Left, Sister Ruth Ann Meyer with her Excellence in Discovery award; Dave Eck photo. Middle, Sister Genny Volk with her Distinguished Volunteer award; contributed photo. Right, Sister Nancy Raley wih her 2015 Volunteer Service Award; Dave Eck photo
Sister Ruth Ann Meyer received an Excellence in Discovery award from Western Michigan University. A retired math professor at Western Michigan, Sister Ruth Ann helped secure more than $1 million for the school from 2009 until 2011. The money helped fund a program that provides workshops to math teachers across the state.
Sister Paula Gero was awarded the St. Anne Medal by the Diocese of Lansing at a ceremony at St. Mary Cathedral on March 22. The ceremony, conducted by Bishop of Lansing Earl Boyea, honored Scouts and other youth groups for their work on religious awards. Sister Paula accompanied four Girl Scouts who had completed the requirements for the “I Live My Faith” medal. She did not know that the four girls had written tributes to her, and was quite surprised by the honor.
Initiated by the United States Catholic Conference in 1957, the medal recognizes adults who have contributed notable service in developing girls’ activities and who have demonstrated a willingness to serve as a leader of the activities for at least five years.
Sister Paula had previously received the Elizabeth Ann Seton award for similar work.
Sister Genny Volk received the Distinguished Volunteer Award for Sacred Heart Academy at the San Bernardino Catholic Schools Banquet in January.
The award recognizes volunteers who have impacted Catholic schools in the diocese with Gospel values so that students’ lives are filled with hope, and who are held in high regard by members of the school community. Sister Genny volunteers four days a week at the school tutoring younger students in reading and phonics skills.
“I was surprised,” Sister Genny said about receiving the award. “I felt honored that the principal and the teachers had selected me and it’s an indication that what I’m doing is helping the children to learn more in phonics skills and getting them up to par in learning how to read.”
A resident of Redlands, California, Sister Genny began volunteering at Sacred Heart about five years ago. She was looking for an opportunity to volunteer and offered her skills to the school. She ministered in education for about 30 years and then spent about 17 years in spiritual direction and retreat work.
“The children (and parents) at Sacred Heart Academy are so blessed to have Sr. Genny,” said Sacred Heart parent Linda Hook. “Her tutoring helps children that would otherwise be struggling. She does this with a compassionate heart, never expecting recognition. Her award is so well deserved.
Sister Nancy Raley received the 2015 Volunteer Service Award from Catholic Social Services of the Miami Valley during a ceremony on May 12. For 10 years, Sister Nancy has been volunteering at the agency’s Choice Food Pantry and the Development Office. In addition to helping process clients, she writes acknowledgment letters to donors. Sister is a retired dietician and nursing home administrator who worked in nutrition and management in the public sector and for the community. She was on the Community Council for 12 years.