Spirit of Josef Award

Fr. Steve and Ms. Clare surprising Helwig. On Friday, April 16, Mr. Kent Helwig, a 15-year member of the Performing Arts Department, received the inaugural Spirit of Josef Award in commemoration of our 3rd Annual Josef Day which celebrates the life and legacy Mater Dei’s caretaker, benefactor, and friend, Josef D’Heygers. Helwig is widely regarded as a calm force behind the scenes serving as accompanist, vocal coach, and mentor to students, colleagues, and numerous MD alumni. The Spirit of Josef Award recognizes a current Mater Dei employee who exhibits Josef’s best traits either through quiet random acts of kindness, as a model of faith, a good listener, passion for Mater Dei, care for our planet and beloved school campus, or small quiet displays of compassion that often go unseen. Helwig was nominated by colleagues, students, and parents to receive this honor. Due to gathering restrictions, the award presentation took place in the library during a surprise recording under the guise of a group interview with Helwig’s performing arts colleagues. Shortly into filming, Scott Melvin, Executive Director of the Performing Arts, revealed the true purpose of the meeting. President Fr. Steve Sallot ’72 and Principal Frances Clare were on hand to present Mr. Helwig with his much-deserved award.

Mr. Helwig with his Spirit of Josef Award.

“You got me! I’m not even in my body right now; and I always tell my students to stay in their body. But, I understand the weight of this award and what it means. Nobody [at Mater

Dei] is ‘just a…’ just a security guard, just a teacher, or just a coach. Everyone is playing a part. This is a true community, a family, it really is. Thank you so much.” - Kent Helwig

Always dedicated to supporting his students, Helwig jetted back to rehearsals shortly after the presentation. Mrs. Jodi Reed, Director of Choral and Vocal Music, shared, “Kent thinks about the things not everyone thinks about. He thinks about the individual.” Scott Melvin concurred and added, “If you go to any concert, any Madrigal Feast, you know that Kent is always going to get the biggest applause. The kids lose their minds for him.” Congratulations, Mr. Helwig, for being named the inaugural recipient of the Spirit of Josef Award. We are certain that our friend is smiling down on us from heaven and enjoying the beautiful music you help our performing artists create.

Faculty-Staff members were able to spend time in Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. The Grotto provides a beautiful setting to journey the Stations of the Cross.