The 14th annual Seton Scholarship Dinner will be held on Sunday, Oct. 27, 2024, at Lake of Isles, 1 Clubhouse Dr., North Stonington, CT 06359.
We are in great need of sponsors, local business program book ads and donations for our silent auction. Tickets can be purchased by contacting Gina Foster, stewardship coordinator of the Diocese of Norwich, at gfoster@norwichdiocese.net or by calling the Office of Development at 860.886.1928, ext. 115. Tickets will also be available at www.norwichdiocesedevelopment.org.
The positive impact a Catholic school education provided by dedicated faculty and staff has on the lives of its students is immeasurable. I have frequently written about my valuable Catholic school experiences and the lasting positive impact it’s had on my life and my career. Catholic school teachers continually remind us of how much Jesus loves and values each of us. We are taught to follow in Jesus’s footsteps, lend a helping hand to others and try our best to do a daily good deed even in the smallest measure. I am sure we all remember fondly that one exceptionally kind teacher or staff member who particularly immersed themselves in their faith. I remember a school nurse who would always comfort me with a gentle smile and a warm blanket when I was sick. I recall the crucifix on the wall of her office reminding me that Jesus was watching over me as I waited for my parents to pick me up.
Catholic School teachers and staff continue to do the work of Christ daily. The commitment of those involved in our Catholic school education has been known for years. Recognizing the exceptional work of our educators, in 2010, Bishop Cote established the Most Reverend Michael R. Cote, DD Award for Contributions to Catholic Education in the Diocese of Norwich. Three individuals who have made significant contributions to Catholic education in the Diocese of Norwich will be honored. The awards ceremony will be held during the 14th annual Seton Scholarship Dinner. The proceeds from the Seton Scholarship Dinner will assist our diocesan elementary school students with tuition assistance.
This year’s honorees are:
Laurie A. Barrette, teacher
– St. James School, Danielson
Cindy Powden, teacher
– Sacred Heart School, Groton
Ana Rosa Tejera, RN
– St. Joseph School, New London
Laurie A. Barrette was born and raised in Connecticut. She was the youngest child born to Alice and Allen Hill, Jr. Laurie is a product of Catholic schools. She attended St. John's Parochial School in Plainfield, then attended Putnam Catholic Academy for her high school years and then Annhurst College, where she majored in art education. She serves as a first-grade teacher at St. James School in Danielson. A dedicated teacher for more than 30 years, she believes a Christ-centered classroom helps to promote peace and unity among her students. She takes pride in helping young students begin a relationship with Jesus as their best friend and works to involve the religious sisters of their parish with their school, strengthening the bond they have with the students.
Cindy Powden was born in New London and was raised in Mystic. She is the youngest of two children born to Norman and Beverly Pray. Cindy Powden is a Connecticut native. She graduated from Stonington High School, earned a bachelor’s degree in economics from Eastern Connecticut State University and a master’s in education from the University of New Haven. She has taught first grade at Sacred Heart School in Groton for 21 years. Mrs. Powden is the model of professionalism. She demonstrates both mastery and wisdom in her approach to teaching. With her wealth of experience, she is a source of sage counsel for her colleagues. Her dedication and expertise benefit both her students and the teaching community. She enjoys camping with her husband Tom and their dog Maysa; and spending time with her four children and their spouses and her two young grandchildren.
Ana Rosa Tejera was born in Santurce, Puerto Rico. Ana was the middle child born to her mother, a homemaker, while her father was employed as a grocery store clerk. In 1956, the family relocated to the South Bronx in New York during a major rainstorm. Although she and her siblings attended public school, the Catholic faith was a vital part of their childhood, attending Mass each Sunday. In addition, Ana participated in religious instruction to receive the sacraments of Communion and confirmation. For more than 50 years, Ana Rosa Tejera has been providing care and compassion to her community as a Registered Nurse, with 30 of these years having been spent working as a school nurse both at St. Mary's Star of the Sea School, which closed in 2012, and St. Joseph's School in New London. Mrs. Tejera's kindness and dedication are felt throughout the school, where she is more than just a nurse; she is a surrogate parent/grandparent, friend and colleague. She is a mother to three children all raised in the faith of God and a grandmother to four, who also carry the Catholic faith in their hearts.
I really appreciate your generous support throughout the past 14 years and hope you can join us in celebrating Laurie A. Barrette, Cindy Powden and Ana Rosa Tejera.
By Gina Foster