CHICAGO (May 9, 2007) —The Crystal Awards, which celebrate Catholic School Leadership in the Archdiocese of Chicago, were given to eleven school administrators who are retiring at the end of the current school year in ceremonies held May 8 at the Drury Lane in Oakbrook Terrace. An assistant superintendent and ten elementary school principals were honored this year, which marks the sixth year these awards were granted.

“We celebrate the accomplishments of our school leaders in the Archdiocese of Chicago by honoring those who are retiring from this great ministry of service, and thank each of them for all they have accomplished, and for their lifelong contributions in keeping our schools Catholic, excellent and vital,” noted Nicholas Wolsonovich, Ph.D., Superintendent, Office of Catholic Schools, Archdiocese of Chicago.

The 2007 Crystal Awards, a symbol for the light that retirees have shared with all those whom they met and served as leaders in Catholic education, were presented to:

Dolores Baumgarten, Assistant Superintendent, Office of Catholic Schools

Mary Cheversia of Our Lady of the Gardens, Chicago

Patricia Frejlich of St. Lawrence O'Toole, Matteson

Mary Lou Lovell of St. Catherine of Alexandria, Oak Lawn

Andrea Murphy of St. Gerald, Oak Lawn

Letitia Paradowicz of St. John Vianney, Northlake

Elizabeth Pardo, IHM of Epiphany, Chicago

Richelle Schmitz, OP of St. Mary of the Woods, Chicago

Geraldine Thomas of Christ Our Savior, South Holland

Collette Mary White, OP of St. Edmund, Oak Park