Aurora Central Catholic principal to be lauded

The Rev. F. William Etherege, principal of Aurora Central Catholic High School and superintendent of the Catholic schools in the Aurora deanery, will be presented with the Hometown Hero Award by Mayor Tom Weisner during half-time of the varsity basketball game Friday, Dec. 5. The Chargers will face St. Edward Central Catholic High School of Elgin at 7:30 p.m. at home.

"Father Etherege works diligently for the spiritual and academic development of children and young adults," Weisner said. "He consistently demonstrates his faith with kindness and humility, and generally embodies the traits we all strive to inspire in our young people."

Etherege has served the Aurora deanery for eight years. Before his Aurora assignment, he served as an associate pastor in both DeKalb and Rockford and as assistant principal of Boylan Central Catholic High School.

He graduated from West Aurora High School and then entered Waubonsee Community College, where his father was serving as the junior college's president. His father was the late Sen. Forest D. Etheredge. His mother is Joan Etheredge.

Etheredge went on to Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C., before attending Gregorian University at the North American College in Rome.

Both Father Etheredge and Aurora Central Catholic are celebrating milestones in 2008. He was ordained to the Catholic priesthood 25 years ago, and Aurora Central Catholic is celebrating its 40th anniversary following the consolidation of Aurora's Madonna and Roncalli high schools in 1968.

The city of Aurora awards Hometown Hero Awards to exceptional individuals in order to recognize their contributions to the city.