Teachers at two CEF schools in Topeka were recently recognized for their outstanding work and commitment to their students and to making our Catholic schools a success.

Judy Cucciniello from Hayden Catholic High School was named Archdiocesan High School Teacher of the Year and Mary Osborne from Holy Family School was named Archdiocesan Elementary Teacher of the Year.

“It is a coincidence, but great things are happening in Topeka,” said Dr. Vince Cascone, Superintendent of Catholic Schools, in a recent interview with the Leaven.

This is the first year that the Archdiocese of Kansas City in Kansas has honored two teachers as the Archdiocesan Teacher of the Year, deciding to award one for an elementary school educator and another at the high school level.

“I was shocked, humbled and extremely grateful [to receive the award],” Osborne told the Leaven. “Teaching is my calling and vocation, and I was overwhelmed by this recognition of my efforts, sacrifices and passion for Catholic education and children.”

Thanks to phenomenal teachers like Cucciniello and Osborne, despite the social and economic challenges that CEF scholarship students face, their experience in our Catholic schools is transformative. By focusing on the “whole student,” teachers, counselors, priests and support staff help students overcome a myriad of obstacles. As a result, 100% of CEF scholars have graduated and advanced to the next grade in the past few years.