Sister Mary Pauletta Overbeck, OP, was inducted into the Sacred Heart-Griffin Hall of Fame May 22 during SHG graduation ceremonies for the Class of 2011.

Sister Mary Pauletta graduated from Sacred Heart Academy in 1932 and made profession as a Dominican Sister of Springfield in 1935. She began her teaching career at Cathedral Grade School in Springfield, where she remained for 14 years. Sister Mary Pauletta then was assigned to the Church of the Little Flower where she was the founding principal and eighth-grade teacher of the new parish school.

Most recently, Sister Mary Pauletta ministered at Illinois Church Action on Alcohol and Addiction Problems (ILLCAAP) by performing clerical work in their Springfield office and providing inspiration and guidance to all with whom she came in contact. She also served on ILLCAAP board and helped organize their annual meeting.

SHG has $1.2 million in endowed scholarships in Sister Mary Pauletta’s honor given by some of her students. Each year several students whose families could not afford SHG without financial assistance are able to attend because they are awarded the Sister Mary Pauletta Overbeck Scholarship.

During her 76 years as a Dominican Sister, Sister Mary Pauletta has volunteered countless hours of service and received numerous awards. The Hall of Fame committee selected Sister Mary Pauletta as this year’s inductee to recognize the impact she had on students and families.

The SHG Hall of Fame was established in 1995. Nominees must be graduates of Sacred Heart Academy, Cathedral Boys High School or Griffin High School a minimum of 25 years ago. Nominees should reflect efforts above and beyond the duties required of his or her chosen vocation.