Mr. William Gault

Executive Director
The De La Salle School – Freeport, NY

Bill has lived this year’s theme, “Together and by Association: Responding to the Signs of the Times”, throughout his eighteen years of Lasallian education. Whether serving in various teaching and administrative roles at St. Peter’s Boys High School or as the Director of the De La Salle School in Freeport, Bill’s constant focus has been on building Lasallian communities where all are welcomed and valued.

Bill’s essence is summarized beautifully by De La Salle’s Principal: “His Christ-centered leadership and commitment to his work exemplify authenticity, passion, and purpose. He serves with his heart bringing insight and wisdom while inspiring staff, teachers, and students to use the gifts God has given each of them.”

Bill’s impact has also been felt through his work on multiple District committees and councils, including, most recently, the Mission Council of DENA. Bill has offered a prophetic voice, consistently directing focus to young people on the periphery within our ministries and to those who are most often ignored and overlooked by society at large.

Sr. Jeanne McGowan, SSJ

President
La Salle Academy – Philadelphia, PA

Twenty years ago, the Christian Brothers and Sisters of St. Joseph embarked on an inter-congregational work that established a San Miguel School in the heart of Philadelphia. To lead this new ministry, they turned to an experienced, trusted, and highly respected administrator – Sr. Jeanne McGowan.

Her vision and zeal to serve the poor through the ministry of education have firmly established La Salle Academy as a school where students’ talents grow and dreams flourish. She inspires everyone at La Salle Academy with one of the maxims of the Sisters of St. Joseph, “Be ready for any good work.”

As one who “knows the way, goes the way, and shows the way!”, she has selflessly shared her influence and countless gifts and talents with various boards and committees of DENA and RELAN.

After much prayer and reflection, Sr. Jeanne has decided this school year will be her last as President, and a longtime colleague captured perfectly the significance of this moment: “Sr. Jeanne’s legacy is the memories that live in the hearts of all those who have been entrusted to her care.”

Mr. Luke Ribaudo

Science Teacher
Christian Brothers Academy – Syracuse, NY

Luke Ribaudo has faithfully devoted more than 12 years to Christian Brothers Academy Syracuse. In those years, he has committed himself to both building up and expanding the Lasallian community.

As a master teacher, Mr. Ribaudo’s science lessons inspire passion within his students and connect reason to faith. Each day, he uses a Gospel Message to evangelize and to foster a safe space for spiritual growth and reflection. To quote CBA’s President, “Luke faithfully lives the Gospel message each day in his classroom by modeling the teachings of Jesus to his students.” Outside the classroom, Luke accompanies students, including leading an award-winning robotics team.

His classroom is also a haven for students to find “kindness, encouragement, and true support.” Through the Brothers Bounty program operated out of Luke’s classroom, students who experience food scarcity know that a snack and a welcoming presence are always available. As an instructor during the summer “Bridges to Brothers”, a program for rising 5th and 6th grade students to help fill learning gaps, he both arouses a curiosity for science and grows connections between young people in the greater Syracuse area and CBA.

2022 Nominees

Congratulations to all of the nominees for the Distinguished Lasallian Educators Award throughout DENA!

Mr. Gregory Bielecki
La Salle College High School – Wyndmoor, PA

Ms. Verena Brown
Calvert Hall College High School – Towson, MD

Ms. Maria Mercedes DiMascio
La Salle Academy – Providence, RI

Deacon Gregory Jelinek
Central Catholic High School – Pittsburgh, PA

Mr. & Mrs. Joseph & Joanne Kitchen
La Salle University – Philadelphia, PA

Ms. Tiffany Mills
St. John’s College High School – Washington, DC