All Saints Day
Annual Madeleine Sophie Awards honor spirit of RSCJ founder Joining a select cadre of RSCJ, educators, parents, alumni, and staff, four members of the SHS community were honored with the 2015 St. Madeleine Sophie Award: Margaret Beltramo, past parent and former trustee; Bill Campbell, past parent; Jesús Ramos, SHP faculty member; and Marie VauDell, past parent and staff member. “Each in their own way, Margaret, Bill, Jesús, and Marie have demonstrated outstanding commitment to our school and its educational philosophy,” said Director of Schools Richard A. Dioli during the formal ceremony in late September. “As a result, countless students have benefited from their leadership, their loyalty, and most of all, their hearts.”
St. Madeleine Sophie Awardees (l to r): Bill Campbell, Margaret Beltramo, Director of Schools Richard A. Dioli, Marie VauDell, and Jesús Ramos.
Honoring their friends and colleagues, those introducing the recipients shared the litany of dedicated service and numerous contributions each has given the school over the years.
Recognizing Margaret Beltramo’s “embodiment of the Sacred Heart spirit, her gentleness, and unfailing courtesy,” Nancy Morris, RSCJ and former director of schools, underscored her “indelible mark on campus,” from leadership of the Mother’s Club in the 70s, linking SHS with Peninsula Bridge Program to support student access, supporting a number of tough institutional decisions in the 80s as a member of the board of trustees, and as “inventor” of the annual auction fundraiser. Detailing Bill Campbell’s enduring relationship with the school community, trustee and past parent Mindy Rogers enumerated the various roles he has played. “It’s difficult to accurately paint a picture of his contributions across almost 30 years and in so many different dimensions...Bill has clearly defined principles and lives them with an intensity and commitment that is truly inspiring.” Citing his legacy at Sacred Heart, Rogers noted his time as football coach for St. Joseph’s, his uncanny ability to connect with and support students in need of a mentor or friend, his guidance in the development of the school’s athletic programs, and the establishment of the eighth grade powder puff football game. SHP faculty member Jesús Ramos was feted in both Spanish and English, respectively by Karen Filice, director of advising, and James Everitt, former SHP principal. In their humorous and heartfelt remarks, both emphasized Ramos’ deep faith and the framework it provides in his professional life; his energy and joy
in the classroom as a “transformational” approach; his leadership of the Sacred Heart Society student organization; and his unfailing generosity as both teacher and colleague. Marie VauDell, SHS controller and past parent, was praised by CFO Susan Raffo for committing her “heart and soul” to the school’s wellbeing, ensuring that institutional spending decisions embody the spirit of the Goals and Criteria. “In every decision she makes, she takes into consideration not only the students of today, but ensuring that the school will be here for future generations as well....‘For the sake of one child’ truly is Marie’s mantra.” But the highlight for VauDell, and perhaps of the night, was a filmed, personal tribute from her son, Tyler (SJS ’09, SHP ’13), who is currently away at college. “I’m so proud of you, Mom. You are what Sacred Heart means to me,” he said. Congratulating the awardees, Sr. Morris explained the importance of celebrating the founder’s legacy through the acts of current community. “St. Madeleine Sophie was a tiny lady with a sharp mind and a huge heart,” she began. “For most of us, the journey between head and heart takes a lifetime. But it is this balance between head and heart that characterizes the spirituality of Sacred Heart schools everywhere, and it is for this achievement that we acknowledge our recipients tonight.”
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