Boylan Catholic High School will honor individuals who embody the spirit and mission of the school at the Alumni Recognition Awards taking place this Thursday, September 26th at 5:30 p.m. in the Boylan Bachrodt Center.
The following awards will be conferred to celebrate the outstanding personal and professional achievements of members of the Boylan community:
- The Veritas, the school’s highest honor, recognizes alumni of Boylan and our heritage schools St. Thomas and Muldoon who exemplify Boylan’s mission of service in their community. It will be conferred on Joseph (St. Thomas '60) and Carolyn "Cookie" Gasparini Scandroli (Muldoon '62) have been named the 2024 recipients of the Veritas Award, the school’s highest honor. The Veritas Award recognizes individuals whose lives exemplify the values of faith, service, and generosity – qualities that Joe and Cookie have embodied throughout their lives. Joe, former president of Scandroli Construction, has helped shape Rockford with key projects, including Boylan Catholic High School, the Rockford Public Library, and many local churches. Alongside him, Cookie has dedicated herself to her family, community volunteering, and supporting Boylan’s mission. Their lifelong commitment to Catholic education and community service has left an indelible mark on both Boylan and the broader Rockford community.
- Honorary Alumnus status, which is given to non-graduates who demonstrate the same qualities as the Veritas but are not graduates. The Honorary Alumnus will be conferred on Paul Heitkamp and Father William Etheredge. Paul Heitkamp, Boylan’s Athletic Director, has dedicated 36 years to shaping both the academic and athletic experiences of countless students. His tireless efforts to ensure Boylan's athletic facilities are well-maintained and his commitment to Catholic education make him a true Titan. Father William Etheredge, a former theology teacher, assistant principal, and spiritual director at Boylan, has devoted his life to Catholic education and spiritual leadership. His work in launching the Kairos Retreat program continues to inspire spiritual growth across the diocese.
- The Outstanding Teacher Award, is given each year to current or past faculty members who have displayed exemplary dedication and impact on their students. It will be conferred on Katie Schmid '84. With 16 years of service in the Career and Technical Education department, Katie has inspired countless students with her dedication to teaching subjects such as consumer education, economics, and entrepreneurship. Her deep commitment to Boylan, both as an educator and a parent of five Boylan graduates, reflects her passion for shaping the future. We also celebrate Sr. M Beatrix O.S.F. and Sr. M Corneil O.S.F., posthumous recipients of the 2024 Outstanding Teacher Award. These two remarkable Sisters of St. Francis were instrumental in Boylan’s foundation in 1960, guiding students and faculty through the school’s early decades. Their leadership in academics, the arts, and curriculum development continues to leave an enduring legacy on Boylan’s tradition of excellence.
- The Alumni Excellence Award, given to alumni who make a difference in their community, church or business:
- Linda Sheridan Underwood ‘74. With a remarkable 47-year career as a registered nurse specializing in critical care, emergency, and flight nursing, Linda's dedication to healthcare extends far beyond our borders. Since 1998, she and her husband John have led over 50 medical missions to southern Haiti, providing essential care to thousands in one of the most underserved regions of the world. Linda’s unwavering commitment to service exemplifies the values of compassion, community, and faith in action that Boylan Catholic strives to instill in all its students.
- Jeffrey Hohn ’87. Jeffrey, who currently serves as the College and Career Counselor at Boylan, has dedicated his life to education, from teaching in the Peace Corps in Micronesia to guiding students at his alma mater. His passion for helping young people succeed academically and in their future careers exemplifies Boylan’s commitment to excellence and community service.
- J. Hanley ’96. J., who currently serves as the Winnebago County State’s Attorney, has dedicated his career to public service and justice. After serving as an Assistant United States Attorney in Arizona, J. returned to Rockford to continue his commitment to his community. His leadership, integrity, and deep-rooted passion for helping others truly embody the mission of Boylan Catholic High School.
- Kevin Haas ’00. Kevin’s 20-year career as a journalist for the Rockford Register Star and his leadership at the Rock River Current have made a lasting impact on local news. A champion of business and community storytelling, Kevin has reshaped the way Rockford is covered in the media. In addition to his journalistic accomplishments, Kevin is an accomplished stand-up comedian, showcasing his creativity and wit on stages across the region.
- Courtney Hannel Hand ’00. A former captain of Boylan’s varsity soccer team, Courtney went on to play Division I soccer at DePaul University, where she graduated from the Strobel Honors Accounting Program. After a successful career in accounting, Courtney felt called to focus on her family and community. Today, she is a dedicated mother of four, an active parishioner, and a passionate advocate for children with special needs, serving on the Crystal Lake Elementary School District Board. Courtney's life of service and faith exemplifies the values of leadership and compassion fostered at Boylan Catholic.
- Linda Sheridan Underwood ‘74. With a remarkable 47-year career as a registered nurse specializing in critical care, emergency, and flight nursing, Linda's dedication to healthcare extends far beyond our borders. Since 1998, she and her husband John have led over 50 medical missions to southern Haiti, providing essential care to thousands in one of the most underserved regions of the world. Linda’s unwavering commitment to service exemplifies the values of compassion, community, and faith in action that Boylan Catholic strives to instill in all its students.
- The Young Alumnus Award, given to alumni who have graduated within the last fifteen years, will be conferred on Sarah Knodle ’11. Sarah has distinguished herself in the field of physical therapy, working with trauma and burn patients at OSF St. Anthony Medical Center in Rockford. A dedicated volunteer, Sarah has been actively involved with the Rockford Park District’s Buddy Sports programs since 2009, helping children and teenagers with disabilities build confidence and social skills through sports. Her passion for service and commitment to her community exemplify the values of Boylan Catholic High School.
“The Boylan community members we are honoring at this year’s Alumni Recognition Awards exemplify what it means to be saints, scholars, and champions – not only in their professions but in the way they contribute to the world around them,” said Boylan President Amy Ott. “We are immensely proud to call them Titans, and we celebrate their remarkable achievements and dedication to living out the values we instill at Boylan.”
The Alumni Recognition Awards will begin with a cocktail reception at 5:30 p.m. followed by the awards ceremony at 6:00 p.m. The event is open to all. For more information, please visit https://boylan.org/alumni/alumni-recognition-awards