on teaching in a Catholic school. “Teaching in a Catholic school provided the faith filled environment in which I could share the gospel message and pray with my students and peers. That was important to me.”
Rozanne Farrell and Monsignor Lewis
Amazing Teachers in the Diocese of Raleigh
Jack Viorel formerly a teacher at St. Mary’s Catholic School in Wilmington and 2010-2011 recipient of the Lewis Award was recognized by WRAL-TV for teaching visually impaired children to surf. Click here to read the full WRAL story.
“This wasn’t your ‘run of the mill’ surf school, it was a surf program for medically fragile, special needs and at-risk children. The very first surf camp was for children born with HIV. Since then Indo Jax and its charity program has given FREE surf camps for thousands of special needs children locally in North Carolina and around the world. His programs serve needy children ranging from orphan girls in India to children with visual impairment to wounded warriors.
In 2012 Jack embarked on a project with his daughter, Gabriella. In an attempt to plant seeds of his charity surf program, the two of them traveled to all 4 oceans, offering up charity surf camps to special needs children throughout the world.”
Read more about Jack and his charity work at www.indojax.com.
Chancellor Bernadette Gray-Little
Another Catholic Education Success Story
Bernadette Gray-Little grew up in Washington, North Carolina in 1945. She received her Catholic education at Mother of Mercy Elementary School and Mother of Mercy High School in her hometown. She furthered that Catholic education with undergraduate and graduate degrees from Marywood University and St. Louis University respectively. Dr. Gray-Little spent the next thirty plus years at UNC-Chapel Hill in a variety of positions including Executive Vice President and Provost. She is now Chancellor of the University of Kansas making headlines for numerous innovative changes.
by thelewisaw1dev | Feb 1, 2016 | Interesting Tidbits, News
As we look forward to the 25th Anniversary of the Award in 2016-2017, each month the website will highlight past recipients.
Corazon Bilano
1999 Monsignor Gerald Lawrence Lewis Award for Lifetime Achievement in Catholic Education
Then & Now:
Ms. Bilano was the first recipient of the Award for Lifetime Achievement. At the time she received the Award Ms. Bilano was teaching First Grade at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic School in Raleigh. She is now retired from teaching and but continues to be very active in the Diocese through her volunteer work at Sacred Heart Cathedral. She is a member of the Hispanic Choir, as well as a member of the Sacred Heart Cathedral-San Ramón ministry which supports the “Preescolar Sagrado Corazón de Jesus” in San Ramón Nicaragua through education and providing meals for the children. The ministry also supports the church’s projects by raising funds and visiting the sister parish as often as they are able. When not volunteering Ms. Bilano enjoys travelling with friends and catching up on reading.
Ms. Bilano expressed that “the Lewis Award confirmed my belief that children all over the world are alike. Deep down inside they respond to love. Teaching the little ones both in the Philippines and here in the USA gave me much joy. Now with the children in Nicaragua whom Cathedral School is helping, it is always a pleasure to visit them and rejoice in their accomplishments. It is with gratitude that we have been instrumental in their spiritual and educational growth.”
She would like teachers striving for excellence to recognize that “love works wonders with children — give them love and everything else will follow.”
When asked about the most memorable experience in the classroom Ms. Bilano shared that “when I was teaching First Grade, most of the children did not know how to read. No words could express the feelings I get when I saw the eyes and faces of the little ones as they realized that they could read.”
“The Lewis Award is a great means to recognize and acknowledge the hard work teachers do. To teach in a Catholic School is a blessing and a privilege. Together the school and families work towards the same goal and, that is, guiding each child to grow in faith and become a valuable member of society.”
Amazing Teachers in the Diocese of Raleigh
Patti Wagner, Second Grade teacher at St. Thomas More Catholic School, Chapel Hill, was recognized in the Raleigh News and Observer for her commendable efforts to collect and deliver gifts to Appalachia.
“Every year I look forward to bringing the joy of Christmas to needy children living deep in the Appalachian Mountains. For the past 10 years I have organized “Appalachian Shoebox Christmas”; this is a hands-on, child-appropriate opportunity in which the children of St. Thomas More can share Christ with needy children by using a simple shoebox. The project has grown every year; we now take not only a shoebox filled with small gifts, but clothing, and food gift cards. After collecting these items, we drive to Dingess, W. Va. where every child receives a shoebox at a Christmas party given just for them. It is a great joy and pleasure to provide this experience for the STM children who give so generously to children in such great need.”
The complete article can be found at the following link:
http://www.newsobserver.com/news/local/counties/orange-county/article10185611.html
Interesting Tidbit
Notable North Carolinians Who Received a Catholic School Education
Ralph Campbell was the first African American to be elected to a state wide office in North Carolina. He served three terms as state auditor and was praised for his integrity. He also was a member of the Raleigh City Council and served as the first African American member of the Council of State. Mr. Campbell attended St. Monica’s Catholic School in Raleigh during his formative years.
by thelewisaw1dev | Jan 1, 2016 | Interesting Tidbits, News
As we look forward to the 25th Anniversary of the Award in 2016-2017, each month the website will highlight past recipients.
Mary Jane Davis
1994-1995 Monsignor Gerald Lawrence Lewis Award for Excellence in Teaching
Then & Now:
When she received the Award Mrs. Davis was teaching Middle School Science at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic School in Raleigh. Mrs. Davis taught at Our Lady of Lourdes from 1982 until 1996 when she retired as a classroom teacher. She now resides in Wake Forest.
“This award is so important because I know the teachers in Catholic schools here work very hard in educating the whole child, including the spiritual and religious aspects.”
Anne Stahel and Mary Jane Davis 2012
Rebecca Grant Dason
1995-1996 Monsignor Gerald Lawrence Lewis Award for Excellence in Teaching
Then & Now:
Mrs. Dason began teaching at Cardinal Gibbons High School in 1982 where she continues to teach Art and serve as the Fine Arts Department Chair.
“Every day is memorable in the classroom. That may sound cliché but it is true and each year students continue to amaze me with their creativity and help me become a better person. I leave the classroom exhausted and invigorated all at the same time. I am proud of this year’s senior class because of all they have achieved (two National Scholastic Art Award winners, six students accepted into the NCSU College of Design, SCAD Merit Scholarship award winner, Meredith College Art Award, and more) but I am prouder to know that they have matured into young adult artists that can share their personal artistic voice and understand that they are valuable members of a community that cares about who they are now, who they will become and how they will serve others.
I would suggest to teachers striving for excellence that teaching takes every ounce of energy, requires patience, and most importantly demands quality caring, listening and observation.
Thank you for the opportunity to connect with others who believe in the importance of quality education.”
Becky and Mark Dason, Anne Stahel
Mark and Becky Dason
Congratulations to Dr. Michael J. Fedewa!
Dr. Michael J. Fedewa receives recognition as one of 10 Champions of School Choice in North Carolina
Interesting Tidbit
First Catholic School in North Carolina
Bishop James Gibbons of Baltimore was the first Vicar Apostolate for North Carolina in 1868. From the beginning Bishop Gibbons wanted to establish religious sisters in the Vicariate to teach and care for the sick. He invited the Sisters of Our Lady of Mercy in Charleston to come to North Carolina. The Sisters opened the first Catholic School in North Carolina in Wilmington in 1869. It was called the Academy of Our Lady of Mercy, now known as St. Mary Catholic School. The school continues to educate youth in the Wilmington area today. Thanks to the vision of Bishop Gibbons and the work of the sisters, Catholic education in North Carolina had its start.
The Academy of Our Lady of Mercy (now known as St. Mary Catholic School), the first Catholic School in North Carolina, opened in 1869 in Wilmington.
by thelewisaw1dev | Dec 1, 2015 | Interesting Tidbits, News
As we look forward to the 25th Anniversary of the Award in 2016-2017, each month the website will highlight past recipients.
Mary Anne Jackson
1998-1999 Monsignor Gerald Lawrence Lewis Award for Excellence in Teaching
Then & Now:
Mrs. Jackson was teaching Fourth Grade at Immaculata Catholic School in Durham when she received the Award. She is retired, living in San Diego, and “now passing all the best of me to our five grandchildren.”
“The most memorable experience I had was the year I had a classroom with a very high percentage of ADD and ADHD children. Each of the teachers from Kindergarten on knew this group was going to be theirs in a few years. I spent quite a bit of time preparing myself for this class. I attended seminars, read many books by Dr. Hallowell on the subject, and gleaned much from my experienced teacher friends around the country including a close friend in the Detroit Public Education Department on the supervisory level who gave me fantastic materials to influence students’ behavior. It turned out to be the BEST year! I found out the positive qualities of ADD and got very creative. The children were most alive and teachable. Coincidentally, that year the Duke Educational Department was doing a study on methods for effecting good management of ADD and ADHD. Understanding that many of the parents objected to drug treatment of their children, I offered them the chance to learn about another way. I partnered with Duke to do this. We met weekly with the parents and the child. This process was very beneficial to everyone involved and it was an honor for me.
I would suggest to teachers striving for excellence that teaching takes every ounce of energy, requires patience, and most importantly demands quality caring, listening and observation.
Here are a few points I would highlight for teachers striving for excellence: It is so important to discover the personal learning style of each child before you; your eyes should light up when a child enters your classroom each morning because as Carl W. Buechner once said, ‘They may forget what you said, but they’ll never forget how you made them feel.'”
Mrs. Jackson shared her thoughts on teaching in a Catholic school. “I was always appreciative of the religious freedom, the support, and the values that could only be offered in a Catholic School setting.”
Interesting Tidbit
Notable North Carolinians Who Received a Catholic School Education
Mr. Willie York Sr. was the developer of Cameron Village (the first shopping center in North Carolina) and founder of York Real Estate Property. Mr. York attended Cathedral School in Raleigh.
Amazing Teachers in the Diocese of Raleigh
Joan Troy, the 2011-2012 Monsignor Gerald Lawrence Lewis Award for Excellence in Teaching recipient and chair of the Math Department at Cardinal Gibbons High School, was recognized at the end of the past school year for her service and dedication to the school community. Click here to see the article in its entirety.
by thelewisaw1dev | Nov 1, 2015 | Interesting Tidbits, News
As we look forward to the 25th Anniversary of the Award in 2016-2017, each month the website will highlight past recipients.
Carol Cary
1996-1997 Monsignor Gerald Lawrence Lewis Award for Excellence in Teaching
Then & Now:
When she received the Award Mrs. Cary was teaching at Sacred Heart Cathedral School in Raleigh, where she taught from 1993 to 1998. Dr. Cary was the Superintendent of Secondary Education in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia from 2012 to 2015, after serving as a Catholic School Principal, and then the Archdiocesan Director of Instruction and Curriculum.
Dr. Cary was recently named the Superintendent of the Marple Newton School District, Newtown Square, Pennsylvania.
Maisha Mayfield
1997-1998 Monsignor Gerald Lawrence Lewis Award for Excellence in Teaching
Then & Now:
When she received the Award Mrs. Mayfield was teaching fourth Grade at St. Francis of Assisi Catholic School in Jacksonville. The school is now Infant of Prague Catholic School. Mrs. Mayfield and her husband, retired Marine Sergeant Major E. L. (Edward Lewis) Mayfield run a martial arts school in Jacksonville with a focus on Wounded Warriors and others with disabilities.
“I envision Catholic education as the catalyst for instilling moral and ethical excellence in all students. This dualistic approach then creates students who live in grace.”
Maisha Mayfield, Anne Stahel, and Marine Sergeant Major (Ret). E. L. Mayfield
Interesting Tidbit
Notable North Carolinians Who Received a Catholic School Education
Monsignor Thomas Hadden was educated in St. Monica’s Catholic School in Raleigh, North Carolina. His father was a Methodist Minister. Msgr. Hadden became Catholic in the eighth grade at St. Monica’s which began as a school for African American children in 1925. Bishop Waters chose him to study for the priesthood at the North American College in Rome. He was the first African American to attend and graduate from that college. Msgr. Hadden credited Catholic schools as making a big difference in the education of African Americans in Raleigh.
Amazing Teachers in the Diocese of Raleigh
Barbara Lamblin, a teacher at Saint John Paul II Catholic School in Southern Pines and 2014-2015 finalist for the Lewis Award, was recently recognized for being chosen to travel to Israel with a select group of Catholic educators this past summer. Click here to see the article in its entirety.
by thelewisaw1dev | Oct 1, 2015 | Interesting Tidbits, News
Ralph Nader, Anne Stahel, and more
Ralph Nader, Princeton Class of 1955, with Anne Stahel at the PP55/AlumniCorps 20th Anniversary Dinner in Princeton, NJ, May 2010
Anne’s husband, Ed, and Ralph Nader were roommates during their freshman year at Princeton. At their 35th college reunion in 1990, Ralph proposed starting an organization (Princeton Project ’55, now Princeton Alumni Corps) pairing Princeton students with nonprofit organizations across the United States with the goal of addressing society’s problems. When Ed died suddenly 6 weeks later, Ralph encouraged Anne to set up a fund to help pay for a portion of the students’ internship stipend in Ed’s memory. (This partnership has helped make improvements in numerous areas of American society including health and education.)
Ed was the third person in Anne’s family to die in a period of fifteen days in July, 1990. During that time of immense sadness and shock, Msgr. Gerald Lewis was the rock for the entire Stahel family. Anne wanted to find a way to say a meaningful thank you to Msgr. Lewis. Recalling Ralph Nader’s suggestion to honor her husband Ed’s memory, Anne decided to identify and fund a need in the Raleigh Diocese to honor Msgr. Lewis. After some research, Anne decided that recognizing and honoring outstanding teachers in Catholic schools in the Raleigh Diocese was the perfect way to thank Msgr. Lewis while making a difference in the lives of Catholic educators. Thus the Lewis Award was born!
