ST. BENEDICT AWARD 34
With Honors On January 19, Priory kicked off the new year with a special 60th anniversary celebration. With special guests, Abbot Mark Cooper, OSB, and Father Benet Phillips, OSB, eleven distinguished individuals were recognized for their all-embracing commitment to Priory as loved ones, faculty, staff, and alumni helped to celebrate this distinct group. The evening opened up with the Priory Jazz Band entertaining the crowd as guests mingled. Board of Trustees Chair Mike Calbert welcomed the group and expressed from his point of view how the Priory was in excellent shape, and most importantly stressed that, “the Benedictine Values and Spirituality that this institution was founded on are alive and thriving.” Tim Molak continued with his appreciation for so many reasons to celebrate 60 years of Being Benedictine. “Tonight we celebrate 7 pioneering Monks who through blood, sweat, tears and prayers, founded and established this school in the Lord’s service–a true American Miracle,” he said. The crowd was also treated with an original song written by performing arts teacher, Tina Paulson called, “This is the Priory.” Drama teacher John Sugden and Tina then performed the catchy song live with a choreographed dance. As you can imagine, the show was quite the hit! Guests then took a trip down memory lane with a video showing the history and progress of the school over the past 60 years. Father Martin and Father Maurus closed the evening out sharing their personal experiences at the Priory over the past 40 years. “I should write a book,” explained Father Martin as he realized how many great stories he had to share. The following honorees were given the Saint Benedict Medal, which is the highest honor that Priory bestows. Mark Allen Don Carroll Mary Carroll Eileen DiGiorgio Eva Csicsman-Etter Jim Kirkland Father Piers Lahey ‘67 Dean and Susan Miller Ramsay and Bob Waterman Each of the honorees demonstrated years of involvement and dedication to Priory that went above and beyond. Without their good works in all fields from publishing to liturgical celebrations, they have each helped Priory to become the exceptional place it is today.
