Distinguished Catholic School of Excellence Awards announced

All Saints Catholic School Principal Joyce Frederiksen holds a plaque and Fr. Hien Nguyen holds a banner awarded to the school Tuesday, Jan. 31. From left are Assistant Superintendent Matt McKee, Associate Superintendent Jamie Finkeldei, and Superintendent Janet Eaton. (Advance photo)

Five schools in the Diocese of Wichita have received Distinguished Catholic School of Excellence Awards this year.

Catholic Culture Distinguished School of Excellence Award

St. Joseph Catholic School in Ost and Magdalen Catholic School in Wichita were awarded the Catholic Culture Distinguished School of Excellence Award.

Schools receiving the Catholic Culture recognition are schools where evangelization, discipleship, and stewardship are fully alive and where Catholicity permeates the culture of the school. Service and the infusion of the mission of Catholic education are clearly evident at St. Joseph and Magdalen schools.

Full Formation Distinguished Catholic School of Excellence Award

Blessed Sacrament Catholic School in Wichita is this year’s recipient of the Full Formation Distinguished Catholic School of Excellence Award.

Schools receiving the Excellence in Full Formation recognition are schools where the focus is on educating the whole child: spiritually, physically, intellectually, and emotionally. For many years Blessed Sacrament has been a flagship school for its work in meeting all needs for all learners.

Distinguished Catholic School of Excellence in Innovative Initiative Award

The Distinguished Catholic School of Excellence in Innovative Initiative Award was given to All Saints Catholic School in Wichita for its long-lasting and highly impactful judo program; and to St. Francis of Assisi Catholic School in Wichita for its integration of the Capturing Kids Hearts program.

Schools receiving the Excellence in Innovative Initiative Award are schools where visionary thinking is utilized to effectively implement original or adapted programs that have a positive impact on students.

School administrators apply for the awards. The winning schools are chosen with the assistance of the diocesan Catholic School Council and members of the Superintendent Council.