(Mr. Christopher Barczak)
Adamstown, MD – The Baltimore District is pleased to announce Mr. Christopher Barczak of Calvert Hall College High School has been named the 2008-2009 Distinguished Lasallian Educator. Barczak, Calvert Hall class of 1993, is an eleven year Religion Department Faculty member. Highlights of his tenure include serving as the school Lasallian animator, chairing the Lasallian Ministry Committee, organizing a Masters culminating project called the Social Justice Forum which was attended by faculty from Calvert Hall, the Cardinal Gibbons School, St. John’s College High School and La Salle College High School, Baltimore District Council membership, Lasallian Leadership Institute graduate and a delegate to the Young Lasallians Assembly in Rome, Italy. In addition to his numerous activities at Calvert Hall, Barczak is an active member of his community. He serves as an adjunct professor at Loyola College in Maryland, holds certification in Youth Ministry, is a Professional Catechist in the Baltimore Archdiocese and serves in many roles at his parish, St. Ursula Roman Catholic church, from weekend sacristan to serving with his wife as a Pre-Cana team presenter.
Those who nominated Barczak noted many laudatory qualities that made him stand out as an outstanding Lasallian educator. Mr. Louis Heidrick, Principal - Calvert Hall, made note of three distinct characteristics that made him a fine selection for this award. “First, Chris is an excellent teacher. Second, Chris teaches the social justice course and was instrumental in making a service component a part of that course. Finally, Chris is an exemplary person.” Mr. Charles Stembler, Assistant Principal - Calvert Hall, wrote “Chris has also taken a leading role in our Mission Drive. He has moved this program from a “money drive” to an “educational and understanding” endeavor in the school.” Mr. Walter Dobrzyki, Religion Department Chair – Calvert Hall, noted “…his model of care and concern continues to be imitated by his students as many continue their service opportunities in the future beyond the realm of the classroom. This is mark of a true Lasallian, one who models and instills a spirit and zeal that continues for a lifetime.”
Congratulations, Christopher Barczak, for being selected from a pool of excellent educators to be chosen the Distinguished Lasallian Educator for 2008-2009!