Paideia Award

2010 Paideia Honoree

Fr. Steve Willard

The High School of Saint Thomas More hosted its Annual Donor Appreciation Brunch "Showcase of Thanks" honoring its loyal and committed supporters. STM Principal Tim Millage and Msgr. Albert Hallin presented the 2010 Paideia Award to Fr. Steve Willard. Fr. Willard presented the STM Volunteer Service Award to Greg and Martha Taylor in recognition of their outstanding service and unwavering commitment to The High School of Saint Thomas More.

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.

2009 Paideia Honoree

John May

The Champaign Vicariate of the Catholic Diocese of Peoria and The High School of Saint Thomas More has named John May as the 2009 Paideia Award winner. This prestigious award presented each year recognizes an individual who exemplifies the concept of paideia through an active commitment to Catholic education by significant or sustained contributions to the local educational community, and leadership in spreading the Good News of Catholic education.

John "put his money where his mouth was" in demonstrating his commitment to Catholic education. He not only talked – he did! As the reality of a Catholic High School in Champaign was imminent, John's twins, Adam and Bonnie, were only a year away from their freshman year. The High School of Saint Thomas More would not be ready. So, John and his wife, Kathy, enrolled their twins as freshman in Schlarman High School, driving them to Danville and back every day for a year – and, all this time checking on the construction of the building on North Mattis Avenue!

Msgr. Hallin says it best, "John May was the mover and shaker for this high school." The Saint Thomas More community is grateful for John's strong and committed belief in the legacy of a Catholic high school in Champaign. On behalf of the students, alumni students, administration, faculty, staff, and parents, of The High School of Saint Thomas More, thank you, John May for being our "town crier"!

The 2011 Paideia Award Nomination Form

Nominations for the 2011 Paideia Award must be submitted to Kay Reiser, Director of Advancement by Monday, November 7th.

Click here to download the Paideia Award Nomination Form

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.

Past Paideia Honorees