It was a pleasant fall evening Nov. 6 at Saint Clements Castle and Marina, where the Diocese of Norwich Seton Scholarship Dinner took place.
In 2010 Bishop Cote established the Most Reverend Michael R. Cote, D.D. Award for Contributions to Catholic Education in the Diocese of Norwich.
In 2022 at the 12th Annual Seton Scholarship Dinner we were delighted to recognize the exceptional work of our educators, Amy Freeman, Teacher, Mercy High School, Middletown, Mother M. Elaine Moorcroft S.C.M.C., Principal, Saint John School, Old Saybrook, and Reverend Joseph Tito, Administrator of Saint Joseph School, Baltic, Sacred Heart School, Taftville; Pastor, Saint Mary Immaculate Conception Church, Baltic, Sacred Heart Church, Taftville, and Saint Joseph Church, Occum.
The 230 attendees were the most in the history of the event. We would like to thank our nine generous sponsors this year, local businesses who supported our program book, our Friends of Seton, auction item donors, our volunteers, and all those who helped make this event a great success. We appreciate your time, generosity and continued support.
The evening ceremonies began with a greeting from our Superintendent of Schools Dr. Gail Kingston and the Invocation given by The Very Reverend Dennis M. Perkins, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance led by Saint John School, Old Saybrook student Nicholas Kelly.
Then the lovely voices of the Saint John School, Old Saybrook Choir along with a guitar and keyboard accompaniment filled the ballroom singing "God Bless America" and "We Are But A Moment." This musical arrangement received a standing ovation for their beautiful gift of song.
Essay winner and 8th grade Saint John School, Old Saybrook student at Sabastian Lulaj took to the podium and enthusiastically read his winning essay, "What A Catholic Education Means to Me." Sabastian’s essay was chosen among many wonderful essays submitted from our elementary schools throughout the diocese.
The evening continued with introductions and acceptance speeches given by our three honorees. Bishop Cote graciously presented each honoree with a beautifully inscribed Waterford Crystal bowl while thanking them for their continued contributions towards Catholic education.
By Gina Foster