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Programs

NSNO’s National Network Awards Program is designed to formally recognize and celebrate the outstanding contributions of employees, volunteers and/or students in the SND Network.

National

National Awards Program

Our National Network Awards formally recognize outstanding contributions of SND Network employees and volunteers to the achievement of the mission, vision and charism of the Sisters of Notre Dame. More information can be found by clicking on the individual awards below.  If you have questions, please contact the office at 440.279.1102 or [email protected]. 

Transformative Leadership Award Program

This award recognizes employees or volunteers in the SND national network who inspire hope and excellence as they lead others to a fuller, freer life. 

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Gospel Witness
Award Program

This award recognizes employees or volunteers in the SND national network who give witness to Jesus’ spirit of compassion, hope, and joy.
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Fr. Bernard Overberg
Award Program

The “Teacher of Teachers” Award recognizes exceptional, inspirational impact on the formation and professional learning of teachers.

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National Award Recipients

SND national network award recipients will receive a 1.25" celebratory pin and a certificate of recognition. Additionally, their name will be listed among previous award recipients in the SND National Network Award book, which is housed at the motherhouse in Rome. Award recipients are also listed on our website.

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Transformative Leadership Award

2024 Award Recipients

  • Sr. Maureen Burke – President, St. John School (Ashtabula, OH)
  • Jackie Hetrick – Art Therapist/Art Teacher, Julie Billiart School (Westlake, OH)
  • Ben Hopper – Principal, Cardinal Mooney Catholic High School (Sarasota, FL)
  • Lisa Nowak – Director, Maria Early Learning Center (Toledo, OH)
  • Amanda Ramey, DO – Medical Director, St. Claire HealthCare (Morehead, KY)
  • Nichole Smith – President/CEO, St. Charles Community (Covington, KY)
  • John Venturella – President, Clearwater Central Catholic High School (Clearwater, FL)
  • Jack VonHandorf – Principal, Notre Dame Academy (Park Hills, KY)

2023 Award Recipients

  • Mr. Jim Deputy – Principal, Clearwater Central Catholic High School (Clearwater, FL)
  • Mr. David Gross – Administrative Director for Education and Research and Director of Northeast Kentucky Area Health Education Center, St. Claire Healthcare (Morehead, KY)
  • Ms. Jayden Julian – Human Resources Coordinator, St. Charles Community (Covington, KY) 
  • Mr. Dick Williams – Director of Finance and Human Resources, Notre Dame Academy Schools (Los Angeles, CA)

2022 Award Recipients

  • Ms. Kim Grilliot – President, Notre Dame Academy (Toledo, OH)
  • Ms. Sheila Martinez – Principal, Our Lady of Victory School (Washington DC)
  • Dr. Philip Overall – Medical Director for Emergency Department and Pandemic Response, St. Claire HealthCare (Morehead, KY)

2021 Award Recipients

  • Ms. Lannie Davis-Frecker – President, Julie Billiart Network (Lyndhurst, OH)
  • Sr. Jacquelyn Gusdane – Past President, Notre Dame Schools (Chardon, OH)
  • Ms. Tamara Harper – Board Chair, La Reina High School and Middle School (Thousand Oaks, CA)
  • Sr. Pat McClain – Past President, Lial Catholic School (Whitehouse, OH)
  • Ms. Dulce Roman – Past Principal, Clearwater Central Catholic High School (Clearwater, FL)
  • Mr. Joseph Waler – Principal, Notre Dame – Cathedral Latin School (Chardon, OH)

2018 Award Recipients

  • Ms. Nancy Coonis – Executive Director, Western Catholic Education Association (Los Angeles, CA). (Past President of Notre Dame Academy Schools in Los Angeles)
  • Sr. Dianne Rumschlag – Head of School, Guardian Catholic School (Jacksonville, FL)

Gospel Witness
Award

2024 Award Recipients

  • Jessica Callahan, RN, BSN – Director of Case Management, St. Claire HealthCare (Morehead, KY)
  • Belinda Cogsville – Day Shift Supervisor, St. Charles Community (Covington, KY)
  • Brad Fuller – Assistant Head of School, Notre Dame Academy (Los Angeles, CA)
  • Bridget Price – Campus Minister, Notre Dame Academy (Park Hills KY)

2023 Award Recipients

  • Sr. Mary Luann Bender – Mission and Ministry Coordinator, St. Charles Community, (Covington, KY)
  • Ms. Sue May – 4th/5th Grade Teacher, St. Johns School (Delphos, OH)  
  • Ms. Kara Passow – Director of Faith Formation St. Mary School (Chardon, OH) 
  • Ms. Shellie Wilburn-Smith – Behavorial Health Unit Program Director, St. Claire Healthcare (Morehead, KY) 

2022 Award Recipients

  • Sr. Colleen Marie Cousino – Chemistry Teacher/Faculty Professional Development Coordinator for Technology, Notre Dame Academy (Toledo, OH)
  • Ms. Jennifer Hardin – Home Care Services Director, St. Claire HealthCare (Morehead, KY)
  • Mr. Andy Shannon – Director of Ministry, Clearwater Central Catholic High School (Clearwater, FL)
  • Mr. Jack VonHandorf – Interim President/Principal, Notre Dame Academy (Park Hills, KY)

2021 Award Recipients

  • Mr. Scott Kay – Theology Teacher, Notre Dame Academy (Toledo, OH)
  • Mr. Chris McClurg – Chief Financial Officer, St. Claire HealthCare (Morehead, KY)
  • Mr. Tom Richmond – Teacher, Notre Dame Academy (Park Hills, KY)
  • Mr. Chad Ribordy – Religion Department Chair, La Reina High School and Middle School (Thousand Oaks, CA)
  • Sr. Mary Seton Schlather – Teacher, Cleveland Central Catholic High School (Cleveland, OH)
  • Sr. Karen Somerville – Past Principal, St. Francis School (Cleveland, OH)
  • Sr. Mary Barbara Soplata – Enrichment Teacher, Notre Dame Elementary School (Chardon, OH)
  • Ms. Betsy Ward – Assistant Head of School for Mission, Notre Dame Academy (Los Angeles, CA)

2018 Award Recipients

  • Ms. Jane Andrews – Art Teacher, Metro Catholic School (Cleveland, OH)
  • Ms. Pat Genovese – Kinder Teacher & Lower School Director, Notre Dame Academy Elementary School (Los Angeles, CA)
  • Ms. Michele Johnson – Religion Department Chair; Religion and Psychology Teacher, Notre Dame Academy (Park Hills, KY)
  • Ms. Marcia Pecek – Mathematics Department Chair & Math Teacher, Notre Dame – Cathedral Latin School (Chardon, OH)

Fr. Bernard Overberg
Award

2024 Award Recipients

  • Janie Carrillo – Middle School Teacher, St. Leo School (Versailles, KY)
  • Sr. Joanne Keppler – Director of Professional Learning, Notre Dame Schools (Chardon, OH)
  • Katie Kindry – 4th Grade Intervention Specialist, Julie Billiart School (Akron, OH)
  • Molly Proudfit – Assistant Principal for Academics/Teacher, Notre Dame Academy (Park Hills, KY)

2023 Award Recipients

  • Ms. Jenny Chirico – Middle School Teacher, Lial Catholic School (Whitehouse, OH)
  • Mr. Stan Hirsch – Math Teacher, La Reina High School and Middle School (Thousand Oaks, CA) 
  • Ms. Trish Sanders – Visual and Performing Arts Teacher, Notre Dame Academy (Toledo, OH)

2022 Award Recipients

  • Ms. Kim Haupt – Kindergarten Teacher/Elementary School Director, Notre Dame Academy (Los Angeles, CA)
  • Ms. Teri Merkle – Second Grade Teacher, St. Mary School (Chardon, OH)

2021 Award Recipients

  • Ms. Laura Gallaher – English Teacher, Notre Dame Academy (Toledo, OH)
  • Mr. Ron Greife – Teacher, Notre Dame Academy (Park Hills, KY)
  • Sr. Jean Hoelke – Ministry Team, Sisters of Notre Dame (Chardon, OH)
  • Ms. Maggie Marschner – Principal, La Reina High School and Middle School (Thousand Oaks, CA)
  • Ms. Shari Sasso – Retired Literacy Specialist, Julie Billiart School (Lyndhurst, OH)

2018 Award Recipient

  • Sr. Regina Alfonso – Retired Associate Professor of Education, Notre Dame College (South Euclid, OH)

DGA

Distinguished Graduate Award Program

Award presented to a student who is an authentic witness to Notre Dame education, marked by academic excellence, outreach to those in need in school and/or community, and striving to live Gospel values in daily life.

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CRITERIA:

Academic:

Grade point average of 3.0 or the equivalent standard of excellence.

Service:

Witness to God’s goodness and provident care through outreach to those in need, in the school or the community at large.

Practice of Faith:

Regular participation in student’s faith community; strives to live Gospel values in daily life.

Submission DEADLINE:

DEADLINE for submissions is May 15th!

2024 DGA Recipients

2020 Recipients

Clearwater Central Catholic High School 

Clearwater, FL

  • Daily, Reese
  • Vermost, Ainsley

Guardian Catholic School

Jacksonville, FL

  • McLeod, Melanni

Cleveland Central Catholic High School

Cleveland, OH

  • Crawford, Maya
  • Richardson, Shelbi
  • Todorovich, Stephen

Julie Billiart School

Lyndhurst, OH

  • Roberts, Morgan

Lial Catholic School

Whitehouse, OH

  • Hebeka, Thomas
  • Kraus, Mary Carol

Metro Catholic School

Cleveland, OH

  • Dweh, Franceta
  • Simon, Leah

Notre Dame Academy

Park Hills, Kentucky

  • Caccavari, Grace
  • Kleier, Molly

Notre Dame Academy

Toledo, OH

  • Ohlinger, Megan
  • Chryst, Natalie

Notre Dame Academy

Los Angeles, CA

  • Gamboa, Lauren

NDA Elementary School

Los Angeles, CA

  • Hanna, Ava

Notre Dame Elementary School

Chardon, OH

  • Ivanko, Andrea

Notre Dame Cathedral Latin

Chardon, OH

  • Beebe, David
  • Raddell, Mary Grace

Our Lady of Victory School

Washington, DC

  • O’Brien, Aidan
  • Gimer, Millicent

St. Agnes School

Ft. Wright, KY 

  • Ehlman, Ryan
  • Schulte, Tessa

St. John School

Ashtabula, OH

  • Cevera, Emily

St. Agnes Catholic School

Arlington, VA

  • Peterson, Annaka
  • Flippen, Aiden

St. Helen School

Newbury, OH

  • Murray, John
  • Joyce, Lucy

St. Joseph School

Cold Springs, KY

  • Green, Delaney
  • Smith, Tyler

St. Mary’s Elementary School

Leipsic, OH

  • Recker, Ryan

St. Mary Magdalen School

Camarillo, CA

  • Flores, Omega
  • Asedo, Tiare

St. Pius-St. Matthias Academy

Downey, CA

  • Torres, Briana

St. Thomas Aquinas School

Cleveland, OH

  • Floyd, De’Shawn
  • Belcher, Tiana

St. Francis School

Cleveland, OH

  • Montanez, Adaberto

St. Mary of Immaculate Conception

Avon, OH

  • Niederst, Isabelle

St. Peter School

North Ridgeville, OH

  • Cristino, James

St. Columban School

Loveland, OH

  • Laufersweiler, Paul

St. Helen Catholic School

South Gate, CA

  • Alarcon, Viviana
  • Salas, Abraham

St. Jude the Apostle School

Westlake, CA

  • Gonzalez, Christina
  • Weisbecker, Nicholas

La Reina High School & Middle School

Thousand Oaks, CA

  • Tross, Sophia

2021 Recipients

Cleveland Central Catholic School

Cleveland, OH

  • Cooper, Kaitlin
  • Grayson, Paul

Guardian Catholic School

Jacksonville, FL

  • Rodriquez, Jesaily

Julie Billiart School

Lyndhurst, OH

  • Robinson, Darren
  • Kasunic, Rhiannon

La Reina High School & Middle School

Thousand Oaks, CA

  • Melton, Taylor

Lial Catholic School

Whitehouse, OH

  • Fineske, Alivia
  • Harb, Sammer

Metro Catholic School

Cleveland, OH

  • Kotlarsic, Amelia
  • Hernandez, Ruben

Notre Dame Academy

Los Angeles, CA

  • Syta, Kathryn
  • Pena, Megan

Notre Dame Academy

Toledo, OH

  • Arndt, Madison
  • Higgins, Reagan

Notre Dame Academy

Park Hills, KY

  • Gartner, Margaret

Notre Dame Academy Elementary School

Los Angeles, CA

  • M. Shelby

Notre Dame Cathedral Latin School

Chardon, OH

  • Bell, Hayden
  • Yackin, Rylee

Notre Dame Elementary School

Chardon, OH

  • McGraw, Brendan
  • Boehnlein, Sarah

Our Lady of Assumption School

Ventura, CA

  • Kiet Tuan Nguyen, Joseph

Our Lady of Victory School

Washington, DC

  • Vaughn, Alexandra
  • Lennon, Liam

St. Agnes Catholic School

Arlington, VA

  • Curry, Avery
  • Hirko, John

St. Agnes School

Ft. Wright, KY

  • Michels, Drew
  • Herald, Riley

St. Columban School

Loveland, OH

  • Saylor, Elinor

St. Francis Elementary School

Cleveland, OH

  • Brown-Harris, Sa’Nessie

St. Helen Catholic School

South Gate, CA

  • Granillo, James
  • Zamudio, Zoe

St. Helen School

Newbury, OH

  • Nedved, Luke
  • Lewis, Olivia

St. John School

Ashtabula, OH

  • DiSalvatore, David
  • Kovach, Kathleen

St. Joseph School

Cold Springs, KY

  • Hartig, Sadie
  • Lang, Sam

St. Jude the Apostle School

Westlake, CA

  • Jarra, Kayla
  • Smart, Preston

St. Leo School

Versailles, KY

  • Rabinowitz, Caroline

St. Martin of Tours School

Cincinnati, OH

  • Sullivan, David
  • Denson, Skye

St. Mary Magdalen School

Camarillo, CA

  • Sauers, Keith

St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception

Avon, OH

  • Smith, Nathan

St. Mary’s Elementary School

Leipsic, OH

  • Recker, Evan

St. Peter School

No. Ridgeville, OH

  • DiLoreto, Matthew 

St. Pius-St. Matthias Academy

Downey, CA

  • Salvador, Madeline
The SND Distinguished Graduate Award has been presented to students of SND sponsored and affiliated schools since 1999.  Over 1,200 students have received this honor.  For comprehensive lists by school or by name and for more information, please email the NSNO at [email protected].

RHSE

The Rural Healthcare Student Experience (RHSE) is sponsored by St. Claire HealthCare and the SND National Sponsorship and Network Office. This program targets high school students seriously considering a career in healthcare and provides them with unique hands-on experience in a rural healthcare setting.

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