Posted March 31, 2014

The Archdiocese of Philadelphia honored four Catholic school graduates with its Distinguished Graduate Awards March 27 at the Crystal Tea Room in Philadelphia. The event honored Catholic school alumni who, through their achievements and commitment to living a Catholic life, best embody the spirit of Catholic education in the archdiocese.

The four honorees were: Bishop Joseph P. McFadden (posthumously), tenth bishop of the Diocese of Harrisburg and a graduate of Our Lady of Lourdes School, Philadelphia, and St. Thomas More High School for Boys, Philadelphia; Brian Zwaan, president, chief operating officer, chief lending officer and director of Penn Liberty Bank and a graduate of St. Denis School in Havertown and Archbishop John Carroll High School in Radnor; Sister Helen Rapine, I.H.M., former principal and president, Bishop Shanahan High School, Downingtown and a graduate of St. Patrick School in Norristown, St. Rose of Lima, Philadelphia and West Catholic High School for Girls, Philadelphia; Eileen Hansen of Hansen Properties and a graduate of St. David School in Willow Grove and Little Flower Catholic High School for Girls, Philadelphia.

Christopher Mominey, chief operating officer and secretary for Catholic education in the archdiocese, was the emcee for the evening. Bishop Michael Fitzgerald and Bishop Daniel Thomas attended and offered prayers.

The All Catholic Jazz Band entertained guests. Charlie Harrison, a student at Archbishop Carroll High School, sang the National Anthem and Matthew Kelly of Archbishop Ryan High School performed on the piano during dinner. (Photos by Sarah Webb)