Catholic school teachers and staff are honored

SALT LAKE CITY — Vicar General Msgr. J Terrence Fitzgerald of the Diocese of Salt Lake City, congratulated the "Outstanding Teachers and Staff Members" assembled April 30 at a special recognition dinner in their honor.

Msgr. Fitzgerald spoke about the importance of their commitment to our Catholic schools in the Diocese of Salt Lake City. Stating that the Catholic Schools now rely on Catholic lay women and men of their caliber and commitment to carry forward the mission begun in 1875. He reminded them that they stand on the shoulders of a long line of educators, especially the religious women, priests, and brothers who founded the schools.

Since 1994 the Diocesan Catholic School Board has sponsored an Outstanding Educator award. In 2007-2008 the Outstanding Support Staff was also added. Nominations were submitted and selection was made at the diocesan level.

This school year each school nominated and selected an Outstanding Educator and/or Outstanding Support Staff member for recognition. On March 9, Professional Educator Day, all of these nominees along with employees receiving service awards were honored at a Mass celebrated at Saint Vincent de Paul Church.

Congratulations are extended to the following honorees:

David Asman, J.E. Cosgriff Memorial School - teacher of music and band.

Janet Barbiero, Saint Marguerite School - Director, Early Childhood program.

Tina Bergquist, Our Lady of Lourdes School, Salt Lake City - third grade teacher and vice principal.

Pat Crosslin, Saint Joseph Elementary School - grades 7-9 language arts teacher.

Jesse DeOllos, Saint Vincent de Paul School - plant manager for the school and parish.

Kathy Dorich, Saint Olaf’s - librarian and art teacher.

David Faires, Juan Diego Catholic High School - music and band teacher.

Matt Finnigan, Judge Memorial Catholic High School - Director of community relations and swim coach.

Mary Gist, Saint Andrew School - first grade teacher

Emmy Hartney, Saint John the Baptist Middle School - middle school science.

Linda Holmes, Saint John the Baptist Elementary - administrative assistant.

Noreen Jeffreys, Saint Joseph Catholic Elementary - second grade teacher

Ned Julian, Blessed Sacrament - plant manager

Patrick Lambert, The Madeleine Choir School - assistant principal and 7-8 math and science teacher.

Trish Marks, Saint John the Baptist Elementary - third grade teacher.

Shirley Redle, Kearns-Saint Ann School - third grade teacher

Alex Salvo, Saint Joseph Catholic High School - Spanish teacher, communications, and coach

Dave Simpson, from the Skaggs Catholic Center - Executive Director of Operations.

Vicky Simpson, from Saint Francis Xavier School - Middle school teacher of math and science.

Chris Sloan, Judge Memorial Catholic High School - Teacher of English and Journalism, media director, webmaster