Faculty Recognition Brunch
On a Sunday, May 3rd, we gathered for something new at Catholic High School.
The first Faculty Recognition Brunch was created with a simple purpose—to take a moment, as a community, and recognize the men and women who carry the Mission of the Brothers of the Sacred Heart forward every day.
At Catholic High School, we talk often about formation. We talk about faith, discipline, and academic excellence. But those things are not abstract ideas. They are lived out daily in our classrooms, on our fields, and in the countless small moments that never make a schedule.
That morning gave us the opportunity to step back and recognize that reality.
We began by honoring a man whose connection to Catholic High School spans more than five decades. A 1973 graduate who served on both the CHS Foundation Board and the Catholic High School Board, Francis “Dusty” Jumonville’s leadership, generosity, and steady belief in this institution have quietly shaped the school in ways that will endure well beyond any single moment or project. His recognition set the tone for the morning—a reminder that the strength of Catholic High School is built over time, through fidelity and commitment.
That same idea carried into our recognition of faculty who have dedicated significant portions of their lives to this place. As we honored milestone years of service—Mr. Drew Losavio ’98 (20 years), Mrs. Shelia Silvio (25 years), Mr. J.P. Kelly (25 years), Mrs. Christy Kessler (25 years), and Mr. Brad Messina (30 years)—it became clear that what we were really celebrating was not simply time, but impact. Decades spent teaching, coaching, mentoring, and forming young men in ways that extend far beyond the classroom.
We also introduced two new faculty awards that reflect the Mission entrusted to us by the Brothers of the Sacred Heart.
The John Devlin Charism Award, named in honor of a lifelong Partner in Mission whose work has shaped generations of students across the Brothers’ schools, recognizes a faculty member who lives the charism of Father Coindre in an extraordinary way. Tommy Prochaska ’92 was named its inaugural recipient—an honor that reflects years of quiet, steady work forming young men with patience, accountability, and care.
We were also honored to present the first Brother Ivy LeBlanc, S.C. ’63 Faculty Recognition Awards. Named for a man whose life was dedicated to ensuring that the mission of the Brothers would endure through the formation of faculty, this award recognizes those who have made that mission their life’s work. Mrs. Peggy Patout and Mrs. Emily Terracina, in very different but equally impactful ways, have done exactly that—devoting decades to forming young men with consistency, excellence, and deep personal commitment.
What stood out most about the morning was not any single award or recognition.
It was the collective reminder of what makes this place what it is.
The mission of Catholic High School is not sustained by programs or facilities alone. It is carried forward by people—people who show up every day, who invest in the lives of their students, and who understand the responsibility of forming young men in the tradition of the Brothers of the Sacred Heart.
The Faculty Recognition Brunch gave us the opportunity to acknowledge that work in a visible and meaningful way.
More importantly, it gave us a reason to pause—and to say thank you.
And in doing so, it reminded us that they are the ones who, day by day, continue to build the road our students walk.
