Notre Dame High School hosted its annual Alumni Awards Reception on July 29.
The Awards Reception kicked off the Annual Alumni Weekend activities that included a golf tournament, an Every Class Bash, individual class reunions, a Golden Grads Brunch and an Alumni Mass at Sts. Peter & Paul Catholic Church.
Honored at this year’s awards reception were Mr. George Valadie and Mr Johnny Hennen.
Principal Perry Storey opened the event with prayer and welcomed the award recipients and their family and friends.
The Jim Phifer Service Award,was presented to Mr. Johnny Hennen. Mr. Hennen is a member of the Notre Dame Class of 1964. He was honored for his constant support of Notre Dame and Catholic Education in Chattanooga. Helen Phifer, wife of the late Mr. Phifer, and her son, Tom Phifer presented the award. Mr. Phifer remarked that his father was a great leader because he was a great servant. He praised Johnny Hennen for being a great servant in the community and a great Notre Dame alumus.
Veronica Seaman, Notre Dame alumni director, thanked Mr. Hennen for his service and for always saying yes when help is needed. Mr. Hennen said, "I am humbled and honored to receive this award because I know what Coach Phifer meant to Notre Dame.”
Mr. George Valadie, was this year’s recipient of the Notre Dame High School Distinguished Alum Award. This award is given annually to an alum of Notre Dame who displays citizenship and community service, exhibits strong leadership skills, has attained notable personal or professional achievement and reflects and supports the mission of Notre Dame High School.
Mr. Valadie was a teacher and coach at Notre Dame from 1975 to 1979. He later served as vice-principal from 1981 to 1985. In 1985 he became Principal of Our Lady of Perpetual Help School, then returned to Notre Dame as Alumni & Development director from 1988 to 1993. He is currently the principal of St. Benedict Catholic High School in Cordova, Tn.
When presenting the award, Veronica Seaman noted that Mr. Valadie was responsible for the first Alumni Weekend when he started the annual Golden Grads reunion in 1988. She said that Mr. Valadie is known as a "brilliant man who is a leader and visionary.”
Mr. Valadie thanked the alumni council for the award and thanked his family for their support. He recalled that Mr. Jim Phifer was the reason he became a teacher.
Comments...
Gary R. Pangle
says... Posted Tuesday, September 07, 2010
Congratulations to Johnny and my Classmate George Valadie for their outstanding achievements and recognition for their professional and community achievements.
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