Addison first-grader meets Bishop Conlon of Joliet Diocese

Jan. 12 was a very special day for a certain first-grader at a local Catholic school.

Valentina L., a first-grader at St. Philip the Apostle Catholic School in Addison, started her day by with a special breakfast hosted by Bishop R. Daniel Conlon of the Diocese of Joliet.

Valentina was one of just 54 students who attended this special breakfast, hosted annually by the University of St. Francis in Joliet. The breakfast kicks off Catholic Schools Week (Jan. 28 to Feb. 3). Each school in the diocese selects one student to attend the event.

"I selected Valentina because she inspires the other students with her enthusiasm for learning and displays great leadership qualities," said Angela Pantaro, Valentina's first-grade teacher.

"Our selected student, and his or her parent, really looks forward to attending this special event every year," said Julie Noonan, the principal at St. Philip the Apostle School.

Before the breakfast, the invited students and their parents participate in a prayer service led by Bishop Conlon. The breakfast includes keynote speakers and a special award presentation honoring a Catholic schoolteacher in the diocese.

St. Philip the Apostle School serves preschool through eighth-grade students from Addison and the surrounding communities. The school offers a family-friendly atmosphere that nurtures the Catholic faith, academic excellence and lifelong service. Its goal is to equip each of its students with the tools she or he needs to become leaders in faith and knowledge in the global community. For more information about St. Philip the Apostle School, call (630) 543-4130 or visit school.st-phil.org