ST. PHILIP NERI CATHOLIC SCHOOL TEACHER WINS EDUCATOR OF THE YEAR
October 2, 2015, Midwest City, OK: St. Philip Neri Catholic School teacher, Mrs. Monica Schmidlkofer, is the recipient of the 2015 Archbishop Paul S. Coakley Educator of the Year Award. Officials made the announcement Friday afternoon after reviewing nominations forms submitted by the entire Archdiocese of Oklahoma City.
According to nomination criteria, the award is presented to an individual involved with Catholic School education in the Archdiocese and recognizes one person who truly represents the Mission Statement of Catholic Education: the development of the whole person of the student, spiritually, intellectually, personally, socially and physically.
Schmidlkofer is a graduate of the Northeastern State University and is certified with the Oklahoma State Department of Education. “I am honored to be in the company of the other two finalists: Mr. Brian Boeckman of Mt. St. Mary and Mrs. Robin Bailor of St. Mary’s in Guthrie,” humbly stated after the presentation of the award among her colleagues.
Principal Brenda Tener recommended the middle school teacher noting her 21 year tenure in Catholic schools- 17 of which have been with St. Philip Neri. Tener felt the announcement was landmark for the school’s history, “To our knowledge, this is the first time a St. Philip Neri educator has received this prestigious award. It is not only well deserved, but a great testament to the quality education provided by our school.”
When Tener was asked to describe Schmidlkofer in one word the Principal replied, “To define Monica Schmidlkofer in one word would be an impossible task. She is amazing, intelligent, creative, intuitive, committed, compassionate, and overflowing in love for this school, her peers, her students, and is truly a disciple of Christ.”
[left to right] Ms. Amanda Herron, Mrs. Toni Outhier, Mr. Dylan McHugh, Mrs. Carol Burns, Mrs. Monica Schmidlkofer, Mrs. Sue Hawkins, Principal Brenda Tener and Mrs. Carol Burns.