School Hero Awardees
DECEMBER
Christopher Butz Social Studies Teacher/School Compliance CoordinatorSt. Bartholomew School Christopher Butz joined the St Bartholomew School staff in 2019 and has already made an impression on the community. One parent recalls how Mr. Butz “literally gave up his summer and met regularly with administration to lead a team and strategically develop a comprehensive written plan complete with diagrams, tables, schedules, etc.; and then collaborated and led a team of staff and volunteers in the implementation of the plan.” Christopher even took it upon himself to apply social distancing stickers and signage in the school’s two buildings to ensure all students, staff, and visitors knew the specific routes to travel. | Cathy Lillig Fourth-grade TeacherSt. Catherine Laboure School In her four years at St Catherine Laboure School, Cathy Lillig has taught third- and fourth-grade students. Fellow staff members recognize her as an extremely hard worker who “works tirelessly to meet all of her students' needs”. During quarantine, she provided her students help during school hours and after to make sure they did not fall behind. Over the summer, she developed a website and honed her Google Suite skills to provide her in-person and distance learning students the best possible learning experience. She makes sure all students are engaged and supervised. |
Frank Ochoa Spanish Teacher and Technology CoordinatorSt. Cletus School Frank Ochoa is no stranger to working hard in his faith community. He has been a catechist, lector and Eucharistic Minister for over 20 years and worked as a teacher, marketing director and technology coordinator. He is now in his second year teaching Spanish and in his first year as the technology teacher at St. Cletus School. One parent recalls “Mr. Ochoa joined our school last year and I cannot express enough how lucky we are to have him! He immediately brought back the joy and excitement of learning Spanish back to the students...he also took over as our TLC teacher this year with his immense knowledge of computers and technology.” | Paula Somers Business ManagerSt. Alexander School – Palos Heights Paula Somers has worked at St. Alexander since February 2010. She has been fully committed to the COVID-19 protocols for the school and parish for the health and safety of the community. Besides helping with morning arrival and dismissal traffic flow, she is at every Mass, funeral, baptism and wedding that the parish conducts. Colleagues, students and parents nominated her for her dedication. An eighth grader says that Mrs. Somers “worked really hard to make our school safe so we could have in-person learning. She kept us all positive when our school had to close for two weeks in September. She keeps us safe every day.” |
Molly Cinnamon PrincipalPope John XXIII School Dr. Molly Cinnamon has 26 years of experience in education, began 14 years teaching elementary general music in public schools, followed by six years of administrative leadership in public school. She then found a strong connection with Catholic schools. Dr. Cinnamon was confirmed as a Catholic as an adult and experienced the importance of a faith-based education first hand. Dr. Cinnamon has said she can’t ever imagine not leading or teaching in a Catholic school again. | Caitlyn Sammon Seventh-grade teacherSt. Edward School Caitlin Sammon is the seventh-grade homeroom teacher and junior high math teacher at St Edward School. She goes above and beyond for her students since she began her teaching at St. Ed’s in 2008. One parent said, “She shows love and firmness, respects the students and build amazing rapport. My son wouldn’t be half as successful in school if it wasn’t for her!” |
Anne Phoenix PrincipalSt. Joseph School – Libertyville Anne Phoenix is in her seventh year as principal at St. Joseph School in Libertyville. She is a natural leader and is revered for her integrity, professionalism and strong moral compass. A parent said, “Mrs. Phoenix’s commitment to safety and dedication to the families of St. Joe’s is unparalleled. A return to school this year came with so many emotions however her leadership and confidence made the transition to our ‘new normal’ seamless.” | Debbie Price Kindergarten TeacherSt. Monica Academy Debbie Price joined the St. Monica Academy staff in 2007 after growing up in a Catholic grade school and high school. Both of her children attended SMA, where the whole family found friendships within the community. At SMA, Debbie has made it her mission to serve and teach children to develop a passion for learning and school, while being respectful and cultivating their faith in God. Parents rave about Debbie and the “great lengths [she has gone] to personally ensure her kindergarten class follow COVID-19 protocols, but has still managed to incorporate as much fun as is possible.” |
Tiffany Jeffries Teacher AssistantAcademy of St. Benedict the African Tiffany Jeffries is a teacher assistant at Academy of St. Benedict the African. She is also part of the extended day staff at the school, working long hours to provide care for the children. Ms. Jeffries has been a tremendous support throughout COVID-19. “She took it upon herself to turn our gymnasium into our new classroom. She hustled to create posters and decorations to make it feel less like a gym and more like a home,” recounted a colleague who nominated her. | Tammy Kleckner PrincipalFrassati Catholic Academy Tammy began her career in the archdiocese as an early childhood teacher at St. Mary of Buffalo Grove. Tammy was then tapped to serve as a school leader at St. Joseph School in Round Lake, before joining Frassati. Her leadership role spans 8 years. “She has brought back my faith in a dark time in this country and in our lives,” a parent, who nominated her, said. “She truly is someone special and an asset to the Catholic schools.” |
Bronwyn Azzarello Fifth-grade TeacherMost Holy Redeemer School As a graduate of Christ the King, Mother McAuley High School and St. Mary’s College, Bronwyn wholeheartedly brings her values-based faith into the classroom each and every day. “She has gone above-and-beyond in these uncertain times to include remote learners and make them feel very much a part of the in-person classroom,” said one parent, who nominated her. Bronwyn is in her eighth year of teaching at Most Holy Redeemer. Prior, she taught for three years at St. Josaphat School, where she was honored as Educator of the Year. | Lauren Gillis Second-grade teacherSt. Francis de Sales Lauren has been teaching at St. Francis de Sales for five years, but considers herself a lifelong member of the school as she graduated from SFS and has three daughters who have attended SFS as well. In addition, her father was in one of the first graduating classes at SFS. “We started our son in e-Learning, and Mrs. Gillis made an enormous effort to make sure he was still part of the class and engaged in daily activities, just as if he was in the room with his classmates,” said a parent who nominated her. “As we transitioned our son back to face to face learning she made us feel so comfortable and welcomed him into the room.” |
Sue Canzoneri PrincipalImmaculate Conception School – Talcott Sue’s commitment has been seen for the last 36 years at Immaculate Conception School. As an alumna of the school, she was excited to return for her student teaching. This is her fifth year as principal as she previously was the assistant principal for over 25 years. She also previously was the first-grade teacher, fifth-grade teacher and a resource teacher. “Reminders were given to students daily (at the beginning) to keep masks on, when on school property, and she used a bull horn after school to remind the kids, who always wanted to take the mask off as soon as they walked out,” a parent said. “Sure, did get the kids attention!” |