2016 Champions of Catholic Education

The St. Thomas Aquinas Award is presented to an individual/couple who has been a major benefactor of Catholic education in Central Washington. The 2016 recipient is Pamela Leseman of St. Rose of Lima Parish, Ephrata

The St. John Baptist De La Salle Award is presented to those who have excelled as educators in our Catholic schools. The 2016 recipients are Sylvia Billing of St. Joseph School, Kennewick and Emily Appert of St. Joseph/Marquette School, Yakima.

The St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Award is presented to those who have dedicated their time, talent and treasure to religious education, faith formation and RCIA programs in their parishes. The 2016 recipients are Mike & Anne Concienne of Blessed Sacrament Parish, Grandview, and Belia Sanchez Torrez of Holy Apostles Parish, East Wenatchee.

The Central Washington Catholic Foundation is also recognizing Special Honorees for this year’s event. Because of their exceptional dedication to the Catholic education in Central Washington; Father Bill Shaw and Father John Shaw are being honored. They continue to actively serve in priestly ministry at the very youthful age of 89 and 87, respectively. Fr. Bill Shaw continues to serve as pastor at St. Mary’s parish in White Swan, while Fr. John Shaw serves the Native Americans here in the diocese, among several other ministries.

These awards will be present at the fifth annual Celebration of Faith event at the Yakima Convention Center on October 8, 2016.