Saint Anselm Catholic Academy educator – Mrs. Janet Batista – was honored on April 10th at Xavier High School with an Ignatian Educator Award.
The 2019 event was the tenth annual award presentation held to recognize teachers of elementary or middle school who have inspired Xavier students. Mrs. Batista was nominated for the honor by Xavier freshman Bryan McPadden, a 2018 graduate of St. Anselm Catholic Academy. Each award recipient was the subject of an essay by a nominating student. Bryan’s essay was one of twenty-six to be recognized out of a group of more than two hundred sixty essays.
In his essay, Bryan writes of Mrs. Batista and how she encouraged him, and all her students, to grow personally, spiritually and academically, always urging her students to move outside their comfort zone. Keeping in mind the Catholic mission of the Academy to develop greater spirituality and faith, Mrs. Batista had her children pray in the morning, at lunch, and at the end of the school day. Academically, she encouraged Bryan’s growth in mathematics, until it became one of his favorite subjects. Additionally, Mrs. Batista always made an effort to know her students as individuals, being open minded and fair, but always ready to tell a student, “suck it up buttercup” when the occasion called for it.
The Ignatian Educator Award presentation at Xavier (the high school’s name honors the great Jesuit missionary saint – Francis Xavier) recalls and honors the founder of the Jesuit order – St. Ignatius Loyola. For this happy occasion Bryan’s parents, Peter and Regina McPadden, Mrs. Christine Deem and her son Caedmon, a fellow Xavier student, and Mr. Kevin Flanagan – Principal of St. Anselm Catholic Academy, joined Mrs. Batista and Bryan.
The program began with Words of Welcome by Mr. Steven Noga, Director of Admissions, who led the assembled audience in prayer. Ms. Mary-Grace Gannon, Chair of the English Department, continued the evening by speaking about each student and honoree, and the tradition of Xavier to foster the growth of young men of conscience and compassion. The Awards presentation concluded with Headmaster Michael LiVigni speaking of the value of teachers in our society and their roll in fostering their students.
We join with Bryan’s parents in wishing him success as he grows and develops as a student and a young man, and congratulate and express appreciation to a great educator for a well-deserved honor. Thank you – Mrs. Janet Batista.
All the best,
The St. Anselm Publicity Committee