Bishop Paul G. Bootkoski METUCHEN — Bishop Paul G. Bootkoski of the Diocese of Metuchen will receive the St. John Neumann Award at this year’s Catholic School Education Dinner.
The award, which is named for the “Father of the Parochial School System,” is given to an individual who has demonstrated extraordinary leadership, commitment and dedication to promoting Catholic school education in the Diocese of Metuchen, according to diocese officials.
“Bishop Bootkoski has made Catholic schools a priority in the diocese and continues to be a strong proponent,” said Monsignor Michael J. Corona, executive director of the diocesan Department of Education. “Our bishop is deserving of this honor, which also is an expression of our gratitude for his ongoing support for the teachers, administrators, and most importantly, the children attending our Catholic schools.”
The proceeds from the Catholic School Education Dinner — set for April 14 at the Hyatt Regency in New Brunswick — will benefit the Foundation for Catholic Education Scholarship Fund, which provides tuition assistance for low-income families whose children attend diocesan Catholic schools.
In 2002, during his first year as the bishop of Metuchen, Bootkoski dedicated the diocese’s first Catholic elementary school in Hunterdon County, Immaculate Conception School, Annandale. In 2013, the school earned a Blue Ribbon award from U.S. Department of Education.
The bishop also supported the creation of the diocese’s first deanery school, Holy Savior Academy, South Plainfield, which opened in 2011 and is the only school in the diocese under the direction of a Board of Limited Jurisdiction. This board provides leadership in the areas of finance, marketing, advancement and planning.
More recently, Bootkoski approved a new accreditation process under the direction of the international organization AdvancED. This system-wide accreditation process is used at all levels of education, and is designed to distinguish schools adhering to a set of educational standards.
“It is also very heartwarming to see the bishop interact with our Catholic school students throughout the year,” Ellen F. Ayoub, superintendent of the diocesan Office of Schools, said. “And I am especially pleased with Bishop Bootkoski’s latest decision to approve our new system of accreditation.”
For dinner tickets, sponsorship opportunities and additional information about the basket auction and raffle, visit diometuchen.org/fcedinner, or email educationdinner15@diometuchen.org or call 732-562-2452.