Join us for this year’s 3rd Annual FSC Awards >
The Lasallian Volunteers F.S.C. Awards are a small way to show appreciation to individuals whose involvement in our mission makes our service possible. The recipients are honored in the spirit of three Christian Brothers who embodied the Lasallian Volunteers values of Faith, Service and Community during their lifetime. The awards will be presented annually at orientation and will be rotated between the Districts of the Christian Brothers to celebrate our national reach.
The Johnston Faith Award
The Johnston Faith Award was named in honor of Brother John Johnston, FSC (1933-2007). This award recognizes a supporter of the Lasallian Volunteers through their time, talent or treasure. During his service to the Midwest District, the USA/Toronto Region and eventually the Institute on an International level, Brother John was an avid supporter of the LVs. John made it a point to know what was happening with current volunteers, vocally support the service LVs provided in Christian Brothers ministries across the country, and to meet them whenever the chance arose. The recipient of this award is a supporter who has expressed and/or demonstrated great faith in the work of Lasallian Volunteers.
The Bassen Service Award
The Bassen Service Award was named in honor of Brother Christopher Bassen, FSC (1942-2006). This award recognizes an alumnus of the Lasallian Volunteers who has continued a life of service since their volunteer year(s). Brother Chris lived and breathed De La Salle’s mission of service to the poor. Chris nourished and made real his dream of the Lasallian Educational Opportunities (L.E.O.) Center in Oakland, CA. L.E.O. continues to provide educational opportunity to “at-risk” youth and adults who may otherwise not receive the assistance, guidance and resources they need. The recipient of this award is an alumnus of the Lasallian Volunteer program who has incorporated the value of Lasallian service to the poor into the fabric of his/her life.
The Farrell Community Award
The Farrell Community Award was named in honor of Brother Michael Farrell, FSC (1940-2009). This award recognizes a Christian Brother and/or Lasallian Partner in Community who has lived with Lasallian Volunteers. Brother Michael lived in shared community with Lasallian Volunteers for 10 years. While living with LVs, Michael went out of his way to walk beside them, learn the intricacies of their stories and lives, and challenge their growth. All the while, Michael invited and expected LVs to do the same. The recipient of this award is a Christian Brother and/or Lasallian Partner in Community who holds the community experience in high esteem for him/herself and shares it with the LVs.
2011 Award Recipients
Shirley Heck: The Johnston Faith Award
Shirley has been involved in the LV program for many years, serving both the San Juan Diego Middle School and the John XXIII Education Center in Racine, WI. Most importantly she has been a consistent presence and guide to the LVs serving in Racine, WI.
Jeb Myers, LV, 97-00: The Bassen Service Award
Jeb served as a Lasallian Volunteer at San Miguel Camden from 97-00. Since the completion of his service, Jeb has served as a teacher and administrator at De La Salle Blackfeet in Montana, studied for his Masters and is currently the Principal at Cristo Rey Jesuit High School in Minneapolis. Jeb played an integral role in the presence and mentoring of LVs at De La Salle Blackfeet and has taken the initiative in bringing LVs to Cristo Rey. While at Cristo Rey, Jeb has already been a positive influence, leader and resource for LVs.
Br. Edwin Dupre: The Farrell Community Award
Edwin is a sort of institution in his own right, having served in many capacities around the Chicago area and having been Community Director of the St. Michael’s community on Chicago’s Southside welcoming LVs for numerous years. Edwin has been an avid supporter of the LV program offering guidance to LVs in the greater Chicago area and welcoming those that are in town for Orientations and Debriefing Retreats over for a home cooked meal and some quality community time.
2010 Award Recipients
Tom and Joanne Darnowski: The Johnston Faith Award
Tom & Joanne were chosen for serving on the LV Advisory Board, their generous financial help to Lasallian Volunteers and constant encouragement and support to those serving at Martin De Porres School, New York. Tom & Joanne are supporters of the Lasallian Volunteers who, through their time, talent and treasure, exemplify the spirit of Brother John. During his far-reaching years of service, Brother John was also an avid supporter of the LVs, and made it a point to stay connected, vocally-support the volunteers, and to meet them whenever the chance arose.
“Being a Brother, being associated with the Brothers, continuing to work in Lasallian Mission is something you don’t lose,” said Tom, as he spoke to a room filled with LVs and supporters. “There is probably nothing I would have done in the last 50 years, anyone I have been able to touch and help, and any ministry I’ve been on – none of that would have happened if I hadn’t said the first yes. Our presence here acknowledges that link. My hope for the volunteers is that if you let it get into you, resonate with you, it is something that you will never lose. It will help form and focus you for the rest of your life.”
Heather Ruple, LV, 01-03: The Bassen Service Award
Heather was chosen for her outstanding service at San Miguel School Providence as an LV, teacher, and now Academic Dean. She has continued service to Lasallian Volunteers as a mentor, retreat presenter and more. Her involvement in Young Lasallians and District projects also make her an inspiring choice.
“This is a huge honor,” Heather said. “I am humbled. When I think over the last 10 years and the impact the Lasallian Volunteers have had on my life, when I think of the high points and the low points of my life and all those in between, Lasallian Volunteers and Lasallian family have been there and I am so grateful.”
Br. Ed Gallagher: The Farrell Community Award
Br. Ed was chosen for being an inspiration and model of Lasallian Community for the volunteers, providing such positive coaching and mentoring to the St. Frances Academy, Baltimore LVs and supporting them faithfully. “I can’t tell you how much I have been impressed by the quality, dedication, idealism of the volunteers who I have lived with,” Br. Ed tells us. “They have been such unbelievably good people. The volunteers have done a lot more for me and for the Brothers I live with than we gave them. I appreciate the tremendous sacrifices that you make, giving a year or two of your young lives to live with a bunch of old men. It’s wonderful. You’ve been a big help to us. I encourage all of you new volunteers to enter into this work with enthusiasm and bring the idealism that you have. Because as we get older, it’s easy for us to lose some of that fire. To be effective with the children, you’ve got to have fire and passion. And we need help from you to keep that.”