of alumni association - Marian Catholic High School

MARIAN CATHOLICLEADERSHIP PROGRAMThe overwhelming success of the soon-to-becopyrighted Marian Catholic Leadership Programhas produced a second graduating class who hascompleted the four-year sequential, faith-basedprogram. Through the combined efforts of theexternal Leadership Council, Faculty Leadership Team,faculty facilitators, and student leaders, the LeadershipProgram has seen tremendous growth in positiveobjectives and outcomes.“Some great leaders have been borne from theprogram,” said Bobby Lambert, Director of theLeadership Program, at a meeting of the LeadershipCouncil earlier this year. “This is especially true inclassroom settings where lessons are taught by peers,”he said.Evidenced by the naming of two HIRE Awardrecipients this year, the Marian Catholic LeadershipProgram is not only building on success, but alsosignificance as ethical leaders make their way into the world.HIRE is an acronym for the building blocks of the Leadership Program: Honesty, Integrity, Responsibility and Enthusiasm. As astudent progresses through the program, the acronym evolves into Help, Inspire, React and Engage.Patrick Healy ’10 (Indiana University) and Melissa Zambrano ’10 (North Central College)receive the 2010 HIRE Award from John Kozojed, Assistant Principal, at Honors Night in May.Olivia Jackson ’09 was named as the first HIRE Award recipient last year, followed by Melissa Zambrano and Patrick Healy fromthe Class of 2010, who emerged as exemplary student leaders.THE ST. KATHARINE DREXEL RACIAL JUSTICE AWARDMarian Catholic High School Principal, Sister KathleenAnne Tait, O.P. was named by the Archdiocese of Chicago’sOffice for Racial Justice to receive the St. Katharine DrexelRacial Justice Award. His Eminence Francis Cardinal George,O.M.I. presided over the ceremony.The St. Katharine Drexel Racial Justice Award is namedin honor of the American founder of the Sisters of theBlessed Sacrament, who devoted her entire life to holinessand work among Native and African American peoples.Sister Kathleen Anne Tait is a founding member ofthe Springfield Dominican and Archdiocese of Chicago’santi-racism teams. Her commitment to the principles ofanti-racism as an institutional issue that must be pro-activelyand effectively addressed, has led to the establishment of thefirst institutional anti-racism team in the archdiocesan schoolsystem, and the Springfield Dominican network of schools.Marian Catholic President, Sister Judine Hilbing, O.P.is delighted that Sister Kathleen Anne has been selected forthis award.“Sister Kathleen Anne has been very faithful in herefforts to work toward a school environment at MarianCatholic that is anti-racist both in policy and in practice,”she said.Others from Marian’s Anti-Racism Team agree.“Sister Kathleen Anne has been instrumental in creatinga strategic plan designed to foster a positive climate forMarian Catholic High School’s diverse student body. Heradvocacy includes organizing an Anti-Racism Committeethat consists of board members, administrators, teachers,staff, parents and other stakeholders, who are dedicated todismantling racism within the school community,” said Dr.Shirley Morris, Assistant Principal of Academics at Marian.Reginald Summerrise, current parent and member ofMarian’s Anti-Racism Committee, echoes similar feelings.“By far, Sister Kathleen Anne is one of the most forwardthinkingleaders when it comes to diversity,” he said. “Shealso has a special gift in her ability to forge relationshipsamong groups of people.”3