Honoring Parents and Teachers
The Thelma Johnson Award
Thelma Johnson’s life was truly an example of selfless devotion to her St. Ambrose parish family for many years. Her wisdom, wit, and warmth were always a most welcome gift to all who were honored to have their lives touched by hers. Thelma served her St. Ambrose parish and school in many ways.
Over the years, Thelma was an outstanding member of a wide variety of St. Ambrose service groups. Whether it was crocheting layettes for newborns, making Christmas stockings for kindergarteners, driving fellow parishioners to appointments, or reading to our students in both the library and kindergarten, she always managed to be wherever there was a need to be met. Thelma gave herself to her St. Ambrose community completely and selflessly, with a spirit of constant, consistent joy.
Recipients
- 2022-2023 – Tara Santos
- 2021-2022 – Jen Wyse
- 2020-2021 – Caryn Graham
- 2018-2019 – Mani Tiwari
- 2017-2018 – Barry Wright; Lisa McBride
- 2016-2017 – Tom and Jackie O’Brien; Scott and Marybeth Brown;
- 2015-2016 – Mrs. Dawn Westphall
- 2014-2015 – Mrs. Mary Ann Fomunyoh
- 2013-2014 – Mrs. Connie Frank
- 2012-2013 – Mr. Joseph Molnar
- 2011-2012 – Mrs. Carla Yaglou
- 2010-2011 – Mrs. Jayne Eckert
- 2009-2010 – Mrs. Trish Konczal
- 2008-2009 – Mrs. Kathy d’Alelio
- 2007-2008 – Mrs. Debbie Caffi
- 2006-2007 – Mr. Ray Venero
The Harold Devine Service Award
Harold Devine was a St. Ambrose parishioner for many years. He fought in World War II and Korea and had retired after a long civilian career. When the school opened in 1995, he became a frequent visitor. He would ask the principal, the teachers, and the staff, “What do you need?” Whatever it was – dictionaries, calculators, office or classroom supplies, projectors – he would make a list and return, usually the same day, with the needed items. His love for the school, and especially the students, was evident. The Devine Service Award was named for him because of his spirit of service and generous giving to the community.
Recipients
- 2022-2023 – Jennifer Passey
- 2021-2022 – Dorothy Lee
- 2020-2021 – Eileen Bliss
- 2018-2019 – Sue and Tim Bogan; Sharon Driscoll
- 2017-2018 – Margaret Kelty; Maryellen DeWolfe
- 2016-2017 – Steve and Carrie Walker
- 2015-2016 – Mrs. Meredith Hinkle
- 2014-2015 – Captain Don Ditko, USN (Retired)
- 2013-2014 – Mrs. Barbara Shea
- 2012-2013 – Mrs. Virginia Connell
- 2011-2012 – Mrs. Jackie Franchi
- 2010-2011 – Mr. Geoff D’Alelio
- 2009-2010 – Mr. Bill Yaglou
- 2008-2009 – Mrs. Blanca Reilly
- 2007-2008 – Mrs. Lisa Dinger
- 2006-2007 – Mrs. Lisa Phillips
- 2005-2006 – Mrs. Martha Sansaver
- 2004-2005 – Mrs. Julie Ryder
- Prior winners:
- Don and Cheryl Martin
- Mrs. Pat Dell
- Mrs. Ida Smith
Principal’s Award for Innovation
Presented to individuals who have introduced new ideas that bring life and growth to our St. Ambrose community. With our designation as a National Blue Ribbon School of Excellence, we are challenged to aim high and reach for the stars. We have so many goals and dreams, that we have to work smarter – we can’t work any harder!
Recipients
- 2020-2021 – Michele Robbins
- 2018-2019 – Julie Tangorra
- 2016-2017 – Meghan Scott
- 2015-2016 – Kate O’Connor
- 2014-2015 – Mike Thieman
- 2013-2014 – Felipe Cordoba, Branco Garcia, Paula Garcia, Vanilda Salinger-Swett, and David Swett (The 5K Team)
- 2010-2011 – Dr. Martha Hurley
Distinguished Teacher of the Year
- 2013-2014 – Mrs. Pat Kiernan (Middle School Math & Science) was given the Air Force Association Gabriel Chapter’s 2014 Teacher of the Year Award
- 2012-2013 – Ms. Claire Tozzi (Music & Health)
- 2011-2012 – Mrs. Nell Mulhern (First Grade)
- 2010-2011 – Mrs. Pat Kiernan (Middle School Math & Science)
- 2009-2010 – Mrs. Patty Cummins (Spanish)