Carmel High's Sister Mary Sattgast is service award winner

The Archdiocese of Chicago Office of Catholic Schools recently named Sr. Mary Sattgast, BVM, registrar at Carmel Catholic High School, a 2010 "Distinguished Service Award Winner."

Nominated by school administrators, 25 recipients were chosen from a potential pool of more than 5,300 educators in the 255 Catholic schools in Cook and Lake counties.

The "Distinguished Service Award" recognizes exceptional dedication, leadership and service of 10 or more years in Catholic education. Specifically, the recipients have demonstrated outstanding accomplishments; inspired students of all backgrounds and abilities to learn; have the respect and admiration of students, parents and colleagues; and possess the energy to sustain effectiveness in performing their roles.

A member of the Sisters of Charity of the Blessed Virgin Mary of Dubuque, Iowa, for nearly 55 years and a dedicated Carmel Catholic faculty member for 47 years, Sr. Mary Sattgast was recognized at a "Distinguished Service Award" dinner at the Chicago Marriott on Michigan Avenue.

"I see the 'Distinguished Service Award' as a recognition of all of us," she said. "The Carmel community of students, families, administrators, teachers and staff enjoy providing tremendous and varied support to each other and to the local and larger communities of which we are a part."

Sattgast has served Carmel since its opening in the role of outstanding biology teacher, a division moderator and most recently, a registrar. She introduced and took responsibility for the annual summer wilderness trip, which she continues to coordinate and participate in. She also has facilitated Carmel's Catholic Charities Christmas Family Project, assuming all of the details and responsibilities to ensure its success.

"When the Archdiocese of Chicago sought nominations for the 'Distinguished Service Award,' Sr. Mary Sattgast immediately came to my mind," recalls Lynne Strutzel, Carmel Catholic High School's principal. "A hallmark of this unassuming women is the loving service that has been woven throughout her years with us. She is a blessing to the Carmel community."