Champagnat Awards

Mr. Thomas M. & Mrs. Pamela Burkardt
Generous Philanthropists, Community Servants, True Raiders

The Central Catholic community has been truly blessed with the incredible generosity of Mr. Thomas Burkardt and Mrs. Pamela Burkardt. Through both philanthropic endeavors, and supporting the CCHS mission through various volunteer roles, the Burkardts are true Raiders.
 
Both Tom and Pam have been involved in community organizations for nearly 40 years, volunteering, fundraising, mentoring, and coaching to name a few. At Central Catholic, the Burkardts' generous gift to the A Light Beams Forth supported the construction of the South Wing Addition (2004) housing the new sciences wing named "Marist Hall." Additionally, their support for the Auburn Street Field Campaign, and their creation of an endowment scholarship - The Burkardt Brothers Scholarship Fund - has helped many CCHS students.
 
Tom is a former CCHS Board member, serving on the Board’s Negotiation Committee and Executive Committee. He also served on the Development Committee, Finance Board, and is a member of the President’s Circle.
 
The Burkardts also served on various boards including the Boys and Girls Club of Lawrence, Lazarus House, North Andover Youth Services, and several more. 
 
Additionally, Tom is committed to his undergrad university, Northern Kentucky University, establishing the Burkardt Math and Statistics Consulting Center and, along with his brother, a fund providing annual scholarships for talented young students. He was also involved with North Andover‘s sports organizations (coaching), fundraising, and with Pam, organized the town‘s 350th anniversary parade, to name a few endeavors. 
 
Tom is the youngest of eight children from Bellevue, Kentucky, graduating from Northern Kentucky University with a B.S. in Mathematics and Computer Science. He received an M.S. from North Carolina State University in Applied Mathematics.
 
He had a long, successful career starting at Wang Laboratories in various engineering and management positions before moving on to Cabletron Systems and Cascade Communications. After working at Cascade, Tom co-founded and became CEO of Castle Networks. He was also CEO of two startup companies and worked with Fidelity Ventures (2003-09).
 
Since 2009, Tom has been semi-retired, investing and consulting with entrepreneurs and start-ups in the New England area, and staying involved with several non-profit organizations.
 
Pam Burkardt has selflessly volunteered for various schools, including Central Catholic, supporting a variety of projects. She focuses on the needs of others and is honored to help, given the opportunity. 
 
She also dedicated her time to many fundraising projects over the years including the Town of North Andover library renovations, playground construction and a large-scale effort to build the N. Andover Youth Center, and fundraising for a cancer research project for many years.  
 
Working for many years full-time and, later part-time in order to be a stay-at-home mother, Pam’s focus is family first. She grew up with four siblings to first generation Italian parents, and attended parochial elementary and high school. She later earned a B.S. in Social Work and worked in the field until venturing into business. 
 
The Burkardt Family are true Raiders with three sons graduating from CCHS: Mr. Michael P. Burkardt '02, Mr. Sean T. Burkardt '03, and Mr. Colin R. Burkardt '07.
 
Tom and Pam have always been grateful for the gift of Central Catholic to their sons, and they are honored to receive this award. Their collective philosophy on life is focused on God and family, living it to the best of their ability, and their capacity for serving the less favored knows no bounds.

This award is bestowed on those whose cumulative generosity to Central Catholic High School has been outstanding, epitomizing the love and generosity of Saint Champagnat. Through their investments and leadership, they have made a transformative impact on the students and faculty of Central Catholic High School.

• 2005 Honoree: R. Kingman Webster
• 2012 Honoree: G. Thomas Catalano '50
• 2012 Honoree: Albert C. Peterson '50
• 2015 Honoree: Craig D. Divino '69
• 2018 Honoree: Ronald T. Maheu '60
• 2018 Honoree: Laurence J. Palmisano '51

Michael W Morris Sr. '59, Esq.
Attorney, Humanitarian, & Community Servant

Attorney Michael W. Morris Sr. '59 is a proud graduate of Central Catholic ('59), University of Massachusetts at Amherst ('63) and Suffolk University Law School ('70).  

After serving for a brief period as an attorney in the administration of Boston Mayor Kevin H. White in the 1970's, Michael W. Morris Sr. spent the next 50 years as a partner in the Greater Lawrence law firm, Morris, Rossi, Hayes practicing with Atty. Laurence J. Rossi '64, Atty. Daniel A. Hayes, his son Atty. Michael W. Morris Jr., Atty. Wayne F. Simmons, and Atty. Jonathon J. Rossi '97.

Atty. Morris served as an elected leader of several organizations, including President and General Counsel of Central Catholic High School’s Board of Directors significantly involving him in corporate organization, governance, creation of co-education, labor negotiations, and campus improvement, among other major issues.

Atty. Morris remains a dedicated advocate in all matters pertaining to Central Catholic High School’s students, faculty, and, above all, its vital and noble mission.

Over the decades, Morris has advised and mentored many Central students, including most proudly, his eight grandsons, all Central graduates.

In recognition of his years of service, Atty. Morris has been honored as a recipient of the Chancellor’s Medal from the University of Massachusetts; as the recipient of the City of Lawrence Latino Citizens Man of the Year Award; and has been elected to the Lawrence Boys and Girls Club Hall of Fame, among other honors and recognitions. 
 
Atty. Morris resides in Andover where he and his wife, Mary Joan McGarry Morris, raised their five children. He and his wife have been blessed with 12 grandchildren and one great grandchild.

This award is bestowed on individuals for outstanding service to society and their unwavering commitment to making the world a better place. They epitomize the Marist ideal of concern for the least favored.

• 2005 Honoree: Stephen J. Kelley '64
• 2012 Honoree: Dr. Samuel J. D’Urso '62
• 2015 Honoree: John F. Kaslow '49
• 2015 Honoree: Barbara J. (Fox '51SM) Kaslow
• 2018 Honoree: Patricia (Foley '60SM) Karl, Lawrence Youth Education Advocate
• 2018 Honoree: William J. Sullivan '68, Lawrence Educator, National Hibernian Leader

Bro. Rene D. Roy, FMS, '59 
Campus Minister & President Emeritus, Central Catholic High School

From Lawrence, MA to Rwanda (Africa), Bro. Rene Roy '59 represents decades of faith, support and love to the Central Catholic High School community and beyond, while serving the least favored, and making Jesus Christ known and loved. He currently serves as a Campus Minister at Central Catholic.

Over 60 years ago, Bro. Rene knew that God had a plan for him when he became a Marist Brother after graduating from Central Catholic High School in 1959. He took his first Marist vows in 1961 and graduated from Marist College (Poughkeepsie, NY) in 1964.

His first assignment was in the kitchen at St. Joseph Novitiate (Tyngsborough, MA) as the cook for 55 Brothers, Novices, and Postulants. He then taught several subjects including, Religion, French, English, Latin and Journalism at Central Catholic High School in Wheeling, WV for eight years, and joined the Novitiate Team in Cold Spring, NY for three years.

After completing The Second Novitiate in Fribourg, Switzerland followed by his four-day walk from Assisi to Rome, and two weeks walking in the footsteps of Jesus in the Holy Land, he served on the Pastoral Team at Our Lady of the Sioux Parish on the Pine Ridge Reservation in South Dakota for fourteen years (1977-91), and as the Marist Brothers Vocation Director (1991-95).

He went to the aid of the Brothers in Rwanda after the Genocide and taught English and Religion there for four years, coming home to be the Principal of Bishop Donahue High School in McMechen, WV.

After his work abroad and throughout the United States, Bro. Rene returned to the CCHS campus to serve as the 3rd President of Central Catholic (2005-09), and later served as the Vice President for Mission Effectiveness, and continues today as a vibrant member of the Campus Ministry team.

In 2018, in recognition of all his life-long support of the CCHS community, Bro. Rene was named President Emeritus of Central Catholic High School.

Bro. Rene is a living testament to the mission of Central Catholic and of the Marist Brothers. He continues to have a profound impact on so many lives, and the life of Central Catholic.

This award is bestowed on individuals who have committed their lives to making Jesus known and loved through their faith and actions. Their example serves as an inspiration to students and to all those associated with Central Catholic.

• 2012 Honoree: Bishop William J. McNaughton, M.M. '44
• 2012 Honoree: Bridget (Scanlon '64^SM) Shaheen
• 2015 Honoree: Rev. Guy Vellardita '48, O.F.M.
• 2018 Honoree: Rev. George F. Riley '53, OSA, Villanova University, V.P. Emeritus

Mr. Joseph P. Faro '87
Founder, Tuscan Market Brands/Developer, Tuscan Village

With over 25 years of experience in the food and hospitality industry, Tuscan Brands Founder/CEO and Tuscan Village Developer, Mr. Joseph P. Faro '87, has taken entrepreneurship and hospitality to a new stratosphere. 
After graduating from CCHS, Joseph went on to earn a bachelor’s degree from the University of New Hampshire and spent long hours in the kitchen perfecting his pasta and sauce recipes.

Over the next 18 years, Joe grew Joseph’s Gourmet Pasta and Sauces from a college business plan to over $75 million in revenue. In 2006, Joe sold the company to Buitoni, a division of Nestle' Prepared Foods. 

In 2010, after a very brief "retirement," Joe opened his flagship restaurant, Tuscan Kitchen, in Salem, NH. Soon after, the Tuscan Brand expanded with the opening of Tuscan Market in Salem and Tuscan Kitchen locations in Burlington, MA and the Seaport, Boston.  Recently, Joe opened new concepts, Tuscan Sea Grille in Newburyport and Toscana Chop House & Wine Bar in Portsmouth, where he also has a charming Tuscan Market right in Market Square.

In 2016, Tuscan Brands acquired a 170 acre property, formally known as Rockingham Park with the vision of transforming it into a 3.8 million square-feet mixed-use super-regional destination. Known as Tuscan Village, the development has exploded with national brands such as Mass General Hospital, LL Bean, Williams Sonoma, Pottery Barn, Marriott Hotels, over 1,200 luxury residences, and soon a state-of-the art life science campus. Joseph’s vision has come to life as a true destination where people can live, work, stay, and play.

The Tuscan Brands team is now making major investments in its manufacturing facility for scratch product capability and automation. As a result, Artisan Chef Manufacturing Co. is on its way to becoming the most diverse restaurant-quality retail manufacturing enterprises in America.

Joseph has been the recipient of a plethora of awards and important roles including Business New Hampshire Magazine Entrepreneur of the Year, Boston Magazine’s Top 100, UNH’s Wildcat Award, Lifetime Honorary Board of Directors (UNH), Peter T. Paul School of Business & Economics; Former Chairman of the Board, Central Catholic High School. 
 
He also supports the community as a Major Sponsor of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Salem, NH/Lawrence, MA/S. Boston, MA; Major Sponsor of The Lazarus House Shelter (Lawrence, MA); and Cross Roads House Shelter (Portsmouth, NH). 
 
Joseph is part of a long CCHS legacy including mom Mrs. Rose (Pittera '61^SM) Faro, sister Mrs. Deanna R. (Faro '89^SM) Gaiero, wife Mrs. Samantha J. (Parker '87^SM) Faro, son Mr. Joseph H. Faro '16, son Mr. Maximilian P. Faro '18, daughter Ms. Olivia Faro '20, and several nieces and nephews.

This award is bestowed on alumni whose success and achievements in their chosen field serve as an inspiration to the Central Catholic community and provide an inspiring example for our students.

• 2005 Honoree: Dr. George D. LeMaitre '51
• 2005 Honoree: Louise L. Schiavone '68^SM
• 2012 Honoree: Ernest L. Herrman '79
• 2015 Honoree: Richard J. Santagati '61
• 2018 Honoree: Charles F. Daher '67, President, Commonwealth Motors
• 2018 Honoree: Brad M. Damphousse '00, Founder, GoFundMe.com

Mrs. Isis J. Ortiz-Belton '05
Vice President, Portfolio Manager at Eastern Bank 

Mrs. Isis Ortiz-Belton '05 is a financial services and banking professional with over 12 years of credit risk, corporate finance, and underwriting experience. She is currently a Vice President, Portfolio Manager at Eastern Bank, where she manages a portfolio of commercial banking relationships with a broad array of middle market and security alarm companies.
 
Prior to joining Eastern, Isis was Vice President, Portfolio Manager at Citizens Bank, and also held positions at Santander Bank and at John Hancock Financial Services. 

Isis continues to serve as an active community leader and diversity, equity and inclusion champion.
 
She’s a strong advocate for the education and financial literacy of minority students and the rights of women, BIPOC and those identifying as LGBTQ+. Notably, Isis is the President for the Boston chapter of the Association of Latino Professionals for America (ALPFA), the first and largest Latino professional association serving over 100,000 professional and student members across the U.S., Puerto Rico, and Canada.
 
She also sits on the Board of Trustees for Phoenix Charter Academy Network, is a member of the Lawrence Boys and Girls Club Advisory Council, and a Committee Member of the Cummings Foundation. 

While attending CCHS, Isis was a Montagne Scholar, who was very engaged on campus playing volleyball and serving on Amnesty International, Dance Team, Math Club, Student Ambassador and Visions Magazine. Since graduating, Isis has remained involved in the CCHS Alumni Council.

She’s a recipient of the 2014 McCallum Leadership Scholar Award, a 2018 Latinos for Education Board Fellow, a Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce 2021 Boston Future Leaders Fellow, and a 2021 Leaders Engaged and Activated to Drive System-Wide Change (“LEADS”) Lawrence Fellow. Most recently, Isis was recognized as a 2021 Latinx Amplifier, a 2021 Latina Rising Star by the Association of Latino Professionals for America, and co-authored her first book, Extraordinary Latinas.  

Isis holds a B.A. in Mathematics, a B.A. in Business Management from Emmanuel College, a Master of Science Degree in Finance from the New England Institute of Business at Cambridge College, and a Master of Business Administration Degree from Bentley University. Originally from Bayamon, Puerto Rico, Isis lives with her wife in Lawrence, MA.

This award is bestowed on alumni whose emerging professional and personal lives reflect the ideals of Central Catholic and our Marist heritage.

• 2018 Honoree: Michelle Abou-Raad '12, Middle East Stabilization Project
• 2018 Honoree: Jesenia Tejada-Perez '03, Director of Inner-City College Success Program

Ms. Karen E. Moynihan '69^SM
Retired CCHS Educator & Theatre Guild Director
 
When nominating Ms. Karen Moynihan '69^SM for this award, her friend and classmate Mr. John Woelflein III, stated, "Saint Marcellin Champagnat would be proud of one of Central Catholic High School’s finest educators, Karen Moynihan, who observers might say did ordinary things, extraordinarily well over the course of her 37-year teaching career."

As English Department Chair for twenty years, Karen exuded faith each day, inspiring her students and colleagues through her warm, caring manner and dedication to growth. 

She developed and taught A.P. English Language and Composition and Honors English II, challenging CCHS English courses that enabled her students to grow in their reading, writing, speaking, and critical thinking skills. She also assisted in developing the AP English Literature and Composition curriculum, as well as other honors courses, and designed the Summer Reading Program and directed it for over 20 years.

Karen also presented workshops on Digital Storytelling and Ekphrastic Poetry, while generously sharing her units and lesson plans with other teachers in her department, offering her expertise to help newer educators improve their long-range planning, unit plans, lesson plans, materials, texts, and assessments. 

She advanced collegiality among her department members and encouraged teachers of the same courses to plan together to teach to the same outcomes.  

In her 22-year tenure as Theatre Guild Director, she directed thirty-four productions, guiding students to grow in skill, confidence, and creativity. Several current CCHS teachers and administrators themselves benefited from Karen’s teaching and directing skills. 
 
Karen graduated from Merrimack College (MA) and earned a master’s degree from Duquesne University (PA). 

Now retired, Karen continues to contribute to the teaching profession through her research and support to professional organizations. Her work has been recognized by the National Council of Teachers of English and the New England Association of Teachers of English (NEATE). 

To recognize her service to the English teaching profession, including her role as Publication Chair, Karen received the Charles Swain Thomas Award, the most prestigious honor from NEATE. She also published many professional articles for The Leaflet, The English Journal, and The Oregon English Journal. 

Karen, a lifelong resident of Methuen and a 1969 graduate of St. Mary High School, helped fulfill the vocation and work of Saint Champagnat through her professional achievement and dedication to the Marist mission.

This award is bestowed on faculty and staff members whose unabiding love and care for young people continues the mission and work of Saint Champagant. Their example serves as an inspiration to their colleagues and the entire Central Catholic community.

• 2012 Honoree: Bro. Ernest Beland, FMS
• 2012 Honoree: William J. Cowie '59
• 2015 Honoree: Christopher F. Sullivan '81
• 2018 Honoree: Jeanne R. Burns, CCHS Academic Dean
• 2018 Honoree: David M. DeFillippo '66
• 2018 Honoree: Bro. Florentius, FMS, Founder of Central Catholic HS
• 2018 Honoree: Warren W. Hayes '54

Ms. Denise M. Horan
Dedicated Educator, Central Catholic High School & St. Mary High School
 
For 47 years and with a career spanning elementary through high school, Ms. Denise Horan worked to create a welcoming and inclusive educational environment for students, parents, and colleagues.

Denise retired in June 2021 after ministering for 42 years in the Merrimack Valley: 17 years at St. Mary High School and 25 years at Central Catholic High School as both teacher and Guidance Director.
 
Denise earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in History, with minors in Education and Sociology from Salem State College, and then went on to earn Master’s in Education Degree from Boston College. 
 
As both counselor and teacher she recognized that strong relationships are a foundation for learning. Getting to know her students meant being aware of their uniqueness and strengths, challenging them to be their best selves and recognizing their academic, personal, and co-curricular successes.
 
Denise worked to establish clear and consistent expectations for her students, while instilling in them the belief that hard work and perseverance will lead to success in the classroom and in life. For students who struggled academically and/or emotionally, Denise’s patience, good humor, ability to listen, as well as her availability to students outside of class time, positively changed the academic course in the lives of many students. 
 
Co-curricular involvements included working with students as Advisor for Yearbook and Student Government, Retreats and Service Projects and attending many occasions that highlighted student talents and successes.
 
As a history teacher, she challenged students to learn about their personal and historical past and to recognize and understand how it has led to their present world experience, so they are able to work towards a better future for the world.
 
Denise believes simple acts of kindness, love, and patience, are expressions of the Gospel way of life. Over the years, her role and voice in key transitions helped Central Catholic evolve into a stronger and more equitable environment.

Serving as a role model for justice and peace, she has inspired many of her students to become social advocates and positive change agents in the local community. 

This award is bestowed on faculty and staff members whose unabiding love and care for young people continues the mission and work of Saint Champagant. Their example serves as an inspiration to their colleagues and the entire Central Catholic community.

• 2012 Honoree: Bro. Ernest Beland, FMS
• 2012 Honoree: William J. Cowie '59
• 2015 Honoree: Christopher F. Sullivan '81
• 2018 Honoree: Jeanne R. Burns, CCHS Academic Dean
• 2018 Honoree: David M. DeFillippo '66
• 2018 Honoree: Bro. Florentius, FMS, Founder of Central Catholic HS
• 2018 Honoree: Warren W. Hayes '54