Students, Staff Honored on Founder’s Day

Two staff members recognized as quiet but effective leaders earned DeLaSalle’s highest honors at the annual Founder’s Day Mass May 7.

Executive assistant Mary McLaren, who colleagues described as having “the same faith and zeal that animated the founder,” won the Distinguished Lasallian Educator award. “The compassion Mary shows others with a gentle approach is an example we all should strive for,” McLaren’s nomination continued. The Distinguished Lasallian Educator award recognizes a staff member who sees the Lasallian school as a place of educational excellence, which shares in the mission of the Catholic Church.

Social Studies teacher Paul Sczepanski, meanwhile, won the Liemandt Excellence in Teaching Award. “This teacher’s number one goal is for students to succeed in and out of the classroom. His tireless efforts in enriching curriculum solidify his reputation as a progressive and outstanding educator,” reads Sczepanski’s nomination. Sczepanski won the Distinguished Lasallian Educator award in 2013.

The annual Founder’s Day Mass gives the school community an opportunity to honor its Lasallian heritage. Auxiliary Bishop Andrew Cozzens celebrated the Mass. Midwest District of Christian Brothers Auxiliary Visitor Brother Mark Snodgrass led a special remembrance of three Brothers who have died in the past year – Brothers Dominic Kennedy, Cyril Litecky, and Basil Rothweiler – for their profound impact on DeLaSalle.