St. Rose Philippine Duchesne Award

Sister Lyn Osiek, Class of 1958 (NEW nominee)
Nominated by Theresa Grass, Class of ’67
Sister Osiek is a New Testament (and Philippine Duchesne) scholar and author of many books. She is the past president of the Catholic Biblical Association and is currently the archivist of the US/ Canada Province. She has been an Academy board member and is actively involved with the school and Shrine. I think she would be a deserving candidate for the Philippine Duchesne Award because she has exhibited the qualities of leadership, service, and love of learning throughout her life.

Sister Lyn Osiek, Class of 1958 and
Sister Mary Lou Gavan, Class of 1952 (past nominees)
nominated by Jeanne Burke O’Fallon ’68

As we complete the bicentennial celebration of Philippine Duchesne bringing Sacred Heart education to America, we think of all the alums of her very first school who poured their hearts into seeing that she was properly honored and made better known.

Two who stand out are women who have dedicated their whole lives to the same thing Philippine did: glorifying the Heart of God in the service of education. Sister Carolyn (Lyn) Osiek, Class of 1958, currently the national archivist for the Society of the Sacred Heart for the U.S. and Canada, and Sister Mary Lou Gavan, Class of 1952, assistant archivist, might be seen as reaching the zenith of their lives of religious commitment by the effort they put forth for the last several years to ensure that the bicentennial was an historically accurate celebration of the past and an inspirational calling forth of all in the Sacred Heart family to continue Philippine’s mission of crossing frontiers to bring faith and love and education to those in need.

Sister Osiek, realizing a need for a contemporary biography of Philippine, wrote in 2017 Rose Philippine Duchesne: A Heart on Fire across Frontiers. This she accomplished while engaged in the mammoth project of co-editing the complete writings of Philippine entitled PHILIPPINE DUCHESNE, PIONNIÈRE À LA FRONTIÈRE AMÉRICAINE: ŒUVRES COMPLÈTES (1769-1852), first in French and then in English.

But no, she was not granted time to work on this exclusively. Her skills were needed to coordinate a Frontiers Conference in St. Louis that drew educators from more than 40 countries — reminding us all of the fruit of Philippine’s labors begun in dear old St. Charles. At this conference and at other events throughout the bicentennial, we had the grace of Lyn’s learned and lovely presentations, always delivered in her precise, certain, yet gentle manner.

Interestingly, Sister Mary Lou Gavan is remembered by this year’s 50th reunion class as the one who led the boarding school and the high school through Philippine’s SESQUI-centennial celebration in 1968-1969. Fifty years later, her same attention to detail, her same need to work until she gets things right have served the Society well. She’s the one behind the scenes making things work. Sister Osiek can give the best examples of that, just as Sister Susan Maxwell, an early head of the Network of Sacred Heart Schools, tells how Sister Gavan was indispensable to her as her assistant, making the whole operation hum.

I am sure Sister Gavan took special delight in honoring Philippine and her first school because the boarding school was truly a home for Mary Lou for most of her childhood and all of her adolescence. Coming to St. Charles after serving at the City House until it closed in 1968, Sister Gavan soon saw the boarding school close and then the high school. “New frontiers” might not have the happy ring to her it has to some. Perhaps she was more like Philippine who on being made to leave beloved places was known to shed tears.

But the unifying trait and force and gift of both Sister Osiek and Sister Gavan is fidelity — serving where needed, using their special gifts for the benefit of the whole and the glory of the Heart of Jesus.

As we close our long and glorious bicentennial celebration, the Alumni of the Academy might want to honor and to give thanks for these two faithful daughters of St. Madeleine Sophie Barat and St. Rose Philippine Duchesne.  

Jack Ahlheim, Class of 1980 (past nominee)
nominated by Michael ’08, Justin ’10 and Becky Ahlheim ’11

 The Academy of the Sacred Heart has been a driving force in Jack Ahlheim’s life since he was five. As a member of the first class of boys through the Academy, he has a tradition of taking on new challenges. The list of roles he has taken to support this school is, quite frankly, hard to match. This list includes: Student, Alumni Representative, Alumni Board member, Parent, Coach, Board Member, and Finance Committee Chair. Jack took on each of these roles and improved the Academy in each role. Each time, he sought to do things different, to challenge the status quo and to give him time and effort to working to what he believed in.

Build Community:
The Academy of the Sacred Heart has continuously benefited from Jack’s ability to bring people together. After graduation, Jack was quick to take up a position as an alumni coordinator. He was a proud representative of the only class of boys and was, as always, not afraid to bring about a positive change. When there arose a need to re-engage the alumni base, Jack created the Alumni BBQ booth. He gathered his friends and fellow alumni to take advantage of an opportunity to make a difference. He built the counter that is still used today with his bare hands. The BBQ was an instant success because of his passion and dedication. Jack did all of this because he believed there was a need for the alumni of the Academy of the Sacred Heart to be engaged with the school that help mold them. Today, the BBQ booth is still a focal point of Country Fair. It serves as a central location for the event and a bonding opportunity for the alumni across classes. Directly and indirectly, Jack Ahlheim has played a major role in building an integrated community of Academy of the Sacred Heart alumni.

Wise and difficult choices for the sake of transforming individuals and society:
Jack has volunteered as a member of the Academy’s Board of Directors for several years. He has served as the Chair of the Finance Committee, and a member of the Building and Grounds Committee, and the Strategic Planning Committee. In these roles, Jack has taken on difficult challenges in order to make the Academy an even better place than he found it. In each of these positions, he has been faced with difficult decisions about the future of the school. He has worked to revitalize the campus’s footprint to the new and updated campus we all enjoy now. Additionally, he has guided the school through some of the tough financial times in recent memory. As Chair of the Finance Committee, Jack has made plenty of wise and difficult choices to transform the school. Jack has dedicated hours and hours of his free time considering and making decisions to keep the Academy of the Sacred Heart alive and relevant for the next generation

Make the world a better place because of their efforts and example:
Philippine herself said, “Preach by example of your lives rather than by words. Example is the very best sermon.” Jack has taken this edict to heart in everything he does. The goals and values of his Sacred Heart education built a solid foundation that Jack has built a great life on. He has served as a phenomenal example for all those in his life. Inside and outside of his family, at work and in his personal life Jack continues to be a role model. I have personally benefited from the example set by my father. He has taught me to be a better person. He has taught me how to be a better man for others, to be willing to give your time and talents, and to make the world a better place. In following the footsteps of our father, my siblings and I have set out to make our own mark on the world.

Jack Ahlheim has undoubtedly made the world a better place through his work. The Academy of the Sacred Heart has benefited greatly from the years of service Jack has given. There is no doubt in my mind that Jack is a perfect recipient of the St. Rose Philippine Duchesne Alumni Award for a lifetime of service to the Academy of the Sacred Heart.

Mary Kay Brady, Class of 1963 (past nominee)
nominated by Carolyn McAvoy Kolodziej, Veronica Stier, Mary Jane Miller Dwyer, Loraine Miller ’63

Mary Kay Brady has been an active participant in the ethos of ASH as a student, teacher, and recently, a busy contact to the alumnae of the sixties. She has dedicated her time and energy to gathering fellow graduates in class reunions and regular activities, always welcoming everyone. This sometimes thankless job designates her as one of those “people who build community…for making the world a better place because of their efforts and their examples.

Busy lives interfere with personal plans; Mary Kay’s efforts to invite graduates to Sacred Heart activities cause many to rethink personal plans. The reuniting helps all of us to remember the meaningful lessons imparted during our education. Her welcoming attitude has imbued many with the recognition of the importance of those lessons. The resulting frequent merriment confirms the ASH bond. And resuming contact with alumnae reminds us all of the possibility of transforming individuals and society.

Mary Kay has encouraged her classmates to participate in all class reunions and to welcome all alumnae. Her perseverance and effort are most important. I thus nominate Mary Kay Brady for the St. Rose Philippine Duchesne Award.

Mary Kay Brady, Class of 1963
nominated by Mary Jane Miller Dwyer ’64

I would like to nominate Mary Kay Brady for the Rose Philippine Duchesne Award. No one has shown more love and devotion to our wonderful school. She has brought so many of us back together in recent years. She is a true Child of the Sacred Heart. I hope you will consider her as she is so very deserving.

Mary Kay Brady, Class of 1963
nominated by Barbara Beste Esstman ’65

 I suppose I might handicap her chances by telling you that one of my fondest memories of St. Charles is of a year-long, guerrilla-tactics, commando-style, running water gun fight with Ms. Brady while armed with plastic weapons we concealed in our uniform blazer pockets. But not only does this show her joyous spirit and sense of humor, it demonstrates how she included even lowly underclassmen in her circle of friends and created a sense of bonding and community that has always remained special to me.

She has continued in this vein to create and nurture a community of St. Charles graduates that is proving to be a source of joy, comfort and connection for all of us who participate. Several years ago she began by organizing a luncheon for her classmates every other monthly by contacting them, taking headcounts, providing birthday cakes, and in general gathering them together like the Good Shepherdess she is. Soon other classes were included, and in no time she’d single-handedly formed a network that keeps us in touch and a venue where we come to talk, socialize, support each other, and oh, yeah, have fun.

I attended the June meeting when I came back to St. Charles for my reunion, and lunch lasted seven hours (literally). Besides renewing acquaintance with people I hadn’t seen in fifty years and laughing so hard we couldn’t talk, we discussed literature, social issues, politics, ethics children in distress, family dynamics and I’m sure a few other topics. Nowhere else can a person get this quality of conversation, support, and comradery, and this amazing gift is all thanks to Mary Kay’s faithful and unflagging efforts.

To give another example, last spring my class of ’65 was in touch with Cleo Clifford Gates, our classmate who lives on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in South Dakota, the poorest community in the United States (again, I mean literally). I mentioned to Mary Kay that Cleo might not have the financial resources to come. In a flash, Mary Kay rounded us up and collected donations of air miles, hotel rooms, meals, gas (in case Cleo wanted to drive), and whatever else she might need if she decided to come. But Mary Kay also was sensitive to the situation and figured out how to offer these in such a way to protect Cleo’s feelings.

I know that many people who win awards do so through their work in organizations, and in contrast, Mary Kay Brady is the ultimate freelancer. But she does so much that is good and valuable for so many of us that I cannot express my gratitude adequately for the experiences and I-Thou connections she has made possible through her own recognizance. I’m sure Philippine would approve.

Tom Clark, Class of 1980 (past nominee)
nominated by Terry Brockgreitens Rau ‘67

There are no words for Tom, and I may not be the most objective person regarding this boy I fondly remember who grew into an amazing man. I have seen him living Philippine’s example his entire life.

I always believed Tom, a member of the Academy’s first class of boys, fit ASH like a glove … or was it ASH fit Tom like a glove? But, in all fairness, there were days, I’m sure. But, Tom and those around him always ended those days with a smile on their face and love in their hearts. He never outgrew that glove and has carried the Sacred Heart and Philippine with him since those very early days. Is he not a Philippine pioneer as a member of that first class of boys who could not for the life of them keep their shirt tails tucked in?

Tom and his grandfather were great “buddies.” His grandfather, Frank B. Brockgreitens, was mayor of St. Charles in the 1970s and Tom had a number of opportunities to see community events and interact with community, state and national leaders first hand. Of course, his grandfather was his biggest fan but on so many occasions I heard what “a nice young man” Tom was. I remember one instance in particular we were all at St. Charles’ Festival of the Little Hills kick-off. It was hot. Tom went to get 3 cold drinks: one for his grandfather, one for me and one for himself. When he came back, his grandfather was talking to another man. Without hesitation, Tom immediately offered his drink to that man. His grandfather was so proud and said to me later, “Isn’t that something? I don’t know another kid who would have done that.”

Tom’s grandparents both died in 1979 within months of each other. Tom was at the forefront supporting all of us during those months. I don’t believe he even realized it. He was young but, kind and helpful beyond his years. His relationship with his grandparents was as easy-going in the last days as it had always been.

His family is first and foremost for Tom. He has carried the Sacred Heart with him throughout his life. There never seemed to be any doubt his two children, Andrew and Madelynn, would follow in their father’s footsteps and attend ASH. Tom and his wife, Sheri, were both active parents at ASH chairing events and Tom serving a stint on the board. Andrew and Madelynn have since graduated ASH and are continuing their educations, Andrew at Rockhurst University in Kansas City, Mo., and Madelynn at Duchesne High School in St. Charles.

Tom is known as something of an IT guy (he’s a wiz!). He is very successful in that endeavor with Enterprise, his livelihood, but he also carries it to Fairwinds/Rivers Edge in assisting some of the residents at the retirement home in St. Charles with their computer and phone issues … gratis. Also, he has been active at Duchesne High School as president of the Booster Club and as an ever-present face at sports and other events. His hobby of photography benefits organizations at Duchesne and others groups where he photographs students and events.

Tom again quietly impressed those around him with his mother’s final illness and death in 2014. He was on the front lines with her every single day taking care of every single detail. He was … amazing. Philippine again was with him. When it came time to choose some things for her funeral he said, “Mom would like this. It’s simple like Philippine.” I got the impression he was receiving comfort from having Philippine close at that time.

In reading this back, it heavily stresses Tom and his family. Philippine heavily stressed her family – her Academy students – and “she was known for her unrelenting gift of herself to others.” I firmly believe this is Tom Clark. It is with pride and love I put forth his name for the Rose Philippine Duchesne Award.

Karen Ohlms Emge, Class of 1967 (past nominee)
nominated by Sharon Ohlms ’67

I believe my sister, Karen Emge, has shown loyalty, service and exemplary community involvement since graduation from the Academy, and has put into practice qualities that characterize our heroic model – St. Rose Philippine Duchesne. After graduating from the Sacred Heart Academy, Karen worked as a nurse aide at St. Joseph Hospital in St. Charles, MO. Then after graduation from the University of MO – Columbia, my sister worked as a physical therapist, married and had three sons. She mainly was employed in Home Health, which she enjoyed for nearly 30 years. As her children grew, Karen was involved in Boy Scouts and was Cub Scout leader for some time. Now that her sons are grown, they each are raising families of their own, and Karen has since retired. She found other ways to be involved in her community by working at the Soup Kitchen in St. Charles for about five years. In promoting justice and peace Karen distributed over 12,000 flyers regarding an Alternative to War. She has rescued dogs from animal shelters and took care of a boy with special needs for nearly a year. She has worked at her parish picnics, for the Bloodmobile and was in charge of the clean up committee at DeSmet High School. Karen donates to Unbound, and organization for the poor in Columbia and is involved with Adopt a Student. She works at St. Vincent de Paul Thriftshop and Frontier nursing home, and Stitches for Life, making vests, bibs, walker bags, pillows, quilts and potholders. She is also involved in making rosaries and linen duty at St. Cletus.

In these ways I believe Karen has shown herself in areas of loyalty, service and exemplary community involvement.

Irene Bryant Hettich, Class of 1958 (past nominee)
nominated by Caitlin Rose Kluba ’05 and Dennis James Kluba ’11

As third generation alumni of the Academy of the Sacred Heart, we have grown up with an understanding and deep appreciation for the education we received there.  St. Philippine’s passion for learning and dedication to education are characteristics that inspired our grandmother, Irene Bryant Hettich ’58 during her high school years at ASH.  From the very beginning, Irene saw her Sacred Heart education as a precious gift.  After receiving a scholarship to attend the Academy she, like Philippine, was not afraid to put forth the hard work and dedication necessary to attain results.  Irene was a diligent student who persevered during her four years earning a blue ribbon, which she still has to this day.

Despite graduating in 1958, Irene never truly left the Academy or Philippine! She has had a record of continuous loving service to ASH as a teacher, a substitute teacher, volunteer, parent, grandparent, and active alumna at ASH. She has served as a loving, nurturing educator and a librarian with the hopes of transforming the young minds she taught each and every day.

Like Philippine, Grandma has a strong work ethic. She went to college mainly at night after teaching all day, while raising a family. She has undergraduate degrees in Math and Education and a Master’s degree in Education and Library Science.

Immediately upon graduation from high school at ASH, Grandma’s first teaching position was at ASH, followed by St. Charles Borromeo, where she has been a parish member for more than 60 years. She left Borromeo to teach at the St. Charles School District so that she could earn more money that would allow her children to attend ASH. After 30 years of service at the St. Charles School District, she retired from teaching children but was called to continue her vocation with adult learners.

Her true passion for teaching and learning lies in her love of reading and books. This passion was transformed into helping teachers become better teachers. She especially wanted to share her love of children’s books with new teachers and share ideas on how to use books of all levels and genres to ignite children’s interest and imagination in all subjects. She became an adjunct professor for undergrad and graduate classes in education (reading and children’s literature) at such institutions as UMSL, Webster, Lindenwood and St. Charles Community College. Irene served the area of St. Charles and St. Louis for many years bringing knowledge and experience to the reading and literature teachers and enthusiasts who wished to broaden their horizons as she continued to build community by becoming the membership chair of the Missouri Reading Association for 4 years, President of the Mid Rivers Reading Association and a member of the International Reading Association. She enjoyed giving book talks/seminars herself and booking world-class children’s authors to various reading conventions.  She wrote a monthly book review article for the St. Charles Journal.

Over the years, Grandma has donated hundreds of children’s books and professional books/teaching materials to the ASH library. She has donated carefully preserved photos and materials to the Archives. She has also donated books to the Boys/Girls Club to support their English Reading Program and to various daycare centers in St. Charles so that all children might have access to books. Last year she organized a group to donate toys and clothes to serve the underprivileged Hispanic children attending Blackhurst School. Grandma has also volunteered and belonged to several service organizations over the years such as Junior Service League, St. Charles Borromeo-sponsored events, etc. She also coordinated and led a Catholic senior widow/widowers group for St. Charles County. We probably are not aware of all the many organizations that Grandma has served over the years.

During her teaching years, Irene had two children of her own, naming one of them after Philippine herself. She soon became a parent at the Academy and began to serve the ASH community as a parent, volunteering at a number of ASH events. Grandma and Grandpa were even part of the first parent volunteer group to organize the Chemin de Fer fundraiser. She has worked at many alumni booths, alumni luncheons, and is a member of the Children of Mary Sodality. She has never missed the annual Alumni Congé Reunion and has spearheaded most of her own class’s reunions. It has been fun to have the three generations attend together and celebrate our devotion to Philippine and ASH. She still keeps in touch with her classmates—even the Latina Boarders, reliving their fond memories of ASH and RSCJ. She enjoyed traveling to NYC to attend the AASH Conference there.

Grandma realized how much she was given by the RSCJ as a Child of the Sacred Heart and has since devoted her life to giving back to the ASH community that made her what she is today. Her sheer love for children and education, modeled after Philippine, has served the greater St. Charles/St. Louis area for more than fifty years, especially the ASH community. We are very proud of our Grandmother. She is a great role model for us. Her deep devotion to Philippine and her RSCJ teachers (especially Mother Richard) has led to a life of loyalty, service and exemplary community involvement. She has seen the face of God in every child in her classroom/library. 

Anne Demmitt Hildebrand, Class of 1968 (past nominee)
nominated by Marita Malone ’68

I have read several times the original criteria for the St. Rose Philippine Duchesne Award, and could not help but highlight:

• Fidelity in relationship to God reflected in Philippine’s life by her . . . perseverance and her passion for the poor
• Educating those on the fringes of society
• Reveal the love of the Sacred Heart
• Unrelenting gift of herself to others
• People who work for justice
• People who build community and make wise choices for the sake of transforming individuals and society
• Making the world a better place because of their efforts and their example

It was not until recently that I realized that Anne Demmitt Hillebrand’s fidelity to God mirrored in today’s world what Philippine did in her time.

When her husband traveled in his job, Anne stayed home to raise their four children. Anne’s undergraduate degree is a double major in psychology and sociology. She also has a Master’s degree in Social Work. Much like Philippine, later in life, at the age of 40, she started to live her dream of helping the community.

For more than 25 years she worked for the Archdiocese of Chicago in a social work capacity, and later for the St. Raphael Catholic Church in a Chicago suburb. Her foci were social work and services. She was a doer and a leader. She initiated programs and services that were not part of her expected duties. She worked long hours to create and do more and more as the needs of those on the fringe came to her attention.

For the Archdiocese of Chicago she developed the Safe Streets Program, which was designed to keep children drug free. The program spanned more than 220 elementary and high schools. She herself worked with the children, and her job became a 24-hour a day job. At St. Raphael she developed the Volunteer and Pastoral Care Program for the church. She founded more than 50 programs to feed the poor through a food pantry, give relief to abused women, financially strapped families, the American Indian community’s needy, the elderly and the confined, widowers who needed support, cancer victims, children of divorced parents, and so on. If someone in need came to her and there was no resource for that person, she developed a program to address the need because she knew there were others like that individual, who had nowhere to go. All the programs are vibrant and supported by volunteers that she had recruited. For approximately 10 years she has hosted a Service Ministry Day for which she accumulates more than 220 volunteers to work at 40 different ministries, whether it’s raking leaves for people who cannot get out to do it, cleaning houses, delivering food, covering food pantries, helping at Goodwill and St. Vincent de Paul, and other services that help the poor and the down and out.

During the initial shock of the Haitian earthquake, she went to Haiti, searched for her role and found a needy Catholic parish in the mountains. She sent tons of food to the families in the area. How she did it was just as impressive. A few years before the earthquake she heard of a program “Feed my Starving Children,” founded in Minneapolis.  The program “feeds God’s children, hungry in body and spirit.” She visited the foundation and brought the program to the Chicago area, which has now grown to three locations. To prepare the pallets of food for Haiti, she recruited 700 volunteers to package the food to meet the specifications of health services. Two tons of rice alone were packed! Her delivery strategy also worked.  96 percent of the food got to its destination. Of course, Anne also worked at reconstruction sites of local tornadoes.

Anne has also, separate from her position with the Catholic Church, volunteered her own time and money to organize a busload of 40 people to spend a couple of weeks in Mississippi to help with the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. Anne scouted the area first and returned to form a group. They cleaned up neighborhoods and restored individual homes, fed the poor, worked at soup kitchens, and did whatever else they saw was needed. They slept in tents during this time.

For years Anne has voluntarily worked at local food pantries, helping to serve and gather food. She then started recruiting others to follow in her steps. She is still on the Board of Directors for Naperville Cares, which is a foundation that helps people in distress in DuPage County, Illinois, a county of almost 1,000,000 people. The foundation is a resource for people who need help with paying bills, providing food and generally doing what it takes to keep families together. Anne has also worked with hospice care. She counseled both the dying and their families.

Anne’s fidelity to God is, first and foremost, seen in her desire to make the community a better place and a reflection of the Sacred Heart. But she also believes firmly in her Catholic Faith and devotion to God. For years she has been a Eucharistic Minister and delivers Communion to the sick in their homes and in the hospital.  an addition, she has been awarded the station of being a Dame in the Order of the Holy Sepulchre, an award that is one of the highest honors granted by and administered at the papal level.

So, for one last time, I review the criteria listed on the nomination form, and I cannot help but see Anne Hillebrand as a nominee that Philippine Duchesne personally would want to meet. In a true sense of the word justice, Anne exemplifies respect for all people and fair play. Anne, who is retiring in June from being the Director of Service Ministry and Pastoral Care, was asked by her husband what she intends to do in retirement, and she responded, “I’ll continue to do what I’m doing now, but I just won’t get paid for it.”

Jo Ann Waiches Johnston, Class of 1967 (past nominee)
Nominated by Karen Ohlms Emge ’67

 In my opinion, Jo Ann Waiches Johnston mirrors, in part, what Philippine Duchesne did in her time. Unlike Philippine though, JoAnn was an only child. I think she often felt lonely, and on top of this, she lost her father at an early age.

After marrying, Jo Ann and her husband bought an old farm in St. Peters. The house was in disrepair, and they did a lot of work to get it cleaned up and functioning. This brings to mind how Philippine underwent hardships when she started the first school west of the Mississippi in 1818—adjusting to life in a log cabin.

Jo Ann had four children and spent much time with them as well as teaching grade school children.  She still teaches, even though she is in her sixties, and is a new grandmother—a title which brings more duties:  babysitting, etc.  In her free time, she volunteers at Sts. Joachim and Ann Food Pantry and instructs PSR students. Jo Ann still does a lot of work on her farm, as her husband is physically impaired with arthritis. She also attends Mass daily.

Jo Ann is a good and caring person and I feel she is a good example of the kind of person Philippine Duchesne was. She showed “courage” in dealing with mice when she and her husband moved into their old farm house, showed “perseverance” in raising her four children and in her many teaching positions, and shows a “passion for the poor” in her volunteer efforts.

Barbara Karst, Class of 1967 (past nominee, new narrative)
nominated by Micheline Karst McCoy

Barbara attended one year at ASH, yet the influence changed her life. Beginning with childcare in her garage when her children were young, she founded a school, which after elementary added a grade each year until she now has a Pre-K through 12 internationally acclaimed school. With bilingual education (Spanish and English), it is accredited in the International Baccalaureate Program and certified in the U.S. She has singlehandedly created a school named Saint Anne’s School and built the buildings (recently an architecturally significant gym/class and meeting building). She is semi-retired now, though her two daughters have taken over administration the school. An award-winning school, fabulously successful children, she exemplifies what Sacred Heart education means!

Barbara Karst, Class of 1967 (past nominee)
nominated by Micheline Karst McCoy ’69

My sister Barbara has accomplished so much with the founding of St. Anne’s School, in Asuncion, Paraguay. We attended ASH as boarding students while our family was stationed in Asuncion, Paraguay as diplomats with the US embassy. Barbara never forgot the experiences or the great education we received while students there, and after she married and had children of her own, decided to pursue her love of children by founding a preschool where her youngest daughter could attend. She opened the class to neighbor children, and soon was running a preschool! With the expanding numbers of students, she began adding classes each year, moving to new quarters as the student population continued to grow. She based her program on the Montessori method, and what she learned from the Sacred Heart education tradition. It is now an award winning bilingual catholic school, certified with the US education system, and the International Baccalaureate Program, and offers classes from pre-kindergarten to full high school. She has exchange programs with US universities, and is looking into an exchange program with an acclaimed high school in Basel, Switzerland.

In 1995, she purchased land and built her full school, which includes full sports programs, as well as all the high standards of educating our future leaders. Every year she adds to the beauty of the campus, as well as the amenities for the students. A few years ago she had her dream of building a chapel on campus realized with donations and work by the student body. It is her pride and joy.

She is humble about her founding this school, now one of the best in the country, and so deserves the recognition this award would bring.

Her grown children have gone on to be examples of success with her oldest son a Cardio-Thorasic surgeon in Miami, Florida, her two daughters, college graduates, (her youngest with a degree in International Law) in administrative and teaching positions at St. Anne’s.

Barbara now has 8 grandchildren, who also have attended, and/or continue to attend St. Anne School.

Barbara Karst, Class of 1967
nominated by Mary Jost ’67

 Please consider Barbara Karst for the St. Rose Philippine Duchesne award. Mrs. Barbara Karst is a true example of the spirit of Philippine. Like, Philippine, she went to an area that was in dire need of educating children and she did it–she began her own school. Like Philippine, it was not an easy endeavor–it took her many years to form the school, beginning in her garage. It has developed to a full school pre0kindergarten through high school. Being a true child of the Sacred Heart, Barb founded the school on Catholic principles but respecting the different cultures of other students. All are welcomed.

 As a retired educator, I am impressed at the quality of education offered at St. Anne’s School. It is a school that is known internationally for its educational rigor. However, it also addresses the whole child, just as Philippine did. As a teacher in a school that was recognized as a Missouri and national school of character, I know how important the education of the child is, including physical and emotional education. Philippine did this in her schools. Barb’s school does this under her direction.

Barb has done so much for the children in her city, Asunción, in Paraguay. She would be a wonderful choice for the St. Rose Philippine award!

Barbara Karst, Class of 1967
Nominated by Beverly Zoellner Groneck ’69

 1818-2018 … at this celebratory time in the history of our dear Academy, I find it quite fitting to tell of the life and outstanding accomplishments of our 1967 alum, Barbara Karst, a passionate visionary and treasured ASH sister.

I’m fairly certain few have ever heard of her. That’s how humble people live – they choose to stay under the radar – it’s not about the glory. Just like our beloved Philippine, she’s focuses (and intense) wan with no desire for accolades has quietly dedicated her life to others – she’s made a beautiful difference in the lives of hundreds! (Though, I’ve long known of her career, it is only of late that I’ve learned of her depth of impact … hold on to your chapel veils!)

Barbara and her two younger sisters, Mishi and Urmi, were beloved boarders at our Academy. Their parents were U.S. diplomats and resided in Paraguay during their daughters’ high school years. This dynamic trio brought curious diversity and loving smiles to 619 N. Second Street. Born in North Carolina, Argentina and the USA and having lived in the Philippines, El Salvador and Paraguay, each was bilingual. They bridged conversations with our Spanish-speaking Latina boarders, resulting in better understanding, deeper friendships and the sharing of teenage giggles. Language was a grave barrier; we studied Francais or Latin.

With such a culturally rich childhood, one might assume that Barbara would have already possessed the qualities necessary for a full life; she was a leader, insightful, kind, intelligent, open-minded, mature, and – loads of fun! Still, her time at the Academy would prove to be the most nourishing of her youth, as it was here that she met, was deeply affected by, and later followed in the heart-driven ways of our dear Philippine Duchesne.

After graduation, Barbara returned to Asuncion, Paraguay. There, with her husband, she had hopes of filling her home with oodles of children. Much like our Philippine, she knew her calling was to, spiritually and academically, nurture young hearts and minds. In 1984, quite short of her desire of a dozen offspring, yet, still, innately driven to inspire and educate precious little ones, she began a humble preschool in her garage. Sound familiar?

In a few short years, her enrollment covered more square feet than her vehicles! She began renting facilities to accommodate additional students. This wife and mother struggled, financially, physically, and emotionally. Her family members lived overseas and could offer little assistance. Still, Barbara had a vision, a passion, and a purpose … and like our saint, she marched on – and like our saint, she prayed – and like our saint, she began to realize HIS plan. With knowledge, curiosity, faith and love, she diligently paved one grade level after another, and another, and another.

Eleven years later, in 1995, she purchased land, broke ground, built and officially founded St. Anne’s School, a present-day, PK-12, co-ed, bi-lingual, college preparatory institution of nearly 450 students, defined as a “Catholic school which practices its traditions, yet at the same time, respects and accepts cultural, religious and ethnic diversity,” where “all students with her individualities, their strengths and weaknesses, and their different learning styles are respected.” (St. Anne’s website) Here, Barbara Karst, our 1967 sister imparts the same goals which were gifted to her at our Academy. She, like Philippine, treasured, carried, and imparted Sacred “Heartedness” to foreign shores.

Again, a quote from St. Anne’s website, “We believe that a holistic education is the sound development in the intellectual, emotional, spiritual, social and physical areas.” I believe that encompasses Goals I, II, III, IV … and V!

St. Anne’s school is the recipient of numerous awards from the International Baccalaureate Program, is active in International and USA exchange programs for both its educators and its students, has an on-site, “Student built/funded” chapel, and is accredited by the Ministry of Education in Paraguay, by AdvanceED in the USA, and by the International Baccalaureate Org. Graduates attend universities in South America, the U.S., and other countries around the world – where dreams, like Philippine’s and Barbara’s, are planted – to grow, again.

I am humbled and proud to know and to nominate Barbara Karst for the 2017 St. Rose Philippine Duchesne Award. As we celebrate the 200^th anniversary of the found of our dear school, it is truly fitting that Barbara, a daughter of and success to our Philippine, be recognized for her establishment of, and lifetime devotion to, hundreds of God’s children at her beloved St. Anne’s School, Asuncion, Paraguay.

Barbara Leuthman Lowery, Class of 1961 (past nominee)
nominated by Theresa Riley Shaw ’61

 As Pope Francis reminds us, we are the hands and feet, eyes and ears of Christ here on earth today.  Barbara and her husband James (Jim) Lowery have lived their lives as the epitomy of Philippine Duchesne’s courage and perseverance, as well as displaying her passion for the poor and unwanted.

Barb and Jim were always “good” Catholic kids. She and he attended St. Louis University. Once Jim graduated, they were married. Barbara had been a Blue Ribbon at St. Charles ASH. She really exemplified a Child of the Sacred Heart. She was always a lady and a good friend; never jealous or judgmental. She always was kind and extremely thoughtful. Barbara was a good daughter who helped her mother with her three younger brothers at home—uncomplaining and pleasant about everything, even the laundry. She maintained a calm spirit constantly.

She definitely mirrored Christ even in her youth, but you will see as a young adult she was willing to promise her future to caring for her three adopted babies. Jim and Barb adopted Brian, a Caucasian, Joanna, a bi-racial infant, and Paul, an African American infant. Their Catholic parish community, back then, was not at all supportive, so they joined a Protestant Church that welcomed them with open arms. Jim and Barb really felt Jesus wanted them to care for these children. Barbara and Jim have a running conversation with Jesus in their daily lives.

When Jim lost his job as an accountant, Barb went back to school and pursued her Early Childhood Certification so she could work and still be close to her babies. She continued working for years.

They went through the usual ups and downs with their children as they faced their sexuality and racial differences and prejudices. They supported their children as Christian parents and cared for their grandchildren as they arrived and as they continue to grow.

We all know that Philippine showed us at Sacred Heart how to work for justice and build a Community in America that will make God’s World a better place by revealing to everyone the love of the Heart of Jesus. Barbara and Jim have done this day in and day out for over 40 years and almost 50 years.

When you talk to Jim and Barbara, you can just feel that love of Jesus in their presence. They just radiate a peace and serenity and unselfishness.

Mary O’Brien, Class of 1967 (past nominee)
nominated by Karen Emge ’67

 I believe Mary O’Brien is worth of this honor due to her services in her parish church and in her community. She was in charge of organizing the creation of prayer shawls and their distribution to the needy for a number of years. These shawls were also used to comfort the grieving and those feeling isolated in her parish and surrounding parishes.

Mary is also very active in the “Patriot Group” in which she is a “ride captain.” She is on call to ride her three-wheeled motorcycle in processions and parades when there is a veteran’s, law enforcement officer’s or fireman’s death. She very often misses gettogethers at various restaurants because of her duties. This group also assists with various services to needy children in the area.