Bishop's Education Awards honor five recipients

LUMEN MEDIA REPORT – This spring the Catholic Schools Office for the Diocese of Sioux City announced five recipients of this year’s Bishop’s Education Awards.

Two teachers received the Excellence in Education Award: Carla Johnson, English teacher at Bishop Heelan High School in Sioux City and Kathleen Jones, fifth grade teacher at Sacred Heart School in Boone.

Recipients of the Excellence in Education Award must have been a teacher in the Diocese of Sioux City for five years. They are known to have expressed a clear, integrated philosophy of Catholic education and be held in high regard by their peers, students and the parents.

Three others were honored with the Good Shepherd Award: Chris Bork, principal of Bishop Heelan High School in Sioux City; Sara Bormann, principal of St. Mary School in Humboldt and Michelle Davis, custodian at Bishop Heelan High School in Sioux City.

The Good Shepherd Award was established to recognize non-teacher employees of Catholic schools who are held in high regard by peers, faculty/staff and students. These individuals serve as witnesses of their faith in their professional and personal life.

These five award winners will be honored at the Bishop’s Dinner for Catholic Schools that will be held Oct. 11 at Marriott Riverfront in South Sioux City, Nebraska. The keynote speaker for this year’s event is Bishop John E. Keehner.

Excellence in Education Award

Carla Johnson is not only an English teacher at Bishop Heelan but is the head of the department. She has served at the high school for 34 years.

In her nomination, it stated, “She is a woman of deep faith, a commitment she demonstrates not merely in words, but through her daily lessons. Her integrity, compassion and steady encouragement reflect the values of our Catholic school. She consistently models patience, kindness and perseverance creating an environment where young people feel supported.”

The nomination for Johnson also credited the teacher with being innovative in how she teaches and models a faithful servant as she lives out the Gospel values.

Kathleen Jones, fifth grade teacher at Sacred Heart School in Boone, has taught at the school for five years.

In the nomination form for Jones, it stated that her faith is reflected in the way she treats each student with genuine love, respect and compassion.

“Guided by the belief that every person is made in the image of God, she values each child’s dignity and uniqueness. Her care goes beyond academics, as she patiently supports, encourages, and uplifts her students, creating a classroom rooted in kindness, understanding, and service to others,” from the nomination form, who cited Jones for being a strong and positive presence at Sacred Heart.

Good Shepherd Award

Chris Bork has served at Bishop Heelan High School for 28 years with 18 years as principal. He previously served as dean of students and as a teacher.

In the nomination, it stated, “Our principal has earned the respect of teachers, students, and parents through his fairness, integrity, and genuine care for others. He treats teachers with respect and values their professional judgment, while also providing support when challenges arise. Because he taught for many years before becoming principal, and his wife is also a teacher, he understands the realities of the classroom and advocates for his staff.”

Bork was described as a great leader who is a witness to his faith, involved in the community and devoted to Catholic education.

Sara Bormann has served at St. Mary School for 11 years. The first six years were as a teacher and the last five have been as principal.

“Sara Bormann is the kind of leader you dream of having in a Catholic elementary school. Her Catholic identity is not something she turns on at work; it is who she is. Sara ensures that Christ remains at the center of absolutely everything that happens within the walls of St. Mary School. She weaves prayer, faith, and Catholic teachings into the daily life of students and staff, creating an environment where the Gospel is lived, not just taught,” from the nomination letter for the principal. “Her presence and passion add so much joy to these moments. Sara makes it her goal every day to create an environment where Catholic faith is not just taught; it is lived, visible and felt.”

In addition to living out the mission of the Catholic school by helping to provide academic excellence in a Christ-centered environment, Bormann was described as an advocate for her teachers who is actively involved in the church and community.

Michelle Davis, custodian at Bishop Heelan, has served at the school for 15 years.

“Michelle truly embodies the Bishop Heelan mission of service. She goes above and beyond caring for our building and consistently brightens others’ days through her thoughtful acts of kindness,” from the nomination form. “

She has a servant heart and is so selfless. Michelle leads by example and puts everyone’s needs before her own.” Davis was also described as someone who not only works hard but also makes others feel special through her kindness, joy and chocolate chip cookies.

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