Two St. Mary of Gostyn students receive good character award

St. Mary of Gostyn School Fifth Graders Ben R. and Gretchen L. recently received the "Helping Children Grow" Award by The Grove Foundation. This achievement award recognizes a select number of fifth graders in the Downers Grove area who have demonstrated outstanding personal skills and attributes. According to the Grove Foundation, the selection committee looks for "children who don't seek recognition while working hard every day, are of good strong character, and are willing to help others." Ben and Gretchen received the award in a surprise ceremony at the school on Thursday, May 7, 2015. The Grove Foundation is a not-for profit organization that supports recreational, educational, and community experiences through collaborative effort. Their website is http://www.thegrovefoundation.org/

St. Mary of Gostyn is the oldest Catholic parish in Downers Grove, serving the area since 1891. The parish's name harkens back to its historical beginnings as a faith community founded by immigrants from Gostyn, Poland. Today, the parish has more than 10,000 parishioners, comprised of 2,800 families. More than 450 children attend its coeducational grade school, which serves children preschool through eighth grade. The parish website is http://www.stmarygostyn.org