2020 Archdiocesan Spelling Bee

   

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Nancy "Miss Nan" McCabe has been the prekindergarten teacher at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic School since 1991.  She holds her Bachelor of Science and Master's Degree in Early Childhood Education.
Over the past 28 years, Miss Nan has introduced well over 1,000 to a love of learning.  For 27 of those years, prekindergarten 4 was the entry grade at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, and Miss Nan's classroom provided their first experience in school.  Her classroom overflows with love and joy.  She immerses students in the Catholic faith at a young, formidable age in ways that become cemented into their development and fosters a true passion and excitement for all the aspects of our faith.  Miss Nan models a profoundly strong faith and knowledge of the Church in her own life and shares that with her students in many ways each day.  Students are introduced to elements of the faith that might seem "over their head" being so young, but with her years of experience and wisdom, Nan uses literature, real-life experiences and hands-on activities to teach students the elements of the liturgy, sacraments, prayers, saints and the Catechism.  On a regular basis, her students experience Mass, Adoration, praying the Rosary and other Catholic devotions - all through age-appropriate experiences.  She invites clergy and religious to her classroom on a regular basis (both from our parish and other religious orders) throughout the school year so that her students have strong, personal relationships with those called to religious vocations.  Nan partners with parents and other teachers to ensure the proliferation of our faith!  She also provides opportunities for her prekindergarten students to regularly give and help others through service projects, cultivating a servant's heart in her students.  


Nan is an iconic member of the school community.  If you speak with anyone who has passed through the doors of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, they have fond memories and speak highly of Miss Nan!  Her former students who are in high school, college or well into their adult lives keep in touch with her and return to the school often to visit her classroom.  Many alumni enroll their own children at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton so they can be in Miss Nan's classroom.  She serves as godmother, RCIA sponsor and confirmation sponsor to many former students and their children.  Her service to our school and parish community is second to none.  She is an active disciple in her own life and truly exemplifies our charge to "Go Make Disciples" in her classroom at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic School.


As a parishioner, Nan serves as a lector, Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion and a sacristan at St. John the Baptist.  She has served both the funeral and wedding ministries and is an outstanding volunteer for the parish. Previously she served as the confirmation facilitator, a member of the Liturgy Board and the Woman of Achievement committee.  She also serves as the School Representative for the parish's Family Chalice Program and coordinates the Chalice Program for the school.  


At school, Nan has served in many ways.  She has been a member of several visiting accreditation teams and curriculum teams over the years, served on the planning committee for Catholic Schools Week and leads our Catholic Identity team.  Nan participates in the life of the school by volunteering wherever and whenever is needed.  She attends nearly all school events, being one of the first ones to arrive and the last to leave. 

Nan was selected by her colleagues as the 2019 Jesus as Master Teacher award recipient at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, which is an annual award given to a teacher who teaches like Jesus taught. Nan embodies the spirit of Catholic schools in both her teaching and her service to our parish and school community and the archdiocese.  She is a true servant who fosters a love of learning and a love for the Catholic faith in her students as she prepares them for their future in school, in the Church and, ultimately, for heaven.  

 

2019 Catholic School Educator of the Year Finalists

REBECCA JOHNSON
Rebecca Johnson has been the 5th grade teacher since her arrival at Sacred Heart Catholic School in 2006.  Throughout her 13 years of service, she has also taught 4th grade English and Social Studies, as well as served as a basketball and volleyball coach. Rebecca holds a Bachelor of Science in Education degree from the University of Central Oklahoma and a Master of Arts in Curriculum and Instruction from the Southern Nazarene University.


JOHN BALDRIDGE
John Baldridge has been a Social Studies instructor for senior level students for the past eight years at Mount St. Mary Catholic High School. John has a Bachelor degree with an emphasis in U.S. History, U.S. Government, Economics, World History, Geography.  He recently completed his Masters' degree in Administration/Secondary Education through the Mary Ann Remick Leadership Program at the University of Notre Dame.

A Successful CCEB!

The 2019 Celebrating Catholic Education Breakfast was a success. Thank you to the generosity of so many whose gifts support our scholarship funds. Please view Sister John Mary Fleming's keynote address below. We look forward to another successful breakfast in 2020!

After years of planning, Cristo Rey opened Aug. 10
 
Friday, July 27, was a very special day for Cristo Rey Oklahoma City Catholic High School’s and its first incoming class of freshmen students as well as the crowd of parents, faculty and corporate partners who were on hand to show their support for the school’s opening.
 
During an early morning tie and blazer ceremony, students received their complete school uniforms, an acknowledgement of their admission into the school and completion o f summer Success Training. The two-and-a-half-week summer program, completed by all incoming Cristo Rey OKC students, introduced students to technical skills such as using office the Microsoft suite of software and common office equipment, and practicing as well as “soft skills” required by employers, including making aa proper handshake, interpersonal communication, responsible use of social media, and workplace etiquette. Students received a standing ovation from attendees as they accepted and donned their new blazers and ties, officially becoming part of the Cristo Rey Class of 2022.
 
Later that day, Archbishop the Most. Rev. Archbishop Paul Coakley blessed the chapel and celebrated the first Mass in the school’s chapel. Archbishop Coakley, directing his homily to the 126 students, discussed the importance of education by retelling the parable of the sower. As Jesus preached about the need to plant seeds in good soil, he said, Cristo Rey OKC will be a productive and nourishing environment for each student’s’ education to take root and for their spiritual and academic lives to grow and flourish.  
 
"You are being given an opportunity, with teachers, instructors and role models, who will help you to find that good soil and help you to flourish in that good soil to become all that your parents desire you to become, to become all especially that God wants you to become," he said. said Archbishop Coakley, as quoted in the Oklahoman.
 
Finally, Archbishop Coakley joined a large crowd of students, faculty and supporters – including John P. Foley, S.J., the founder of the national Cristo Rey network of schools – for a blessing and ribbon-cutting ceremony formally marking the school’s opening.
 
Renee Porter, Cristo Rey OKC President and CEO chief executive of Cristo Rey OKC, Renee Porter said it was an emotional moment for everyone involved.
 
“This school has been years in the making,”. said Porter. “To the great credit of a number of community leaders, –  notably Archbishop Coakley, Judy Love and Gene Rainbolt, –  they realized the impact Cristo Rey’s transformative educational model could have on Oklahoma City-area students and students and sought to establish a school here,” Porter said. “. And, the school could not function without support from the business community, which has embraced the work-study program. Already, we are seeing the impact: students excited and ready to work; proud parents and some of the best teachers in the region. It will be an exciting and wonderful school year.”
 
For more information about Cristo Rey OKC, go online to cristoreyokc.org.