Pictured, from left to right: Katie Schober, School; Jenny Amaro-Lopez, Administration; Kassandra Valencia, ECEC; and Joel Irizarry, Service. Not pictured: Sr. Brendan Bogdan, Employee of the Year, and Sr. Michelle Konieczny, Servant Leader.
On August 12, 2019, St. Joseph Academy honored employees who went above and beyond for our staff, students, and families in 2018-2019. See the list of winners below, as well as remarks from their presenters. Congratulations to our winners and as always, thank you for all that you do!
Administration Award
Recipient: Jennifer Amaro-Lopez, Secretary
Presented by Joe Caruso, Human Resources Director: “She is someone that interacts a lot with our families, friends, students, parents, and our staff. She always presents a positive attitude.”
School Award
Recipient: Katie Schober, Middle School Science Teacher
Presented by Scott Hanson, Principal: “Her warm yet firm approach with students acknowledges them completely as humans while still holding high expectations. She has a passion for working with students to help them see what the right thing to do is when confronted with a problem and she encourages students to always strive to improve.”
ECEC Award
Recipient: Kassandra Valencia, Lead Teacher (2 year old)
Presented by Karrie Krueger, ECEC Director: “She was always willing to go the extra mile to help out however and whenever she could. She comes in early and stays late to cover classrooms without grumbling. She is compassionate, thoughtful and caring.”
Service Award
Recipient: Joel Irizarry, Security/Maintenance Assistant
Presented by Joe Caruso, Human Resources Director: “This person plays many, many roles, is constantly available.”
Servant Leader Award
Recipient: Sister Michelle Konieczny, Religious Education Coordinator
Presented by Dr. Tabia Jones, President/CEO: “She is a selfless person who loves God and the SJA learning community. She is uber creative, amazingly giving, has an awesome personality, and is a beautiful songstress.”
Employee of the Year
Recipient: Sister Brendan Bogdan, Mission/Outreach Coordinator
Presented by Dr. Tabia Jones, President/CEO: “She is a ray of sunshine. She spreads harmony and peace daily. She is a calming spirit and soul and just seems to make everything alright.”