Among the retiring principals honored at the recent Crystal Awards ceremony by Dr. Nicholas Wolsonovich, Superintendent of Schools, were (standing from left) Suzanne Zuercher, OSB, St. Scholastica Academy, Chicago; Barbara Snopek, St. Francis Xavier, La Grange; Elaine Campbell, BVM, St. Hubert, Hoffman Estates; ( seated from left) Elizabeth Rusin, St. Josaphat, Chicago; Catherine Karlson, St. Thomas of Villanova, Palatine; and Genevieve Lio, St. Christopher, Midlothian.

CHICAGO (May 18, 2006) The fifth annual Crystal Awards, celebrating Catholic School Leadership in the Archdiocese of Chicago, recognized eight retiring principals and a retiring president at a recent ceremony held at the Drury Lane in Oakbrook Terrace. “We celebrate the accomplishments of our school leaders in the Archdiocese of Chicago by honoring the men and women who are retiring from this great ministry of service,” remarked Dr. Nicholas Wolsonovich, Superintendent of Schools, during the award ceremony. “We thank each of our retiring principals for all they have accomplished and for their lifelong contributions in keeping our schools Catholic, excellent and vital.” more >>

The 2006 Crystal Awards, a symbol for the light that retirees have shared with all those whom they met and served as leaders in Catholic education, were presented to:

Elaine Campbell, BVM, St. Hubert, Hoffman Estates

Catherine Karlson, St. Thomas of Villanova, Palatine

Genevieve Lio, St. Christopher, Midlothian

Mary Frances McLaughlin, BVM, Carmel Catholic High School, Mundelein

Elizabeth Rusin, St. Josaphat, Chicago

Barbara Snopek, St. Francis Xavier, La Grange

Dr. William Watts, Gordon Tech High School

Suzanne Zuercher, OSB, St. Scholastica Academy, Chicago

The Catholic schools of the Archdiocese of Chicago play a critical role in the life of the community by providing academic excellence and faith formation for students of many races, faiths and backgrounds in elementary and secondary schools in Cook and Lake counties. There are 218 elementary and 40 secondary schools in the Archdiocese of Chicago.