Annual Paideia Award

The beautiful Greek word "paideia" translates as education, but in classical Greece had no meaning outside the periphery of culture. Paideia stands for both training and education, but above all, it denotes respect for the fundamental institutions that produce and sustain a civilized and humane society.

The Paideia Award:

• recognizes those persons within the local Catholic community who exemplify the concept of paideia;
• promotes the true Catholic leaders within our community;
• strengthens the local attitude towards Catholic elementary and secondary education;
• encourages others to adopt a respect for paideia and to act accordingly.

The Paideia award is given to a Catholic person or married couple in recognition of:

• an active commitment to Catholic elementary and secondary education
• sustained or substantial contributions of time, talent or treasure to the Champaign Vicariate educational community
• leadership in spreading the Good News of Catholic education

Nominations Process:

• A "call for nominations" is announced in parish bulletins, the Catholic Post, and relevant Saint Thomas More newsletters and literature.
• Nomination packets for the award are mailed to each of the Champaign Vicariate parishes. Nomination forms are also available on the school website.

Award Notification and Presentation:

• The High School of Saint Thomas More Pastors' Board determines the annual recipient(s).
• The recipient(s) are notified and asked to provide a guest list for the annual Showcase of Thanks.

The Paideia Award is presented at the annual Showcase of Thanks. Each recipient's name is engraved on a permanent plaque in the school.

Nominations for the 2007 Paideia Award must be submitted to the Director of Advancement by Thursday, November 1st.

The Paideia Award Nomination Form

Click here to download the Paideia Award Nomination Form

2006 Paideia Honoree

Monsignor Albert W. Hallin

Monsignor Hallin's dedication to the formation of young people, his intellectual curiosity, and perseverance led us as a community to join him in a strong commitment to Catholic education. He helped us understand the "thirteen-year vision" of Catholic education in our area, and it was through his leadership that we came to realize we must work together for the success of all. He played an integral part in making our dream of a Catholic high school a reality by being the one "constant" in what was a very long process. He stands proud as the high school's strongest supporter, and it was through his mentoring that so many of us have come to share his vision. The commitment and dedication of Monsignor Hallin has, indeed, enriched our Catholic school community.

2005 Honoree: Rosemary Costello

Mrs. Costello is a product of Catholic education and has dedicated her career to it. She began her teaching career at Holy Family school in Danville before moving to Holy Cross school in Champaign as a teacher. She assumed the role of principal in 1999. Supporting and promoting Catholic education has always been a top priority for Mrs. Costello, as demonstrated by her leadership in forming the area's first Catholic high school, the High School of Saint Thomas More.

2004 Honorees:

2003 Honoree: Barbara Yount

Barbara Yount was honored with the 2003 Paidiea Award for her 37-year commitment to teaching in Catholic schools. Sadly, she died in January 2004 after a long battle with cancer. She is remembered by her family, fellow teachers, and hundreds of students as a model teacher and Catholic.

2002 Paideia Award Honoree (Inaugural year of the award)

Dr. Richard T. Scanlan was honored as the first recipient of the Paideia Award. A Parishioner and permanent deacon at St. Matthew (Champaign), Dr. Scanlan is retired from the University of Illinois, where he was a professor of classics. He has a long history of supporting Catholic education in the Champaign-Urbana community and his contributions of time, talent, and treasure exemplify the meaning and spirit of Paideia.