The Archdiocese of Boston Catholic Schools Office announced this week that longtime East Boston Central Catholic School (EBCCS) educator, Sharon Rozzi, will be honored as a 2018 Archdiocese of Boston Excellence in Education Award recipient.

Rozzi, the school’s longtime fifth-grade teacher, was nominated for the award by administrators, staff, pastors, parents and students from the EBCCS community. The Excellence in Education Award Selection Committee then reviewed over 100 nominations and after an exhaustive process chose Rozzi as one of ten finalists that will be honored at a luncheon in May hosted by Cardinal Sean O’Malley and Superintendent of the Archdiocese of Boston Catholic Schools Kathy Mears.

“Her commitment to her students, her faith, her family, and our school are unmatched,” said EBCC Principal Robert Casaletto, adding that the annual award honors elementary and secondary school teachers’ commitment to developing saints and scholars within Catholic Schools in the Archdiocese.

Rozzi will also receive $1,500 check at the May luncheon.

“This year’s award winners represent extraordinary teachers who go above and beyond every day to educate our students,” said Mears. “They are committed to developing saints and scholars. These awards shine a bright light on the incredible work happening in our schools. On behalf of the Catholic Schools Office and the Catholic Schools Foundation, we applaud the recipients for their initiative, innovation and commitment.”

Rozzi has been a teacher at EBCCS for over 30 years. Both her children attended Catholic schools and followed in her footsteps to become teachers. Her daughter, Lauryn Rozzi, now serves as the first-grade teacher at EBCCS.

“Mrs. Rozzi has a gift for making children enjoy being in school every day,” said Casaletto. “She has a knack for reaching every student, from the most advanced to the one who struggles most. Her love for them is evident in the way she will arrive early in the morning, give up her lunch, and stay after school to help her students.”

Along with her duties as a classroom teacher, Rozzi has taken on many other challenges at EBCCS. She is the Level Chairperson for grades 4 through 8 and the NWEA Map Testing Coordinator for her school. Rozzi is also a member of the Administrative Council whick determines the policies and procedures at the school. Her commitment to her faith is evidenced through daily prayer in the classroom and her role as Liturgical Committee Chairperson.

Rozzi is also a devoted member of the Sacred Heart Parish in Eastie where she attends Mass weekly. She serves as their Religious Education Director and as a Eucharistic Minister. Rozzi has devoted countless hours to the sacramental preparation of her students and serves as the Protecting God’s Children Coordinator. Both at EBCCS and at Sacred Heart Parish, she has been responsible for VIRTUS training of volunteers and staff.

“Teachers are at the heart of Catholic education and CSF is honored to help support the Excellence Awards and recognize a few of these amazing women and men,” said Mike Reardon, Executive Director of the Catholic Schools Foundation. “We are grateful to share in the work that they do each day in classrooms across the Archdiocese.”