‘I love everyone here’
Teacher at St. Francis/Holy Ghost Catholic School in Jerseyville wins 2023 St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Award 
By ANDREW HANSEN
Editor

It was 9 a.m. on Tuesday, May 2. The Father Hembrow Center Gymnasium at St. Francis/Holy Ghost Catholic School in Jerseyville was packed with students, faculty, staff, priests, Bishop Thomas John Paprocki, and friends and family of Lisa Evans, a fourth-grade teacher at the school.

Those in the gym knew why all these people were together except Evans, at least at first, but that soon changed when she walked in and saw family and friends, and then it was announced that she was the winner of the 2023 St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Award in the Diocese of Springfield in Illinois during a surprise assembly. Everyone erupted in applause as Evans came forward shocked, and Bishop Paprocki presented her with the award.

“I am so humbled and honored with all that I have received today, and I am so thankful that Jesus gives me the strength to give you all the strength to do what we do every day to follow Him,” Evans said during her speech. “I love everyone here.” 

Evans began teaching at St. Francis/Holy Ghost School in 2004 and completed her 19th year as a fourth-grade teacher there. Before that, Evans previously taught at Grafton Elementary School in the Jersey Community Unit School District. Evans is married to Pete and has three children and two grandchildren. They are parishioners of Holy Ghost Catholic Church.

The St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Award recognizes one Catholic teacher who is making a big difference in the classroom, who authentically lives out what it means to be Catholic and instills the Catholic faith into her students, and who embodies St. Elizabeth Ann Seton, who founded Catholic schools in the United States.

The Office for Catholic Schools and Office for Communications for the Diocese of Springfield in Illinois, organizers of the award, received nearly 100 nominations from across the diocese from principals, teachers, parents, priests, previous students, and current students this year. The Office for Catholic Education then narrowed the list to five finalists (which Catholic Times presented in the April 30 edition) before selecting Evans as the winner. 

One of the most touching moments from the surprise assembly came after Evans was presented the award as each of her 33 current students gave her a hug. 

“I am so close to God, and I just feel closer, and I didn’t think that was possible,” Evans said. 

A common theme throughout the nominations for Evans was that she left a profound impact on students and parents and that she instills the values of our faith into students and authentically lives out the Catholic faith. 

“My son always loved coming to school each day,” said Lynn Goetten, a parent of a student. “Mrs. Evans gave him a sense of belonging and feeling important. I feel that she is a true leader. Her compassion for students and love for learning makes her an excellent candidate for this award.”

“Mrs. Evans continually shows compassion for my son and teaches him how a true Catholic lives every day,” said Jessica Ray, a parent of a student. “She has changed the outlook of school for him this year. He is excited to attend because of Mrs. Evans.”

“Mrs. Evans was a fantastic religion teacher,” said Covelynn Geisler, a previous student. “Everything she taught in religion class I understood and have a clearer relationship with Jesus Christ. She had so many great stories about things she has experienced and turned them into great life lessons I will never forget. She will always be one of my favorite religion teachers ever!” 

“Mrs. Evans is a fantastic example of our Catholic faith to our children, both during the school day where she prays the rosary with them and guides them to be a model of the Father's love, and also when we see her as an active presence in our parish on the weekends and throughout the year at various events,” said Laura McNicholas, a parent of a student. “She is joyful, thoughtful, intentional, and loving in her interactions with students.”

There are 43 Catholic schools in the diocese (36 elementary, seven high schools). Stay tuned in early 2024 as Catholic Times will announce how to submit a teacher for the 2024 St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Award.