The Tyler Catholic School Foundation hosted its annual appreciation dinner on Sunday evening, October 26 at Willow Brook Country Club. Started in 1983, this is the foundation’s 31st year in serving the Tyler Catholic Schools. Over 160 guests attended this year’s special event.
The foundation honored 6 supporters who funded scholarships this year, including Gentile Family Scholarship, Mr. and Mrs. Timothy Hill, Joseph and Charlene Martel Scholarship, Mary Prud’homme Scholarship, John and Karen Williams Family Scholarship, Elizabeth Lee Family Scholarship and Rick and Bonnie Rayford Scholarship. Scholarships are considered funded at the $25,000 level.
President Collin Maloney presented the awards, a special crystal Madonna, to each family. “This year marks a record year for the Tyler Catholic School Foundation in terms of the number of funded scholarships,” he stated. Collin also recognized those guests who hold funds at the foundation.
A special award was presented to past foundation president, John P. Williams, who received a standing ovation for his service.
Collin continued, “2014 has also been an outstanding year in the performance of our two Catholic schools.” St. Gregory principal Kathy Harry was recognized for her leadership in the schools receiving its third Blue Ribbon designation.
Bishop Gorman principal Jim Franz was also praised for his guidance of Bishop Gorman being named a “top 50” Catholic High School for the 10th straight year. Each school is hosting an awards ceremony at their respective campuses
For the first time, the foundation presented a new award, the Milam Joseph “Hope for Humanity” award. This unique award was presented by Jim Mazzu and Mary Sedbury to Vince Richbourg and in loving memory of his wife, Carolyn Richbourg.
Named for founder, Monsignor Milam J. Joseph, the title “Hope for Humanity” is taken from an excerpt from a Vatican II document, “The future of humanity lies in hands of those who are strong enough to provide coming generations with reasons for living and hoping…”
As in years past, St. Gregory and Bishop Gorman students played a role in the dinner. St. Gregory students participated in an art contest with colorful illustrations creatively depicting the value of a Catholic education. The Bishop Gorman string ensemble performed during the reception and student ambassadors were on hand to welcome the many guests.
The Gorman students participated in a video contest, “How Catholic Education helps me take on the world.” The winning entry was produced by senior, Kelly Frossard, daughter of Michael and Diane Frossard and shown during the awards ceremony. Group M7 sponsored the contest; Kelly received a cash gift for her entry.
Huge Crowd Gathers at Annual Dinner to Support Catholic Education
