DIOCESE—Four teachers at Catholic schools in the Diocese of Rockford were recognized with the third annual Outstanding Catholic Educator Award.

The awards were given out during Catholic Schools Week, Jan. 25-31, at high school Masses or at individual schools.

“We have many fine teachers who epitomize the modeling of our faith, (exhibit) wonderful teaching styles and lead great mission projects in our classrooms and entire schools,” said the diocesan Education Office.

Teachers were recognized from four areas of the diocese: Aurora, Elgin, McHenry and Rockford/Sterling. They are:

â–º Courtney Panczuk from St. Joseph School in Aurora.

A nominator wrote, “… the dedication Mrs. Panczuk shows her students is amazing … she teaches each student how to respect each other and themselves and to live the way God would like them to live.”

â–º Casey Porch from St. Margaret Mary School in Algonquin.

“Her students are set on fire for the faith. She challenges her students, and stands up to many secular notions that tend to pull students away from God,” said one nominator.

â–º Sue Turas from St. Laurence School in Elgin.

A nominator wrote, “She works so diligently with each and every student as if they were her own child … When she teaches she is eloquent and poised and very much in tune with the needs of all the students in her classes!”

â–º Kathy Shirley from St. Mary Elementary and Junior High School in Dixon.

“Everything about Mrs. Shirley is professional … She encourages student self-discipline … (She) is sensitive to student needs, and provides for those who learn differently,” read one nomination.

The Catholic Schools Week theme for 2015 was “Catholic Schools: Communities of Faith, Knowledge and Service.”

Schools typically observe the annual celebration with Masses, open houses and other activities that involve the students, families, parishioners, community members and all of the ever-important teachers.

The Observer provides the plaques given to the winners.