Bishop Joseph L. Imesch Award for "Excellence in Teaching"

Sheila Fry

Joliet Catholic Academy

With over thirty years of dedicated ministry to the Diocese of Joliet and Catholic families served within, Sheila Fry has served as not only a Catholic educator, but also as a mentor, role model, and friend to the many students and faculty who have been blessed to know her. According to Father Timothy Andres, principal of Joliet Catholic Academy, who nominated Sheila for this award, "Her passion and enthusiasm for teaching and her dedication and love for her students are as evident today as they were when she began her teaching career." She has inspired many of her students to pursue a career in teaching, and they often cite her as their most influential teacher. Students testify that Sheila has influenced their lives in immeasurable and unforgettable ways.

Sheila's impact extends far beyond the classroom. She has long served as chairperson of the English department at Joliet Catholic Academy and has been very instrumental in shaping the English curriculum there. She is responsible for the recent development of a writing lab, established for the purpose of improving students' writing skills. Each year, she organizes a Shakespeare festival for the entire school and organizes an annual tour to the British Isles for both students and adults. Sheila is strongly involved in the Kairos retreat program and serves as "mentor teacher" for all new faculty to Joliet Catholic Academy. According to Father Andres, "Sheila truly embodies the spirit of the Catholic school educator, exemplifying academic excellence while modeling the Christian virtues of kindness, compassion, respect, wisdom, and faith."