Now that many restrictions are being lifted in the State of Connecticut, we are so happy to announce that this year’s 11th Annual Seton Scholarship Dinner will be held on Sunday, November 7, 2021 at 4 p.m. at The Riverhouse at Goodspeed Station, located at 55 Bridge Road, Haddam. This is the new rescheduled date from 2020.

The commitment of those involved in our Catholic school education in the diocese has been well known for years. Recognizing the exceptional work of our educators, in 2010, Bishop Cote established the Most Reverend Michael R. Cote, D.D. Award for Contributions to Catholic Education in the Diocese of Norwich. Each year following its inaugural year, this award has been presented to three individuals who have made significant contributions to Catholic education in the Diocese of Norwich. The award ceremony takes place at the Annual Seton Scholarship Dinner.

This year’s honorees are:

Andrea D. Hoisl, Director of Faith Events, Diocese of Norwich

Andrea D. Hoisl, a former teacher at Xavier and current Director of Faith Events for the Diocese of Norwich, has dedicated more than 30 years to Catholic education. “Educating young people about God's unconditional love and mercy for the past 35 years has been an honor and a privilege,” she said. “I go to work every day feeling blessed to be living out my vocation. There is no one luckier than me.”

The Very Reverend Dennis Perkins, Vicar for the Clergy, Diocese of Norwich, and Pastor, Saint Michael Parish, Pawcatuck 

The Very Reverend Dennis Perkins, Vicar of Clergy, Pastor of Saint Michael Pawcatuck and teacher at St. Michael School for 11 years: “It has been a privilege for me to be a pastor and teacher in a parish where its Catholic school has been such a significant and vital part of the community for over 145 years.”

Frederic S. Smith, Teacher, Saint Bernard School, Uncasville

Frederic S. Smith, in his 53rd year as a teacher and coach at Saint Bernard School, has dedicated much of his life to his school. He is also a proud Saint Bernard graduate of the class of 1964. He will retire at the end of the school year after so many years of devotion to Saint Bernard School. “Though my profession is teaching, an essential part of my experience has been learning from my students and colleagues,” he said. “This is the true reward of my time at Saint Bernard." 

Sponsorship opportunities, program book ads and tickets are available for purchase by contacting Gina Foster at gfoster@norwichdiocese.net or by calling the Office of Development at (860) 886-1928. All proceeds from the Seton Scholarship Dinner support Catholic elementary school students and are distributed by the Catholic Foundation in the form of tuition assistance grants. We really appreciate your generous support throughout the past 11 years and hope you can join us in celebrating Andrea D. Hoisl, The Very Reverend Dennis Perkins and Frederic S. Smith. 

By Gina Foster