Tom Henihan
Spotlight
At the Alberta School Boards Association (ASBA) Zone One Annual Awards Banquet, Holy Family Catholic Regional Division (HFCRD) presented the 2016 Friends of Education Award to the Catholic Women’s League (CWL) of St. Paul’s Parish in High Prairie, St. Rita’s Parish in Valleyview and St. Jean Baptiste Cathedra in McLennan
The local CWL offers generous and continuous support to religious programming at St. Stephen’s School, Ecole Providence School and St. Andrew’s School.
“HFCRD is blessed to have hard working and dedicated Catholic Women’s Leagues that are so generous to our school communities,” said HFCRD Board Chair Kelly Whalen.
“Every year, these women give their time and energy to their community and to their local schools. These generous contributions deserve to be recognized.”
The Catholic Women’s League mission and principles emanate from the Gospel and its members express their devotion by being of service to people in the community.
Every year, the CWL gives bibles to Grade 4 and crosses to the Grade 9 students within HFCRD.
The CWL’s Education Committee deals with matters of Catholic education, mentorship in Catholic schools, catechesis, and rites of Christian initiation, continuing education, scholarships and bursaries.
The CWL support the schools’ food programs in their areas, helping to provide nourishing snacks and encourage the students to make healthy food choices.
“As a member of the Catholic Women’s League in High Prairie, I see first-hand the outstanding contributions these wonderful women make to HFCRD schools,” said Trustee Carmelle Lizee. “They are dedicated Catholic citizens who genuinely care about their community and about making the world a better place.
Each year, HFCRD offers Friends of Education Award in recognition of a group or individual whose work and commitment enhance education for students.
“It is an horour to be recognized for what we do in the schools, to know that they appreciate our support,” says Irene Brassard diocesan president under which the three CWL’s are affiliated. “We are always interested in what is going on in our schools and a lot of the principals come to our meeting too give us an update.”
The Alberta School Boards Association Zone One Annual Awards Banquet was held at the Bell Centre in Peace River on Thursday September 22.