The Annual Conference for Catholic Educators recognized those who have served 20 and 30 years in Catholic schools on Feb. 2 at St. Patrick Church in Kaimuki. The honorees from left are, top, Stephanie Conching (20), LeeMarie DePonte (20), Neil Nitta (30), and Elizabeth Gabriel (20). Bottom, Blaine Gier (30), Marife Argel (30), Dr. Anne Sylva (20), Sister Mary Mark Berdin, OP (30). (HCH photo | Jennifer Rector)
By Jennifer Rector
Hawaii Catholic Herald
Years of hard work and dedication in the Catholic Schools of Hawaii were recognized at this year’s Annual Catholic Conference of Educators on Feb. 2.
The conference opened with a Mass at St. Patrick Church in Honolulu. The church was overflowing with teachers and students, including the guests of honor — educators who have devoted 20 and 30 years to Catholic school education.
Bishop Larry Silva presided at the Mass. In his homily he stated how important teachers are in forming youth. The conference coincided with the feast of the Presentation of the Lord.
“We see Mary and Joseph … go to the temple to present their most beloved Son, the Son of God, to the Lord. And this is a lesson for all of us who are involved in Catholic education,” Bishop Silva said.
“We can easily be tempted to think that our mission is to prepare our children to be refined and purified so that they can be independent, free, and successful,” he said. “But our true mission is to take them to the Lord and to refine them and purify them. So then they can choose to lay down their lives in sacrificial service for their brothers and sisters,” the bishop said.
After Mass, eight educators received service awards.
The following were recognized for 20 years of service:
Stephanie Conching from Mary, Star of the Sea School in Honolulu teaches music and religion for elementary and middle school students. Her background is in performing arts, arts education, and ministry. She currently teaches religion to grades four and five, and kindergarten music.
LeeMarie DePonte of Maryknoll School in Honolulu has taught elementary, middle and high school throughout her career. She has taught sacred Hawaiian traditions. She has fostered a program where sixth graders mentor kindergarteners. She has advised the National Junior Honor Society and coordinated Kids Vote Hawaii. DePonte currently teaches grade 12 AP U.S. history and faith formation.
Elizabeth Gabriel of Sacred Hearts Academy in Honolulu has taught courses ranging from seventh grade math to AP calculus. She also has served as a division dean and is referred to as the “class mom,” by many students.
Dr. Anne Sylva, affectionately known as “Doc,” has been serving at Maryknoll School. She has taught eighth grade students ballroom dancing, including the Kamehameha Waltz. She has also instructed students to march as a unit for a re-enactment of the Civil War’s Picket’s Charge. She is known for her love for mathematics.
The following were recognized for 30 years of service:
Marife Argel is a preschool teacher at Our Lady of Good Counsel School in Pearl City working with students ages 15 months to 5 years. “The most rewarding parts of being a preschool teacher are seeing the awe and excitement in a child’s face when they see something new, hearing them laugh, sing and dance,” said Argel.
Sister Mary Mark Berdin, a Dominican Sister of the Most Holy Rosary, has served at St. Joseph Parish in Waipahu as a teacher, administrator, mentor, director of religious education and more. Colleagues say that whenever Sister Mark is asked to do anything, her response is always, “Yes, how can I help?” Students, parents, alumni, parishioners and colleagues from many places continue to reach out to her for guidance, support and prayer.
Blaine Gier has served at Maryknoll School for 30 years. He has served as a teacher, coach and director of alumni relations. He is the associate athletic director, managing the operations and scheduling for the athletic department.
Neil Nitta of Damien Memorial School has taught theology from sixth to 12th grade. Currently he is a middle school religion teacher. Nitta’s favorite thing about the school is the atmosphere of community among teachers, staff and students.
The awards were followed by multiple workshops at Sacred Hearts Academy. Food was provided and hula performed by students from the academy. Teachers from across the island attended workshops that pertained to their subjects and interests.
