St. John Brebeuf Gala Benefits School and Honors Couple

The Sheila Harrington Award was given to Larry and Jan Skaja by the Niles Parish

Nearly 400 community members, current and former staff members, teachers, parents and clergy from St. John Brebeuf, Niles, celebrated at the church’s 22nd annual Gala Saturday, Nov. 7 in the Ministry Center.

Proceeds will benefit Lighting the Way that will bring teacher ideas to life for students by making it possible for the school to continue to provide a solid Catholic foundation coupled with cutting-edge 21st Century education for children and families in the area, according to Michael and Heather Trajan who are chaired this year’s event.

The evening included presentation of the Sheila Harrington Award to Jan and Larry Skaja of Park Ridge. The Skajas were recognized for their long years of service at St. John Brebeuf and especially their support of pastors, priests and lay staff over the life of the church. Jan has been a faithful music minister, cantor, organizer and supporter of the parish and school for over 50 years. Working in the school when her children were students, she continues in many of those roles especially singing at festivals and working at the hospitality table for the Music Lumina concert series. Larry also has a history of long involvement in the early years of the school and athletic programs, as well as being on the leadership team with his wife for many festivals and parish fund raisers. More recently, he updated and improved SJB’s Virtus Program, Protecting God’s Children, Marriage, and the Baptism Preparation Program as well as providing leadership for the 60th anniversary celebration.

Parents and community members brought the idea of Gala to St. John Brebeuf 22 years ago to provide more educational opportunities for children. In past years the event has provided funds for a new science curriculum, refinishing the gym floor, for tuition assistance, and to bring core curriculum up to date in coordination with technology. This year funds will support the 1:1 initiative which, among other things, will provide a tablet for every child in kindergarten through second grade and a laptop for every child in third through eighth grade, according to Principal Elise Matson.

For more information and more event photos, visit www.sjbrebeuf.org.

Caption Identifications:
L to r, Pastor Father Michael Meany, Deacon Larry Skaja, Jan Skaja, and their children Jennifer Scianna, Brad and Kirk Skaja. Larry is holding the Sheila Harrington Award.

Niles Village Trustee John Jekot, who is also Executive Director of the Golf Maine Park District, chats with Carolyn Kosiba.

L to r, Kathleen Barton, the retired Principal from St. Juliana School and Board Member of the Park Ridge Civic Orchestra, chats with Brendan Matson and his wife, Elise, who is Principal at St. John Brebeuf. Elise is in her second year as Principal and has brought a good deal of technology into the classroom and elsewhere in the school.

L to r, friends Tracy Fragassi and Maria Conn visit with Niles Park Commissioner Julie Genauldi who is also a police officer in Park Ridge. Julie’s husband, Vince, seen in the background is with the Niles Police Department.