We’ve reached May, the last month of the school year. Students prepare for exams and finish final projects. Spring athletics compete in playoffs, and the seniors prepare to continue to the next stage of their education. May also marks Jesuit’s awards season, as the last weeks are filled with convocations that honor the students. However, there are many people responsible for the education and formation of these students who also deserve honors, and thus, the Jesuit faculty are invited annually to a banquet to celebrate their vital role in the school in providing students with a Jesuit education.
Just as convocations honor students for achievements in the classroom and in extracurriculars, teachers also have the opportunity to win such awards. Accolades for years of service at Jesuit as well as ten yearly achievement awards are bestowed upon the faculty to recognize their parts in exemplifying the ideals of the school.
“It’s really nice to have time off campus to get together and celebrate the accomplishments of your colleagues every day,” said Mr. Corey Marr. “The event gives me a chance to visit with colleagues that I don’t get every day.”
The teachers gathered earlier this month for a shared meal of appreciation, which, according to Mr. TJ Howard, “was delicious.” Speakers from the Jesuit College Preparatory Foundation and the Parents’ Executive Board expressed their gratitude, and ten faculty members were presented with awards.
English teacher Ms. Mary Beth Farrell was awarded the student-nominated Rev. Patrick Koch, S.J. Award for the teacher or faculty member who is “most representative of an Ignatian educator.” Ms. Farrell, who has taught English at Jesuit for 12 years, said, “One of the main objectives of any teacher is to impact their students on both an intellectual and a personal level, “so when a group of students shows their appreciation for the time that I put into helping them, when they realize I truly care and that I want them to feel a sense of betterment at the end of the year… it’s one of the greatest feelings ever.” She views the award “not as much in terms of accomplishment, but in terms of legacy,” which is derived from “knowing that I’m looking at the future every day.” “My favorite saying is ‘the chief thing is to love,’ from Fyodor Dostoevsky,” Farrell said. For her, “teaching is not so much a job as a passion, one I hope my students recognize. My love for them and for literature is endless … both bring me such joy.”
The Hal F. Tehan Family Award, the first award founded to recognize Jesuit faculty, honors the faculty member voted “Most representative of an Ignatian educator” by promoting the school’s philosophy and goals in the everyday lives of the students, as nominated by the faculty. The 2016 recipient was Mr. Casey Profitt, co-chair of the social studies department and a teacher of World History.
Profitt reflected, “Winning the Tehan Award is a tremendous honor and blessing for me, and I accept it with great humility. If I have been a good teacher and a good member of the Jesuit community, it is mostly because of the amazing people—all of the students, parents, and faculty—with whom I have the privilege of working every day.”
Ms. Gretchen Crowder’s work in Campus Ministries earned her the Audrey and James E. Jack Humanities Award. She commented, “It’s nice to hear that the things we do in Campus Ministries have an effect on faculty and students, and its motivation to keep working hard.” She has exemplified that hard work this year, extending outreach to students by hosting pancake breakfasts and celebrating the feast day of the Jesuits with food in the Campus Ministry commons. Even with the new efforts for outreach, Ms. Crowder said “we are trying to do even more next year to get students more intentionally involved with outreach in the school community.”
A longtime football coach and English teacher, Mr. Bob Wunderlick has endeared himself to Jesuit students, especially each new freshman class, leading to his receiving the Elaine Henrion Award for educational excellence.
Mrs. Tiffany Holmes, who teaches English and guides students in the yearly production of The Last Roundup, won The Jeremiah E. Lenihan Family Award for her promotion of literature. “I really liked hearing what my students had to say about me, which was what made [the award] so special,” Holmes said. “Because I’ve been a student, working on my masters, it helps me understand how to work with students if they’re having difficulties.”
The Rev. Robert Tynan, S.J. Award for “Closeness to the students through extracurriculars” went to Coach Jeremy Weeks, Jesuit’s Director of Athletic Performance. Weeks’ dedication to the athletic programs is especially apparent in his devotion to helping athletes improve every day in the weight room and his energetic presence on the sidelines at football games.
For “Promoting the Advancement of Math,” Mr. Matt Ortiz was awarded the Cecil Green Award. He commented that he was humbled and appreciative for the recognition from his peers: “I love math, and especially teaching it. It’s great to see my students make connections and solve problems every day.”
Mr. David Williams was presented with The Grimshaw Family Award for his “use of initiative, creativity, and innovation” in his role as a counselor to the sophomore class.
Finally, the Rev. Joseph C. Mulhern, S.J. Award, recognizing a “Staff member recognized for dedication and availability” was bestowed on Mr. James Kramer of the Advancement Department.
All of Jesuit’s teachers’ devotion to the school’s ideals of education is a part of what makes the school so special and their dedicated service and desire to always go above and beyond, as reflected by their meaningful impact on students, undoubtedly deserves appreciation.
