Recognizing Excellence Gala

St. John Neumann Awards for Outstanding Contributions to Catholic Education

Rick Cavallero, St. Joseph Regional School and Our Lady of Mercy Academy 

As a volunteer member of the School Advisory Board and Chair of Facilities at Saint Joseph Regional School and Our Lady of Mercy Academy, Rick Cavallero has stepped forward at a time when the school faced significant facility challenges. With a very limited budget and no full-time custodian or facilities staff, Rick willingly took responsibility of helping care for and improve the school building by coordinating major facility projects and fire safety upgrades. Rick doesn’t just oversee projects, he does the work too. Whether it is a heating issue, a plumbing problem, or a water leak, he takes calls at all hours to address the issue. His willingness to step in whenever needed has provided tremendous support to the school community. Beyond his work on facilities, Rick is a warm and personable presence who genuinely loves the students and deeply appreciates the teachers and staff. He often arrives with treats to brighten the day for faculty and makes a point of listening to teachers’ needs, helping install shelves or fixtures that improve their classrooms and support their teaching. Modeling St. Joseph, Rick founded a “Dad’s Club,” engaging fathers and volunteers to help support ongoing improvements to the school. His commitment to Catholic education is personal, as his wife was a Catholic school teacher, giving him a deep appreciation for the dedication and sacrifices of those who serve in our schools. He approaches his volunteer work not for recognition, simply out of love for the parish, the school, and the students they serve.

Brenda Foster, St. Thomas Aquinas High School

Brenda is a true pillar of the STA community. Often known as the “glue that holds it all together”, Brenda is seen as the “go-to for just about every question”. On any given day, Brenda can be seen assisting with technology issues, gradebook maintenance, scheduling, handbook/program of studies development, updating the school profile, keeping track of students comings and goings, the list goes on. She is the epitome of a humble servant, described as “likely one of the hardest workers on our staff, yet she never complains or asks for anything in return”. Described as brilliant, her ability to manage multiple tasks, attend to detail, work out complicated issues related to scheduling and other things, and learn new technologies is not only impressive, but crucial to our day-to-day work. A colleague of Brenda’s shared that she “lives our mission and believes wholeheartedly in Catholic education and in what we are doing here at STA. She is selfless in her work and in her presence, demonstrating the true meaning of servant leadership. She frequently outreaches those who are less fortunate. She has been known to frequently donate money anonymously to help students do something that their families cannot afford. She will quietly write a check so a student can attend a field trip or event, she will assist any family in need, she will pay for a student's supplies, she will fund students' meals, and more. She does these things without telling anyone and without seeking any recognition. Brenda is someone the entire school community relies on and those that know her best are convinced that STA is a better place because she is part of it."

Jackie Langenfeld, Saint Christopher Academy

Saint John Neumann is quoted as saying, “as Christ has His work, we too have ours; as He rejoiced to do his work, we must rejoice is ours also.” For over 40 years, Jackie has truly rejoiced in her work. Her kindness, dedication, and extraordinary knowledge of Saint Christopher Academy has guided and blessed generations of students, families, and staff. Her principal, Cynthia Clarke stated that she is “truly the heart of our community. Her life of service is a beautiful reflection of Christ's love in action." Described as the heart and soul of Saint Christopher Academy, Jackie has served the school community with quiet grace, unwavering dedication, deep humility, and extraordinary kindness- touching thousands of lives. Whether welcoming a new family, supporting teachers and administrators, or simply offering a warm smile and listening ear, Jackie has a remarkable gift for making every person feel valued and cared for. Her love for Saint Chris shines through not only in the countless responsibilities she carries each day, but in the small acts of compassion and selfless service that so beautifully reflect the spirit of this school. An administrative Assistant’s importance cannot be overstated. They are the operational backbone, the behind-the-scenes brilliance, and the steady presence. Behind every great leader is a great administrative assistant, and Jackie is truly among Saint Christopher Academy’s greatest blessings.

Mary McKernan, Saint Mary Academy

Mary McKernan has had just about every job there is to have at St. Mary Academy. Whether it was as kindergarten teacher, self-appointed maintenance and janitorial staff, school leader, business office, or any other job, Mary is a non-stop force. After 30 years of dedicated service to St. Mary Academy, Mary’s legacy is undeniable. Throughout her remarkable career, she wore many hats, but no matter what the role was, her focus was always the same: doing what was best for the students entrusted to her care.

Mary's commitment went far beyond the responsibilities listed in any job description. Whenever there was a need, she stepped forward with a willing heart, a positive attitude, and an unwavering dedication to the school community. Whether she was welcoming the youngest learners into their first classroom experience, guiding faculty and staff as principal, or quietly handling the many behind-the-scenes tasks that keep a school running smoothly, Mary approached every challenge with grace, compassion, and faith. For three decades, she helped shape not only the academic success of her students but also their character and spiritual growth. Her influence can be seen in the countless lives she touched, the families she supported, and the strong sense of community she helped build.

Mary's retirement marks the end of an extraordinary chapter. While her daily presence will be missed, the values she embodied—service, kindness, leadership, and devotion to Catholic education—will continue to inspire all who had the privilege of knowing and working alongside her.

St. Joseph the Worker Award

Cherie Pellegrini, Trinity High School and St Joseph Junior High School

Cherie Pellegrini truly embodies the spirit of the Saint Joseph the Worker Award. Like Saint Joseph, whose quiet strength and humble service supported the Holy Family, Cherie serves as a steadfast pillar of the Trinity/St Joseph community. As the welcoming presence in the main office, Cherie is often the first face students, parents, and visitors encounter. No matter how busy the day becomes, she ensures that every person feels seen and valued. Her actions consistently put others first, mirroring the humility and selflessness at the core of the Gospel. Cherie goes above and beyond not because it is required, but because she deeply believes in students and in the transformative power of Catholic education. Cherie models an active and authentic Christian faith not through grand gestures, but through the quiet consistency of how she lives each day. Cherie’s faith is also visible in her unwavering positivity and trust, even on the busiest or most challenging days. She approaches her work with gratitude and purpose, understanding that her role is not simply administrative, but ministerial. Through small, faithful acts—an encouraging word, a patient response, a warm smile—she creates an environment where others feel safe, valued, and supported. When asked to describe Cherie’s impact, a colleague said “Quite simply, our school would not be the same without her. Each day, she serves as a steady, compassionate presence who keeps our community grounded, connected, and moving forward.” Beyond her daily responsibilities, Cherie actively seeks ways to improve the quality of the school. She looks for solutions, offers thoughtful suggestions, and approaches her work with a mindset of growth and service. A colleague that nominated her wrote, “Her impact is felt in the warmth of our front office, the smooth operation of our days, and the spirit of care that defines our community.”

St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Award for Catholic Leadership

Tanya Paiva, Saint Benedict Academy

Tanya Paiva exemplifies the spirit of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton through her tireless dedication to Catholic education and to the Saint Benedict Academy community. She is a pious, prayerful, and kind leader who genuinely loves her students. She cares deeply for our teachers, supports our parents, and nurtures our families as one united community. Her commitment extends beyond the classroom walls, attending students’ basketball games, chess tournaments, and other extracurricular activities. Her presence at these events shows that she genuinely cares about the students’ growth and achievements in all areas of life. She deeply values the diverse cultural traditions represented within our school community, ensuring that these traditions are honored and celebrated, and she can often be seen personally participating in these events, showing her respect and appreciation for every family’s heritage. Mrs. Paiva is a prayerful, kind, and servant-hearted leader. Through moments of difficulty, change, and uncertainty, Mrs. Paiva never wavered in her mission. Her love for the school community, her belief in the value of faith-based education, and her unwavering devotion to her vocation as a Catholic educator carried her through. Under Tanya Paiva's leadership, St. Benedict Academy has bloomed into a thriving school with a growing enrollment, successful fundraising initiatives, and visionary leadership. Tanya understands that each person is a child of God, and her deep respect for people is evident in every interaction she has with members of the school community, past, present, and future. With a joyful heart, Tanya preaches the Gospel without words— with patience, understanding, wisdom, and joy.

St. Jean Baptiste de la Salle Teacher of the Year Finalists

Donna Collins, St John Regional School
Stephanie Johnson, St. Joseph Regional School
Julie Savoie, Presentation of Mary Academy

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