2017-2018 CSPJ Year Ends with Annual Awards

Senior Bridget Danko from Beaumont School accepts her award from Mr. Marty Steward and Mrs. Sue Riley

Catholic Schools for Peace and Justice capped off another impressive school year on April 25th at Cleveland Central Catholic High School. The last meeting of the school year usually happens in April and is a recap of the year's activities as well as an awards presentation for members. There are a few awards given out each school year. The Bishop Pilla Award is given out to seniors who have devoted time and have exemplified the spirit of CSPJ. This year's award winners were from CCC, St. Joseph Academy, St. Ignatius and Beaumont School.

CCC senior Tatu Wadesisi with Mr. Matt Wallenhorst and Mrs. Cindy Webster

Mr. Augie Pacetti accepting a Bishop Pilla Award on behalf of St. Ignatius student Tobias Engel

This year, CSPJ also instituted a new award this year, the Sr. Kathleen Ryan Award, honoring an adult associated with the network and who has given much time and energy to the group over years of service to Catholic social teaching in our schools. It is named after one of our founders, Sr. Kathleen Ryan S.N.D., who worked as a leader of CSPJ for 15 years. Our first recipient of the Sr. Kathleen Ryan Award is Ms. Cathy Knittel, a teacher who has devoted her life to her vocation and channeled that enthusiasm to be an integral part of Catholic Schools for Peace and Justice since its founding in 2003.

Highlights from the 2017-2018 school year include:

* Our annual March and Rally for Life in Downtown Cleveland which began with mass at St. John's Cathedral with Cleveland's new bishop, Bishop Nelson Perez, who then marched with us to our rally on Public Square.

* Participation in the National School Walkout on March 14th where several schools implemented marches and prayer services among many activities.

* A mini-summit on Gender Relations and Relationships held at Beaumont School on March 16th.

We look forward to a restful and relaxing summer so we can do great things again next school year! Congratulations to all our reward winners!