The fall foliage was radiant, and the sun was shining upon us as the 13th annual Seton Scholarship Dinner commenced on Nov. 5, 2023, at the Riverhouse in East Haddam. This year, we honored the commitment of those involved in our diocesan Catholic school system, while enjoying the melodious voices of the Sacred Heart School (Taftville) Choir as they filled the room singing “God Bless America” and “Panis Angelis.” We were also amazed by the wonderful essay written by Sacred Heart School student Maya Casaol, whose award-winning essay was titled “What a Catholic Education Means to Me.”

Recognizing the exceptional work of our educators, in 2010, Bishop Cote established the Most Reverend Michael R. Cote, D.D. Award for Contributions to Catholic Education in the Diocese of Norwich.  Three individuals who have made significant contributions to Catholic education in the Diocese of Norwich are honored each year. This year’s honorees were Sister Mary Cabrini SCMC, Sacred Heart School, Taftville: Lt. Col. (ret.) Larry Fitzgerald, Sacred Heart School, Groton and St. John Paul II Regional School, Middletown; and Jayne Anne Vitale, Xavier High School, Middletown. The proceeds from the Seton Scholarship Dinner will assist our diocesan elementary school students with tuition.

We would like to thank our honorees for their commitment to Catholic education, all those who attended this important event to celebrate our awardees, our sponsors and those who purchased an ad for our program book or donated a silent auction gift.