By Jay Sorgi • Posted October 24, 2025

You’re doing something right if students say your “enthusiastic energy and kind smile” help make “every class into something to look forward to,” even amidst academic challenges.

Conwell-Egan Catholic High School in Fairless Hills, Bucks County has recognized these God-given gifts in Diane Schuler, and awarded the Spanish teacher and chair of the school’s World Language Department with the 2025 Brother Lawrence J. Hilferty, T.O.R., Faculty Service Award during the school’s Wall of Fame gala on Sept. 25.

“I am a mom, and I feel like these students are my extended family,” said Schuler, who has taught for nine years at the school.

“I just want everyone to feel comfortable because I feel like especially in the classroom, students are more successful when they’re comfortable because they’re not afraid to grow.”

“She’s just incredible. If there was a teacher all-star game, she would be at the top of our list,” said Conwell-Egan President Matthew Fischer.

“That was the reason we decided on her for this year, for her dedication to the students inside of the classroom. It’s just the preparation that she puts in and the dedication that she has to this calling of being a teacher.”

The award is the second Conwell-Egan has bestowed in honor of Brother Hilferty during the school’s annual Wall of Fame induction night.

“Last year, we decided we would begin honoring an active faculty member each year to engage our faculty in what is our marquee event of the school year. When Brother Larry’s name came up, it became a pretty easy and consensus decision to name it after him,” said Fischer.

“Brother Larry was one of the last two Franciscans that were here on campus, from 1985 through the 2017 school year as a theology teacher. He was the moderator of our Ladies Association of Conwell-Egan, which is still strong today. We decided to create this award, name it after Brother Larry, and honor a teacher for their dedication and commitment to our school community.”

Choosing this “all-star” for the award seemed obvious when both current and prospective students provide the feedback they do about Schuler and her ability to engage and care.

“It’s just the environment she creates,” Fischer said.

He shared the story of how a graduate of the school visited with his son for a recent open-house tour, and upon meeting Schuler described her as “incredble.”

Students have shared how Schuler’s combination of kindness and energy make it easy to call her incredible.

“Mrs. Schuler is the kind of teacher who knows how to make school welcoming and bring students closer,” said Sarah Beck, a junior at Conwell-Egan. “She always brings good vibes and shows it through her love for dancing and singing.”

“I’m always bopping around, I guess,” Schuler admits with a laugh. “I have them dance maybe twice, three times, but for some reason, the fact that I’ve done it is impactful because most teachers don’t invite their students to dance. It’s something they’re comfortable with.”

“Mrs. Schuler was one of the most fun and creative teachers I’ve ever had,” said Kiley Delfin, a member of the graduating class of 2025.

“Mrs. Schuler is always full of energy and helped make me interested in learning the language,” added Eliana Molic, a freshman. “If I don’t understand what she is teaching, she is always the first person to help.”

And that’s just a sampling of the praise heaped upon the humble mother of four adult children and Spanish-language second mom to hundreds inside the school walls.

“That’s important to me, and I think it’s important to them because for some of them, they might not get as much attention or support at home because moms and dads are busy,” Schuler said.

“It was always important for my children, so I guess I kind of take on a role as a mom. I work really hard to create a sense of community that we’re one class, we’re one unit, and we work together.”

Schuler also embodies the importance of personal, compassionate presence in an age where students are encountering more anxiety and mental health challenges than ever.

“I think that it is important here that they feel seen,” said Schuler. “I had gone on Kairos (retreats) and a few of the students told me they didn’t feel seen. That made me overwhelmed and sad because I thought everyone deserves to be seen and celebrated.”

This approach to education comes from a belief in instilling a God-filled loving presence that Catholic schools can uniquely offer.

“I love the mission. I love God. I’ve always attended Catholic schools. My children attended Catholic schools,” she said. “I can’t imagine not teaching in a Catholic school. I just wouldn’t teach, probably because I feel like this is home for me.”