Archbishop Ryan on Sunday hosted the Spirit of Ryan Awards Mass and ceremony, honoring eight individuals.
The winners were:
• Community Award, Gerry Laskowski (class of 1972) and Rose Arpino
• Volunteer Award, Jay Ems (class of ‘93) and Pat Flood Williams (class of ‘72)
• Faculty/Staff Award, Kevin Ball
• Father Rene Barczak, OFM Award, Mary Anne McFadden Benner (class of ‘74)
• In Vite Mane Student Award, Connor Jackson and Anna Finocchiaro, both class of ‘23
Principal Joseph McFadden (class of ‘97) noted that Jackson and Finocchiaro were each unanimously approved by the administration. He introduced Jackson, a St. Christopher graduate who played basketball and baseball and is now studying business at West Chester. Jackson is the youngest of five whose three sisters graduated from Ryan. He took part in open houses and Kairos retreats, and said playing sports helped him become a team player. He made friendships and great memories, and thanked McFadden and the faculty.
Finocchiaro, a special education major at West Chester, was unable to attend but spoke via video. A St. Martha graduate, she was a good student and athlete whose dad, Brian, died of a heart attack her freshman year. When her volleyball teammates learned of his death, they prayed, canceled practice to go home to their families and attended the funeral. Her mom, Kelly Compton, accepted the award.
Arpino, since 2012, is an administrative assistant in the Office of Student Services, known as “the Wawa of Archbishop Ryan” due to all the duties it handles. She is a graduate of St. Jerome and St. Hubert who now lives in Our Lady of Calvary. She sent her four sons to Ryan, and they all played basketball. She is active with the Ryan Hoop Club, working the concession stand, helping with the banquet and raising money. She is helping to organize a quizzo on Friday.
Laskowski attended Cardinal Dougherty his freshman year before his family moved to Somerton and he spent his final three years at Ryan as a very active student. He thanked the Franciscans and lay teachers. He worked as a police officer, teacher and principal at St. Hubert from 2017-22. He’s semi-retired but remains active in the education field.
Williams was on student council at Ryan. She helped run the class of ‘72’s recent 50th reunion, which raised $10,000 for school scholarships. She helps other classes organize reunions.
Ems, who works in insurance, is a member of the Friends of Ryan board. He’s a donor, event and program sponsor and helps with fundraisers and reunions.
Ball, who is on a long-planned cruise, appeared via video. He was introduced by Mike McArdle, who served as school president from 2004-14. McArdle noted Ball’s expertise in technology.
Benner was recognized for her leadership, commitment and service. She’s active with Our Lady of Calvary and the Millbrook Civic Association, among other organizations. ••
