Spring 2003 - Fenwick High School

FACULTY HONORS
Distinguished Life Service Award
Roger Finnell ’59, mathematics teacher at Fenwick for
40 years, has been selected to receive the Distinguished
Life Service Award from the Mathematics Teachers’
Association of Chicago and Vicinity.
Roger has served as chairperson of the math department
since 1974 and moderator of the Math Team since 1976.
With his guidance, the Math Team has won the Chicago
Archdiocese Math championship for the past ten
consecutive years and last year won the Division 3AA state
math title, becoming the first Catholic school in any
division to win that title.
Dr. James Quaid, Principal of Fenwick, said “Mr. Finnell is a
Who’s Who Among America’s
Teachers
Andrew Arellano, Sandy Czajka, Dale Heidloff, John
Polka, Caryn Putra, Dr. James Quaid, Matt Scharpf,
Judith Speer, and Charles Witt.
Honored by University
of Chicago…
“for dedicated efforts to inspire
their students in a special way”:
Irene Drago and Ramzi Farran.
true scholar who serves as an impressive
role model for our students because he
exercises a great deal of patience and
understanding, as well as wit,
intelligence, sincerity, and humility.
As a department head, he has mentored
many teachers and has helped them
develop into caring, knowledgeable
instructors who serve their students in
most impressive way.”
Roger also was recognized by the University of Chicago
and Dartmouth College for teaching excellence.
Recognized by Shedd Aquarium:
Caryn Putra was recognized for 10 years of service as a
volunteer in education and guest services.
Recognized by the
American Football
Coaches Association:
Don Heldmann received the
Distinguished Life Service Award for
35 years of service and dedication to
the game of football.
Matt Scharpf from Australia
Where can you learn more about snags,
footy, dukka, and bushtucker By reading
Fenwick math teacher Matt Scharpf’s
Australian journal. You’ll find it on the
Fenwick web site: www.fenwickfriars.com.
Matt spent six months in Australia as part
of an exchange between Fenwick and
Blackfriars Priory School. (A BPS teacher –
Chris Packer – taught for the same six
months at Fenwick.) Matt faithfully sent
vivid descriptions of Australian history,
culture, customs, landscape, wildlife,
education, society, sport, and language
while he was “down under.”
(By the way, “snags” are sausages; “footy”
is the Australian version of football which
is more like soccer; “dukka”is a dish made
of breadcrumbs, spices, minced almonds,
and wattle seeds; and “bushtucker”is
native Australian food.)
Fr. Saucier on the Front Page
Rev. Tom Saucier, O.P.
An article written by Rev. Tom
Saucier, O.P., recently appeared on
the front page of Dominican
Central, the newsletter of the
Province of St. Albert the Great. He
wrote, “The Dominicans are making
a difference at Fenwick because of
our faithfulness to Saint Dominic’s
vision of bringing God into
whatever situation we find
ourselves… Whether in the
classroom, the computer lab, the
girls’ basketball game, or the Kairos
retreats, Dominicans are present
and gently reminding students,
parents, and faculty of God’s
presence in their lives.”
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FENWICK