2026 Seton Scholarship Dinner to Honor Three Catholic Educators

The Diocese of Norwich will celebrate the 16th Annual Seton Scholarship Dinner on Sunday, October 25, 2026, at Lake of Isles in Stonington.

Named in honor of Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton, the dinner recognizes the lasting impact of Catholic education and honors educators whose service reflects the mission of Catholic schools throughout the diocese.

Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton, the first person born in the United States to be canonized, is known as a founder of the nation’s parochial school system. Born on August 28, 1774, she was raised Episcopalian before converting to Catholicism. She was married to William Seton, with whom she had five children, and later founded the Sisters of Charity in Emmitsburg, Maryland, in 1809. She was canonized by Pope Paul VI in 1975.

“Faith lifts the staggering soul on one side, Hope supports it on the other, Experience says it must be and love says let it be.”
— Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton

Today, Catholic school teachers, administrators and staff continue that mission by helping students grow academically, spiritually and personally. Through their daily work, they help pass on the teachings of Jesus Christ, foster a sense of community and strengthen the partnership between schools and families.

This year, the Diocese of Norwich is pleased to recognize three honorees for their dedication and service to Catholic education:

• Andrew T. Gargano, Teacher and Administrator, Xavier High School, Middletown
• Sr. Peggy O’Neill, RSM, Registrar, Mercy High School, Middletown
• Mother M. Christina Van Beck, S.C.M.C., Principal, Sacred Heart School, Taftville

Andrew T. Gargano

Teacher and Administrator, Xavier High School, Middletown

Andrew T. Gargano is a lifelong resident of Connecticut. The son of Frank and Norma Gargano, Andrew grew up in Colchester and attended the University of Hartford, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in mathematics and a master’s degree in secondary education.

Andrew and his wife, Debbie, who also teaches at Xavier, live in Vernon with their son, Daniel, a member of Xavier’s Class of 2023. They are members of Blessed Sacrament Parish and attend St. Bernard Church in Rockville.

Andrew began teaching math at Xavier High School in the fall of 1998. During his first eight years, he taught Algebra, Geometry, Pre-Calculus and Calculus while also running the school store, serving as department chair and coaching the Math Team.

In 2006, Andrew was named Academic Dean, a role he held for 13 years. In 2019, he returned to a more classroom-centered role, teaching several classes while continuing part-time administrative duties as school registrar.

In the fall of 2024, Andrew was named Associate President of Xavier High School. In that role, he oversees day-to-day logistics and academic records and coordinates major events such as graduation. Still, he says his favorite 45 minutes each day are the minutes he spends back in the classroom teaching AP Calculus.

Sr. Peggy O’Neill, RSM

Registrar, Mercy High School, Middletown

Sr. Peggy O’Neill, RSM, first served at Mercy High School from 1968 to 1970 as a math teacher. When she returned in 1981, she began a lasting commitment to the school that continues to this day.

Throughout her years at Mercy, Sr. Peggy has taught mathematics and technology, specializing in statistics, and has generously shared her gifts in numerous administrative roles, most notably as registrar.

In that role, Sr. Peggy creates the master schedule with remarkable care and works patiently with students who seek her guidance, always attentive to their individual needs. Her gentle presence, steady competence and deep concern for others are felt throughout the school.

Sr. Peggy approaches her work with precision, compassion and quiet dedication, ensuring that students, faculty and staff are supported. She offers faithful witness to Catholic social teaching and to the Critical Concerns of the Sisters of Mercy. Sr. Peggy truly lives what it means to be a Woman of Mercy.

Mother M. Christina Van Beck, S.C.M.C.

Principal, Sacred Heart School, Taftville

Mother M. Christina Van Beck was born and raised in Greenwald, Minnesota, and attended St. John’s-St. Andrew’s Catholic School and Melrose Public Schools in Minnesota.

She entered the Sisters of Charity of Our Lady Mother of the Church in 1990 and professed perpetual vows in 1998. She holds a bachelor’s degree in elementary education, a master’s degree in Catholic school administration and a master’s degree in theology.

Mother Christina has taught elementary school for 10 years, taught high school for seven years and served as a Catholic school principal for 18 years. In all, she has served 32 years within the Diocese of Norwich.

When asked about her greatest joy, Mother Christina said it has been “the opportunity to share Christ with a multitude of people, not only the students, faculty, and staff in our building, but parents, grandparents, alumni, friends and benefactors of our school. There are so many ways to serve and to lead; as I help others grow academically and spiritually, I, too, grow and change.”

Event Information

The 16th Annual Seton Scholarship Dinner will take place on Sunday, October 25, 2026, at Lake of Isles in Stonington.

For more information about the Seton Scholarship Dinner, sponsorship opportunities or Catholic schools in the Diocese of Norwich, please contact Gina Foster, Stewardship Coordinator, at 860-886-1928 ext. 115 or gfoster@norwichdiocese.net.