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Sister Cecilia Bush Award announced at tribute celebration
More than 160 family members, former students, priests, sisters and friends of Sister Cecilia Bush gathered June 2 at Church of the Magdalen to celebrate her distinguished career. The theme of the event, A Woman for All Seasons, recognized Sister Cecilia’s varied ministries as a teacher at Cathedral High School in Wichita; principal of St. Patrick High School in Parsons; instructor, academic dean and president of St. Mary of the Plains College in Dodge City; and editor of the Catholic Advance diocesan newspaper.
“Seeing my former students, colleagues, family and friends who have lived with me through all my seasons was an unforgettable joy,” said Sister Cecilia.
At the event, Bob Walterscheid, a 1951 graduate of Cathedral High School, announced the establishment of the Sister Cecilia Bush award. The annual award will recognize those who exemplify the direction of the founder of the Sisters of St. Joseph, “to serve the ‘dear neighbor’ with the same devotion as Joseph had for Jesus and Mary.” It was established to honor Sister Cecilia for distinguished service in education, communications, development and the church. The first recipient will be announced in the spring of 2008.
Jim NcNiece, a 1971 St. Mary of the Plains graduate, was master of ceremonies. Several attendees shared memories of their relationship with Sister Cecilia; then the microphone was passed among the crowd to share their stories. Sister Cecilia then shared her own reflections on the seasons of her life and expressed her gratitude for God’s many blessings to her.
At Sister Cecilia’s request, proceeds from the buffet supper and program benefit the Sisters of St. Joseph Dear Neighbor Ministries.
Anyone may nominate a candidate for the award. Nominees must meet one or more of the following criteria: outstanding achievement in the nominee’s work or profession; someone who has fully embraced a ministry to benefit those in need; leadership and excellence in education or the arts; promotion of the common good in personal and professional life; those who have taken risks or shown creative approaches to addressing problems in the community. The deadline for nominations is Dec. 31, 2007. Click Here for a brochure with an application form to nominate a condidate for the 2008 Sister Cecilia Bush Award. You may also call 316-689-4061.