On Friday, May 1st, Jesuit Principal Mr. Tom Garrison, President Mike Earsing, and the rest of Jesuit Administration gathered together with the school’s teachers, coaches, and staff for the annual Faculty Awards Banquet. The yearly reception aims to honor the faculty as a whole, who according to Mr.Garrison ’92 “truly make Jesuit special and an exceptional place of learning.” Hosted at the Frontiers of Flight Museum located at the Dallas Love Field Airport, the banquet honors the select faculty members that went beyond expectations over the past school year in their service, leadership, education, and guidance to the student body and the Jesuit community.
Just as all athletic programs conclude their seasons with an Awards Banquet to honor the successes of the student-athletes, the Faculty Award Banquet presents several faculty members with awards for their excellence in education as a token of appreciation. A total of 10 faculty awards are distributed annually, coming from family endowments and foundations that have supported Jesuit for years through financial aid and scholarship donations.
In the Spring, the members of the faculty were asked to vote through a submission form for the top eight teachers who exemplify the words and actions of The Profile of the Graduate through their actions. Then, students were polled through an online Moodle form to submit nominations for The Coach of the Year and The Patrick Koch, S.J. Award. Garrison also shared that the hardest part of the selection process is that “only ten faculty members can be selected to win an award out of an amazing group of qualified candidates.”
The first award was The Jeremiah E. Lenihan Family Faculty Award, which 
is presented to the faculty member who most effectively promotes language, literature, or the fine arts. The award is funded by the Jeremiah E. Lenihan family. The 2015 recipient of this award was Mrs. Vanessa Jones. Mrs. Jones was recognized with this award because of her extensive contributions to Jesuit’s Junior Classical League and her dedication to teaching Latin skills and culture inside and outside of the classroom.
The second award recognizes that Education is a vocation that involves time, energy, and excellence. The Elaine Henrion Award is dedicated to the memory of Michael Alchediak, S.J. and is presented to a faculty member who best combines educational excellence with length of service. The 2015 recipient of this award was Mr. Rick Leal. Coach Leal currently serves as the Head Coach of the Junior Varsity Football Program and assists the Notre Dame School Senior Program for weekly Senior Service.
The Profile of the Graduate at Graduation makes it clear that our roles as Jesuit students extend outside of the classroom. The 
Robert Tynan, S.J. Award is presented to a faculty member who, through extensive involvement in extracurricular activities, has established closeness to the students. The 2015 recipient of this award was given to Mrs. Celeste Desormeaux. Mrs. Desormeaux has had a strong positive impact on her students throughout the Cycling Team, on which she serves as Assistant Coach, and throughout her time teaching Freshman debate.
In the realm of education, teachers are constantly evaluating the students they teach and the world in which we live. The fourth faculty award, The Michael Grimshaw Family Award, is presented to a faculty member who combines creativity, initiative and innovation in education. The 2015 recipient of this award was given to Mr. David Myers. Mr. Myers has revolutionized the Jesuit Stage & Film Program over the past few years while enabling students to reach for their goals on stage and in the community.
The Cecil Green Award is presented to a faculty member who effectively promotes math, science, or computer science. The award is funded by the Cecil and Ida Green Endowment. The 2015 recipient of this award was Mr. Raymond Dilorenzo, a member of Jesuit’s Computer Science Department. Mr. Dilorenzo should also be recognized for his exceptional contributions to Jesuit’s Robotics Team, Team 2848 The All-Sparks.
As a machine has many parts that make it work, Jesuit has many people who help make education possible. The Joseph Mulphern, S.J. Award. honors a member of the staff for his or her availability and dedication to the mission of Jesuit Education. The award is funded by the Don Hanratty family. The 2015 recipient of this award is Pam Murad. Mrs. Murad works as Jesuit’s Athletic Administrator and handles duties such as Athletic Passes, Varsity Jackets, and regulates UIL paperwork for all student athletes.
The Audrey & James E. Jack Humanities Award is presented to the faculty member who effectively promotes theology, social studies, counseling, and social justice.The award is funded by the Mr. and Mrs. James E. Jack Faculty Endowment Fund. The 2015 recipient of this award was Mr. David Oglesby. Mr. Oglesby, a long tenured Senior and College Placement Counselor, has always motivated and assisted Jesuit students to work toward their collegiate goals in the college application process. Oglesby was also recognized with the Dallas Diocese Catholic Work of Heart Award during the 2012-2013 school year.
The Coach of the Year Award is presented to a member of the coaching staff who creates an environment where Ignatian values are revered and tested. The recipient is nominated by students as a coach who models and teaches that God is active in all things and works toward moving the student-athlete beyond self-interest. The 2015 recipient of this award was Mr. Charles Hinton, know to many students as “Squeaky.” Coach Hinton current serves an Assistant Coach to Jesuit’s Track & Field Team and exemplifies the ideals of a leader on and off of the field.
The students at Jesuit enjoy providing feedback and praise for their teachers. The Patrick Koch, S.J. Award recipient is nominated by the student body to be most representative of an Ignatian educator. The award is funded by the Dr. and Mrs. J. D. O’Brien Endowment. The 2015 recipient of this award was Mr. Patrick Triplett ’99. Mr. Triplett has worked especially close with students as he has taken a special role in organizing Jesuit’s Testing Center while also living out the Jesuit values in his daily life.
An Ignatian Educator is one who facilitates the many journeys that engage ongoing personal, professional, and religious development. The last award to culminate the banquet, The Hal F. Tehan Family Award, is presented to a faculty member who is nominated by their peers as most representative of an Ignatian educator. The award is funded by the Hal Tehan familty. The 2015 recipient of this award was Mr. Colin Hanley. Mr. Hanley currently works in Jesuit’s English Department and also serves as the Moderator for Jesuit’s Student Council. Beyond his occupational duties, Mr. Hanley epitomizes all aspects of a Christian leader through his selfless service and dedication of time to all students and faculty members. Accordingly, Mr. Hanley was awarded with the 2014-2015 Diocese of Dallas Work of Heart Award to recognize all of his efforts.
As the 2014-2015 academic school year abruptly halts, all students owe thanks to such a wonderful group of faculty members who continue “to give and not to count the cost.”
