For Immediate Release
Contact: Maria Zone
Director of Communications
Archdiocese of Hartford
(860) 541-6491 ext. 127
mzone@aohct.org

Over 100 Volunteers Honored at HOPES Dinner

HARTFORD, Conn. – (September 26, 2011) The Office of Catholic Schools of the Archdiocese of Hartford honored 121 volunteers from 48 Catholic Schools with the St. John Neumann Award, and named the 2011 St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Award recipient at its 34th Annual HOPES Dinner on September 25th.

Volunteers who received the award support Catholic schools in various ways, said Anne Clubb, Director of Catholic School Advancement. They assist in fundraising efforts, which provide tuition assistance to families in need, and enable the purchase of state-of-the-art learning tools like iPads. They help marketing efforts by designing brochures and websites that promote increased enrollment at the schools. Many of them serve on school boards that actively assist administrators, support events that build community and attract students, and donate their labor to improve and refurbish school physical plants.

“Volunteers are a great resource to our Catholic Schools,” said Archbishop Henry J. Mansell who attended the dinner and told the volunteers that they are a vital part of the church family.

Special recognition went to Donald P. Deloge of St. Francis and St. Rose of Lima in New Haven who received the St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Award, named for the Patron Saint of Catholic education. Deloge, a former science teacher and assistant principal at North Haven High School has dedicated his retirement years to volunteering at St. Francis and St. Rose of Lima. A graduate of the former St. Francis School, Don is a school board member who assists with advancement efforts, including the Annual Fund and the March Phonothon, which provide numerous scholarships to deserving students.  Twice a year he helps to publish the alumni newsletter, and coordinates all of the alumni reunions.  His contributions are influential in raising an average of $100,000 each year from donations, memorials and the school’s annual golf tournament. 

During the Hopes Dinner, Superintendent of Catholic Schools Dale R. Hoyt announced that the Rev. Mark R. Jette from St. Lawrence Church in West Haven was named the 2011-2012 Distinguished Elementary School Pastor. Hoyt also recognized Principal Patricia Devanney of St. Anthony in Winsted as the 2011-2012 Distinguished Catholic School Administrator.

In addition to the well-deserved tributes, attendees were entertained by the St. Thomas the Apostle School Liturgical Choir and the Performing Arts Group from St. Paul Catholic High School who performed songs from “Beauty and the Beast.”

Photos by Maria Zone