What's Happening

By Sister Mary Jean Williams, OP
Director of Mission Integration,
Regina Dominican High School

May 9, 2017, Wilmette, Illinois – Regina Dominican High School completed its Dominican Week by presenting the Regina Dominican Veritas Award to Olivia Janickas, a senior, and Mary Schanel Stenson, Mathematics Department Co-Chairperson, Student Council Co-Moderator and WYSE and Mathletes Coach. The presentation took place during the Liturgy honoring St. Catherine of Siena.

The Veritas Award was established to commemorate the 800-year jubilee of the Order of Preachers. The faculty and staff nominated a senior and a colleague who, like St. Dominic and St. Catherine of Siena, exemplify a commitment to preach the Gospel message boldly and embrace and encourage a life of service to others.

Before the award presentation, Maggie McNaughton, one of the student Dominican preachers, shared her reflection, “Living the Dominican motto: Laudere, Benedicere, Praedicare.” 

Sister Jean Williams, OP, Director of Mission Integration, shared comments from those who nominated Olivia Janickas and Mrs. Schanel Stenson.

“Olivia, those who nominated you recognized you as being empathetic, kind, compassionate, respectful, and willing to help anyone,” Sister Jean said. “You have been a model student since you transferred to Regina Dominican. You seek to excel in the classroom and are a conscientious worker. You always greet everyone with a smile. You openly proclaim your faith and set a powerful example of integrity and you have provided many hours of service to others. You embody Veritas and Caritas.” 

To Mrs. Schanel Stenson, Sister Jean said, “Mary, you were recognized for exemplifying the spirit of the Dominican charism in your interactions with students, colleagues, and parents. You are a compassionate teacher who encourages your students and brings out the best in them. Your daily positive attitude and care and concern for others are attributes that impact the life and community of Regina Dominican.” She added that the teacher’s dedication to the student is “phenomenal, and you are a leader in our community for both students and adults.”

Ms. Patricia McDonell, last year’s recipient, presented the Veritas pin, a certificate, and gifts to Olivia and Mrs. Schanel Stenson, whose names are now engraved on the award’s perpetual plaque in the chapel.

Feature photo: From left are Elizabeth Schuster, Regina Dominican High School President; Meg Bigane, Regina Dominican High School Principal; Olivia Janickas and Mary Schanel Stenson, this year’s Veritas Award recipients; Patricia McDonnell, Regina Dominican High School Assistant Principal, Academic Dean, and 2015-2016 recipient. 

May 6, 2016, Wilmette, Illinois – Dominican Week at Regina Dominican High School culminated with a liturgy in honor of St. Catherine of Siena. The liturgy concluded with a reflection by Dominican preacher Diane Kraemer on women in the Church and the presentation of the Regina Dominican Veritas Award to Ms. Patricia McDonell, Assistant Principal and Academic Dean.

The award was established to commemorate the 800th Jubilee of the Order of Preachers. The faculty and staff nominated a colleague who, like St. Dominic and St. Catherine, exemplifies a commitment to preach the Gospel message boldly and with veracity embrace and encourage a life of service to others. 

Sister Jean Williams, OP, the Director of Mission Integration, shared comments from those who nominated Ms. McDonell. She was recommended her for her daily interaction with students, faculty, staff, and parents. As an outstanding role model for the students, she was acknowledged for demonstrating respect for others, showing compassion, and nurturing students, faculty, and staff in all her interactions. It was noted that her commitment and integrity add so much to the school community. 

Outside of her work at Regina Dominican, Ms. McDonell is a long-time volunteer at Misericordia, a Chicago-based residential care center that helps people with developmental disabilities to live as independently as they can. Ms. McDonell also assists a friend who is homebound, affirming her human dignity and making sure she feels valued. She truly embodies Veritas and Caritas.  

Sister Mary Margaret Pachucki, OP, President, and Ms. Meg Bigane, Principal, presented Ms. McDonell with the Veritas pin, a certificate, books on Saints Dominic and Catherine of Siena, and a school gift. Ms. Patricia McDonell will be the first name on the Regina Dominican Veritas Award Perpetual Plaque in the chapel. 

Feature photo: From left, Ms. Meg Bigane, Sister Mary Margaret Pachucki, Ms. Patricia McDonell, and Sister Jean Williams

Article Submitted by Regina Dominican High School