At the Archdiocese of Seattle Teacher Excellence Day on Friday, September 18 the Seattle Archdiocese School Commission recognized two award winners. Both are connected with St. Benedict Parish and School.
The Sr. Mary Taylor Award was presented to Dr. Harry Purpur, a graduate of St. Benedict Elementary School, Class of ’56. His mother, Agnes, has been a parishioner here for decades.
The Sister Mary Taylor Award was established by the Archdiocesan School Board in 1986 to recognize distinguished service to Catholic education by teachers, staff or administrators. The Archdiocesan School Board congratulates this year’s recipient Dr. Harry Purpur. Dr. Purpur has served the Catholic schools in this Archdiocese for over 30 years as teacher, vice principal, principal, Superintendent of Catholic Schools and this past year as interim principal at Immaculate Conception/Our Lady of Perpetual Help. Dr. Purpur returned from the Diocese of Florida where he served for 8 years to assume the leadership at IM/OLP with dedication and commitment to Catholic education. Dr. Purpur has dedicated his teaching ministry to Catholic Schools and is very deserving of this award.
Dr. Harry Pupur accepting the award Connie Fraser and Bishop Tyson on either side.
Beth Purpur (daughter), Dr. Harry Purpur, Agnes Purpur (mother) and Bishop Tyson
Our pastor, Father Steve, received this year’s Monsignor Doogan Award.
The Monsignor John P. Doogan Award was established by the Archdiocesan School Board in 2005 to honor Monsignor Doogan, founder of Bishop Blanchet and John F. Kennedy High Schools. The award recognizes distinguished service to Catholic education to a pastor who recognizes and furthers the school as integral to the teaching mission of the parish. The Archdiocesan School Board congratulates this year’s recipient Fr. Steven Sallis, Pastor of St. Benedict Parish. Fr. Sallis has served in three parishes with schools, and the nomination speaks in appreciation of his example as a strong supportive school pastor who is actively involved in the daily life of the school.
He is also recognized for his support and leadership of the Fulcrum Foundation, serving on the Board of Trustees and Distribution Committees and being an active solicitor for the Fulcrum capital campaign. Fr. Sallis is most worthy to be recognized for his dedication and hard work in support of Catholic education. Congratulations, Father Steve, for all you have done to support Catholic schools here in our parish and throughout the archdiocese.
Agnes Purpur, Fr. Steve Sallis, Bishop Tyson and Connie Fraser
Connie Fraser, Archdiocesan School Board Representative, Fr. Steve Sallis, and Bishop Tyson
Front: Connie Fraser, Dr. Harry Purpur, Agnes Purpur
Center: Susan Lisi, Librarian, Sue Rivord PE, Beth Purpur Gr 4 teacher, Bishop Tyson
Back: Maureen Blum, Principal, Bill Gentzler, Gr 6 teacher,Fr. Steve Sallis
