Home/Stay Informed/All Diocesan Articles

All Diocesan Articles

 

 

Happy Guests Return to Annual Seton Scholarship Dinner

Posted on December 16, 2021 in: Catholic Foundation News

Happy Guests Return to Annual Seton Scholarship Dinner

After a two-year hiatus, guests were happy to gather in person for the 11th Annual Seton Scholarship Dinner on Nov. 7 at the Riverhouse at Goodspeed Station. 

Dr. Gail Kingston, superintendent of schools for the diocese, discussed the importance of a Catholic education. The Saint Bernard School Choir filled the large ballroom with song, leading guests in “God Bless America,” followed by “Hashkiveinu.”

Jden Gonzales, essay winner and eighth-grade student at Sacred Heart School in Groton, kindly read his essay entitled, “What a Catholic Education Means to Me.”

For years, the diocese has honored the commitment of those involved in our Catholic school education. It started in 2010 when Bishop Cote was awarded the Most Reverend Michael R. Cote, D.D. Award for Contributions to Catholic education in the Diocese of Norwich. 

Since its inception the award has been presented yearly to three individuals who embody this commitment to exceptional education within the diocese.

 

Honored at this year’s awards dinner were Andrea D. Hoisl, director of Faith Events; The Very Reverend Dennis Perkins, Vicar for the Clergy and pastor, Saint Michael Parish, Pawcatuck; and Frederic S. Smith, teacher and coach, Saint Bernard School, Uncasville.

Andrea Hoisl, a former teacher at Xavier, 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.” 

Her husband of 32 years, Tom, welcomed Andrea to the podium for her acceptance speech, and with her many friends and family members by her side she graciously accepted her award. 

Father Perkins, a teacher at St. Michael School for 11 years, was introduced by Principal Doris Messina. 

“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,” Father Perkins said. 

More than 200 guests, along with Father Perkins’ mother, father and sister, Saint Michael parishioners, teachers and faculty joined us for this very special moment.

Frederic Smith, a recently retired teacher and coach, dedicated 53 years of service to Saint Bernard School. He is also a proud Saint Bernard graduate of the class of 1964. 

“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." Introduced by his lifelong friend and colleague Art Lamoureux, Fred accepted his award while a large Saint Bernard contingent applauded his enduring dedication to Catholic education.

Thank you to all those who attended the 11th Annual Seton Scholarship Dinner, and to our generous sponsors and supporters. We appreciate your commitment to Catholic education. Proceeds from this event will provide Catholic school students with tuition assistance. 

I wish you all a very Merry Christmas and happy and healthy New Year. God bless you all.

By Gina Foster

All Photos provided by Christopher Foster, Light Photography, LLC


Most Viewed Articles of the Last 30 Days

HtmlNoArticles

Annual Fundraiser

Help Us Spread the Word with Your Gift

Your 100% tax deductible gift will help us continue to bring the gospel message and the news of the diocese to the faithful throughout eastern Connecticut and the world. Your generosity helps defray the production costs of our print, online, and email newsletter editions of the Four County Catholic, as well as enhancing our Social Media presence. 
 

For those who would rather mail their gift click here.

 
Signup for Weekly Newsletter


    Recently Added Galleries
    Click to view album: Rite of Election
    Click to view album: Mass of Ordination  for Fr. Jacob Ramos
    Click to view album: Mass of Ordination for Father Lawrence Barile
    Click to view album: Palm Sunday
    Latest Articles
    Did St. Francis really tame a savage wolf? A look at the legend
    Parish Mission: The Prodigal Son
    Witness to Life
    Register Today - Legion of Mary, Norwich Curia, Day of Recollection
    We Can Help. Promise to Protect-Pledge to Heal
    A Prayerful Protest-40 Days for Life Begins
    Ride to Rebuild 2023 Visits St. Patrick School Students in Norwich
    A Christmas Message in September: How ‘Good King Wenceslas’ Inspired His People to Follow God

    Annual Catholic Appeal

    ACA DONATE

    English

     

    Español

     

    Roman Catholic Diocese of Norwich
    201 Broadway
    Norwich, CT 06360-4328
    Phone: 860-887-9294