CT/JEFF UNROE

From left, archdiocesan superintendent Mariianist Brother Joe Kamis, Feliza Poling, Virginia Evers, Sister of Christian Community Dennis Tisler, Archbishop Daniel Pilarczyk, Mary Ann Eismann and Jeri Van Hecke at the annual Miami Valley Teacher banquet.

Banquet recognizes teaching milestones

By David Eck

DAYTON DEANERY — Amid the certificates handed out at the annual teacher recognition banquet May 6 was a special honor for the group that helps make it possible.

The Miami Valley Catholic Education Council, which sponsors the banquet, is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year. Made up of business and community leaders, the council acts as public advocates and advisors for the nearly three dozen Catholic schools in the Miami Valley.

In addition to the banquet, the council sponsors the annual Cage Classic high school basketball tournament and an annual art exhibit. The council also provides grants to local teachers who develop innovative projects for students.

"I just can’t believe it’s been 20 years," said Mary O’Brien, the former archdiocesan regional school superintendent who developed the council. "All of the men and women on the council…gave birth to something new."

O’Brien now serves as a director of religious education in Florida. She was a guest at the banquet.

From the start, the council has consisted of Catholic men and women who are passionate about Catholic schools in the Miami Valley. Judges, lawyers, physicians, professors, and other community leaders have served on the council over the years.

School administrators embraced the council early on.

"The principals and teachers were so eager to work with me," O’Brien said. "It just gave them a sense of togetherness."

The council continues to grow and will partner with the Catholic Education Collaborative.

"Celebrating the council’s 20th anniversary was a humbling experience to honor so many business, community and educational leaders who dreamed and developed creative programs to advocate on behalf of Catholic schools," said Anne Battes, archdiocesan deputy superintendent. "We thank God for the gifts of so many people who collaborate together for the sake of building the kingdom of God and sharing in the teaching ministry of the church. Our communities are stronger because of their good works."

About 800 people attended the banquet, which recognizes teachers who have reached significant teaching milestones. The event was held at the at the Presidential Banquet Center in Kettering.

St. Rita School principal Mary Ann Eismann received a standing ovation as she led the list of honorees for her 45 years of service to the school.

Virginia Evers of St. Anthony School in Dayton; Feliza Poling, principal at St. Peter School in Huber Heights; Sister of Christian Community Dennis Tisler of Alter High School in Kettering; and Jeri Van Hecke of St. Albert the Great School in Kettering were recognized for 40 years of service to Catholic schools.

Other teachers were recognized for 35, 30, 25, 20, 15, 10 and five years of service. There were also 12 teacher innovation grants awarded.

In a lighthearted address, Marianist Brother Michael O’Grady, assistant director of novices for the Marianists’ United States province, said that they are doing God’s ministry through their work.

"God has called you to do this job," he said. "It is a gift to be a teacher."