Service to the Dear Neighbor Award

Dear Mount Community:

I am pleased to announce the second recipient of the Distinguished Service to the Dear Neighbor Award. Throughout the 2022-2023 school year, we are acknowledging community members who embody Service to the Dear Neighbor in light of this school year’s theme.

This holiday season we say thank you, SAWABONA (we see you) to Ms. Yonely Lopez aka “Nely.” Nely is a part of our dedicated facilities staff, an employee of PBS - Professional Building Services, Inc. In her day-to-day work, she exhibits a strong commitment to the mission of the Sisters of Saint Joseph by caring for the “dear neighbor” without distinction. We are the recipients of that care. Nely regularly exemplifies the spirit of the mission as she is “ready for any good work.”

Mount Saint Joseph Academy is better for Nely being part of our community. Not only does she keep our building looking its best, she does it with a smile and with genuine care and concern for our community and the space where we gather, learn and work. We also rejoice with Nely who recently became a citizen of the United States. Congratulations on such a wonderful accomplishment.

Please join us in congratulating Ms. Lopez on all she’s accomplished for herself and for the Mount. To Nely: Thank you for blessing us with yourkindness, dedication and selfless spirit.

Wishing you many blessings and looking forward to seeing in the New Year,

Sister Charlene Diorka, SSJ
President

Dear Mount Community:

In light of Mount Saint Joseph Academy’s yearlong theme of Service to the Dear Neighbor, I am excited to introduce the Distinguished Service to the Dear Neighbor Award. Throughout the 2022-2023 school year, we will be acknowledging community members who embody Service to the Dear Neighbor. Many among us contribute tirelessly to the Mount, to our local community and to the world as a whole and this is one small way to say thank you, to say SAWABONA—we see you. The recipients of this award can be students, teachers, staff or administrators. The essential requirement is that this individual exhibits a strong commitment to the mission of the Sisters of Saint Joseph, to treating others as sisters and brothers and to caring for the “dear neighbor” without distinction.

The first well-deserving recipient of the inaugural Distinguished Service to the Dear Neighbor Award is Mrs. Ana-Gabriela Bornancini. By title, she is a foreign language teacher, but she is much, much more. Señora Bornancini devotedly engages her students in learning and comprehending Spanish language and contributes constantly to departmental advancements. Beyond the classroom, she is actively involved in serving as an advisor, mentor, collaborator and listening ear to students and colleagues alike. This school year, she envisioned and thoughtfully planned for months to honor and celebrate Hispanic and Latinx Heritage month in a way that incorporated and uplifted all in the community. From guest speakers and advisory programming, to social opportunities, she created an enriching experience that contributed to making the Mount a more inclusive space. As a colleague, it is clear that Ana-Gabriela Bornancini seeks to understand and she uses this strength as a DEIJB Colleague Committee member and the Mounties Minds Matter club moderator. Mrs. Bornancini was presented with her award today during an all school assembly.

Please join us in congratulating Mrs. Bornancini for this fitting recognition. We see you—SAWABONA. Thank you for blessing us with your warming presence and your many gifts. Thank you for serving the dear neighbor with grace and positivity.

Yours in Saint Joseph,Yours in Saint Joseph,

Sister Charlene Diorka, SSJ
President

Dear Mount Community:

I am pleased to announce the third recipient of the Distinguished Service to the Dear Neighbor Award. Throughout the 2022-2023 school year, we are acknowledging community members who embody Service to the Dear Neighbor in light of this school year’s theme.

At this time, we are pleased to honor Junior Saanai Jones. An active member of the Mount community, Saanai participates in Glee Club, Drama Club, Dance Club, Winter and Spring Track, she is Cross Country manager and writes for the Muse and The Campanile. She is also part of Diversity Club, Autism Awareness and the student DEI Council. Outside the Mount, Saanai is also an active member in her community.

Though, I would put Saanai’s healing spirit, her gentle presence and her wise counsel above all the rest of her illustrious contributions to her community. Saanai uses her voice thoughtfully–to serve her dear neighbor without distinction. I’ve witnessed her gifts at reconciliation—when among friends and when among faculty and administrators. She believes in doing the right thing and shows how much she deeply cares for this community through her sincere actions. She understands that it isn’t always easy to speak your own personal truth but that there is no better way to be a true unifier–to follow the example of Christ.

Saanai is an absolute gift to Mount Saint Joseph Academy. I know that we will all hear stories of the ways she is creating positive change in the world as the years go by. Please join me in applauding Saanai and letting her know that we fully see her and the blessing that she is to us all.

Yours in Saint Joseph,

Sister Charlene Diorka, SSJ

President