Sister Charlotte Italiano: Golden Apple Award The Office of Catholic Schools of the Diocese of Youngstown has presented the “principal” recipient of the Golden Apple Award to Sister Charlotte Italiano. Sister Charlotte received her bachelor’s degree from Youngstown State University and a master’s degree in supervision and administration from St. John University, Cleveland. Sister Charlotte has served the diocese for 62 years as a teacher and administrator. She is currently parliamentarian for The Delta Kappa Gamma Society International, is on the leadership team for the Ursuline Sisters Community, the Diocesan Council of Religious, and the pastoral team at Holy Family, Poland. Sister Charlotte established the enrichment program, Yoga, Summer “Kamp” and developed the yearly parent evaluation form and parent newsletter for the Ursuline Preschool and Kindergarten. At Holy Family Parish, Poland, Sister Charlotte is a Eucharistic minister and lector and served on Christ Renews His Parish. In the broader Mahoning Valley, Sister Charlotte is a Model Cities mentor and a member of the selection committee for the Educational Service Awards at Youngstown State University. She has served on the YWCA Board of Trustees. Writing in support of Sister Charlotte’s nomination, Sister Nancy Dawson, General Superior and president of the Ursuline Preschool and Kindergarten Board of Directors, wrote: “Sister has continually made it her goal to carry out the mandate of the school’s mission statement…. She accomplishes this by working with her staff to keep the curriculum updated with the technologies of the 21st century … by providing a variety of activities, both on- and off-site … by the use of highly motivational techniques that get everyone involved. Sister Charlotte is always open to new ideas and suggestions from her staff and is incredibly respected by the parents of her students.” Kudos!
Ursuline Associate Mary Ann Critell Receives Golden Apple Award Sr Nancy Dawson, General Superior, presents a gift to Ursuline Associate Mary Ann Critell on the occasion of the Golden Apple Award for Excellence in Teaching. Mary Ann Critell, Kindergarten teacher at the Ursuline Preschool and Kindergarten, was recognized for 17 years of dedicated service as a teacher. Her generosity and her ability to relate to children is outstanding. Mary Ann is also a vital part of her parish, St. Luke in Boardman, and she is involved in various local charities. Several Sisters and Associates celebrated with her at the “Golden Apple” banquet held at the Youngstown Country Club on May 7, 2009. The Golden Apple Award is the “Academy Awards” for Catholic School teachers. Mary Ann was one of seven recipients for 2009. Shortly after high school, Mary Ann entered congregation of the Ursuline Sisters of Youngstown, but after six years, discerned that her vocation was not to be a nun but to be a mother. She and her husband have raised three wonderful children. Mary Ann now extends the spirit of the Ursuline Community as an Ursuline Associate. Ursuline Associates are women and men of prayer and service who resonate with the vision of St. Angela Merici, founder of the Ursulines. Mary Ann models daily this vision, prayer and service with everyone in her life.