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ST. JOSEPH SCHOOL PENFIELD 
October 8, 2002

When some members of the St. Joseph School community recently heard about a program on WARM 101.3 radio that honors those who make a difference in their community, they thought it would be a nice gesture to send in some nominations for people they think are role models for young people. Little did they know that the nomination process would result in overall recognition for a wide range of enrichment programs and community service at St. Joseph School in Penfield. 

St. Joseph’s has been awarded the “School Spirit Award” from the Tony and Dee Spirit Fund through WARM 101.3. The Spirit Fund is an extension of See My Spirit Soar, the self-esteem building program for children established by the radio station’s personalities Tony and Dee in the Morning. 

Several projects are being recognized under the umbrella of the award. They include: the St. Joseph School Concert Band under the direction of Vincent Ercolamento; Project Discovery, developed by veteran teacher Joan Doyle as a way to challenge and enrich students who demonstrate interest and proficiency in various subject areas like science, art, math, drama and literature; ABC Quilts community outreach project in which students in third and sixth grades create hand-sewn quilts for at risk children being cared for at Golisano Children’s Hospital at Strong; and the annual St. Joseph School Book Drive for Rochester School 17, during which St. Joe’s students donate books from their own collections to share at the Enrico Fermi School, increasing their student counterparts’ exposure to reading and improving literacy. 

“We are so very proud of all the activities in which our students, parent volunteers and teachers are engaged,” said St. Joseph’s Principal Sr. Christina Luczynski. “We are very happy to have all of these efforts recognized with this award.” 

The nominations were made by two St. Joseph’s parents, Maureen Mattia and Sheila Katz, who recognized the value of the variety of programs underway at the school and the impact and example they set for the children. 

In recognizing the concert band and instrumental musical instructor Vincent Ercolomento, the nominator pointed out the level of inspiration their teacher provides to his young students. 

“I think the most inspiring aspect of Mr. E’s work is the love for music and teaching,” said nominator Maureen Mattia. “I also do not think it is lost on the children that Mr. E has severe vision impairment.” 

Mr. Ercolomento, owner of CSE Music School in Webster, travels to St. Joseph’s twice a week to give music lessons, leaving his specialized equipment which enhances his ability to magnify and read music back at his studio because it is not portable. Since most of his students are new to instrumental music, he must compose special concert arrangements for their performances. 

For the Project Discovery nomination, the work of teacher Joan Doyle was highlighted. Mrs. Doyle has worked at St. Josephs’ for 20 years. In addition to her regular teaching responsibilities, she invests time and talent to create a wonderful learning experience for students outside the classroom. 

"To her credit, Mrs. Doyle is a wonderful role model,” wrote nominator Sheila Katz. “Over the past four years 500 students have participated in Project Discovery and Mrs. Doyle is always searching for ways to expand it to provide more diverse learning experiences.” 

The program will award St. Joseph School a $1,000 grant. The Tony and Dee Spirit Fund is devoted to encouraging the “I Can Do It” spirit in children of the Rochester area and is administered by the Rochester Area Community Foundation. 

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