Catholic Schools Office announces 2021 Outstanding Catholic School Educator of the Year
BY WKC STAFF
During a virtual in-service on July 30, 2021 for Catholic school educators in the Diocese of Owensboro, Alicia Jones of St. Mary of the Woods School in Whitesville was announced as the 2021 Outstanding Catholic School Educator of the Year.
Alicia Jones was announced as the 2021 Outstanding Catholic School Educator of the Year. COURTESY OF ST. MARY OF THE WOODS SCHOOL
This fall will be Jones’ seventh year of teaching at St. Mary of the Woods.
As quoted from her nominator, “I would like to give you an example from my son. He is in eighth grade and over the last year, since the pandemic began, he really struggled in his virtual learning. Not only did this teacher help him through this difficult time in his education, she reached out to us individually and was truly concerned with his well-being. She gave him individualized learning and opportunities for improvement. I can honestly say that I do not believe that he would have been able to persevere through NTI without her.”
Kessler went on to say that Jones is “a very dedicated teacher, whether teaching her typical music and religion courses, or taking over for PE instruction during a time between teachers. She leads the student choir and helped to establish a student-led worship band as well. She is the epitome of integrity and self-sacrifice. She is devout in her faith and this is very apparent in her service to the school and church.”
He added that Jones “does what it takes without complaint and helps out whenever and wherever the church needs. She is a volunteer pianist and singer for the 8:00 p.m. Mass every Sunday. She has taken under her wing several students who are gifted singers and musicians, but may not be as confident as others. She helps to bring them out of their shell and encourages them to get involved in the church and community.”
Originally printed in the August 2021 issue of The Western Kentucky Catholic.
