McAuley Teachers And Alumnae Earn National and Local Honors

CHICAGO, IL -- Three faculty members and alumnae from Mother McAuley Liberal Arts High School have been honored for their support and encouragement of students both inside and outside the classroom.

Spanish teacher Cathy Keaty O’Grady ’86 has been recognized as an Outstanding Activity Advisor by the Illinois Directors of Student Activities (IDSA). This award honors individuals who, through their time and effort, have made an impact on their club or activity and who exemplify the ideal advisor. O’Grady serves as moderator of McAuley’s National Honors Society. In March, the group hosted its annual ice cream social and raised money to support local groups, including families affected by domestic violence. O’Grady received her award on April 12 at the IDSA Awards Banquet and Convention.

O’Grady was nominated by McAuley’s dean of student support Jennifer Murzyn.

“Cathy is creative with ideas and innovative in raising funds for charitable organizations or those in need,” Murzyn said. “She plays an active role in creating a culture within her organization, as well as the school community, of having high expectations, being extremely fair and also providing fun activities for the entire student body to participate.”

Alumna and music and theatre teacher Julie Wogan McKee ‘93 is a recipient of two prestigious awards. In April, she received the National Catholic Education Association (NCEA) 2018 “Lead. Learn. Proclaim” Award during the organization’s annual Convention & Expo held in Cincinnati. She was one of only 26 teachers nationwide to receive this honor. Julie and the other honorees were highlighted in the NCEA magazine, Momentum.

McKee was nominated by Rebecca Finn, chair of the McAuley P.E., Music and Theater department.
“Julie is the director of our all-school musical and spring drama,” Finn said. “She takes great care in choosing plays and musicals that highlight our students’ strengths as well as focus on social justice issues and the seven critical concerns of the Sisters of Mercy. The Mother McAuley mission statement says ‘we empower young women to acknowledge their giftedness.’ Julie personally demonstrates this every day to her students and cultivates their giftedness through their musical talents.”

This month, McKee was also named a recipient of the Archdiocese of Chicago’s 2018 “Heart of Enrichment,” Heart of the School Award. The Heart of the School Awards encompass nine award areas and two nominees were selected for each award area. Julie accepted her award during a special luncheon for all honorees on May 10.

“As director of our school musical, and the a cappella choir, Julie seeks opportunities for students to expand and enrich their theatrical talents and ambitions, whether it be through trips to New York City to attend Broadway shows – including meet-and-greets with performers – or entertaining audiences on local Chicago TV and radio stations,” McKee’s nominator said.

English and journalism teacher and alumna Diana Burban ’99 recently was awarded the 2018 Scholastic Press Association of Chicago and McCormick Foundation Fellowship award. The annual distinction recognizes one Chicago journalism teacher with a $1,500 grant to attend a summer conference. Burton plans to attend the annual Journalism Education Advisers Institute in Las Vegas. She accepted her award during the 27th annual Scholastic Journalism Conference held last month at Roosevelt University.