2

Schools work to include special-needs students

Diocese of Knoxville educators accommodate children with a wide range of learning needs                  By Gabrielle Nolan The Diocese of Knoxville has been serving students with special learning needs for more than 20 years. The Office of Catholic Schools’ Special Services Handbook, which is revised every five years, is “a living …

St. Joseph School community mourns loss of beloved member

Alvin Ault, a gentle jokester who ‘always had a twinkle in his eye,’ killed in accident at his home near campus           By Bill Brewer The St. Joseph School community is mourning the loss of a valued member whose spirit and devotion to the school lifted students, faculty, and parents …

Annunciation image from hospital finds new life

St. Joseph School claims marble statues of Mary and Gabriel, saves them from St. Mary’s demolition             By Bill Brewer Something old is new again and is serving as an inspiration to students and faculty alike at St. Joseph School in Knoxville thanks to St. Mary’s Memorial Hospital. As demolition of …

Sister Jolita fundraiser turns 20 years old in 2021

The beloved former St. Joseph School teacher is remembered for her love of students—and of Ireland By Dan McWilliams St. Joseph School in Knoxville is hosting the 20th annual Sister Jolita Supper & Sing-Along from noon to 5 p.m. Saturday, March 20. Because of the COVID pandemic, the event will …

Bishop blesses new addition at St. Joseph School

By Bill Brewer St. Joseph School is marking its continued growth with the opening of a new wing that will serve middle-school students. Bishop Richard F. Stika celebrated Mass at the North Knoxville school Sept. 21 and blessed the addition that opened in August with the new school year. Joining …

Fathers, sons make Stations of the Cross come alive

St. Joseph students portray the same roles as their dads in the Passion during Holy Week re-enactments By Bill Brewer The living Stations of the Cross and Passion, which are held in several Diocese of Knoxville parishes during Holy Week, had an especially familial flavor this year. As Jorge Quiroz …

St. Joseph girls basketball team has perfect season, 26-0

By Dan McWilliams The St. Joseph School varsity girls basketball team recently completed a perfect season, going 26-0 and winning the Knoxville Independent School League regular-season and tournament championships, each for the second straight year. The Lady Bulldogs defeated The King’s Academy Lady Lions 23-17 in the tourney championship game. …

Bishop Stika celebrates the saints with students at St. Joseph School

Bishop Richard F. Stika took the opportunity to discuss one of his favorite subjects — saints — with a school full of eager students during a visit to St. Joseph School on Nov. 3. Bishop Stika celebrated Mass at the North Knoxville school on the first school day after All …

Two St. Joseph teachers honored

Two teachers at St. Joseph School in Knoxville were honored in October. First-grade teacher Cathy Sompayrac was named the B97.5 teacher of the month, and middle school religion and language arts teacher Joe Aboumoussa was honored as the WBIR educator of the week.

Catholic school leaders named to Loyola Marymount leadership cohort

By Sedonna Prater Catholic Extension and Loyola Marymount University are partnering to offer a certificate leadership program to Catholic school leaders, such as assistant principals and rising instructional leaders. The educational program, offered through Loyola Marymount’s Catholic School Leadership Academy, provides professional training that is specific to Catholic schools by …

Notre Dame High’s Howie Sompayrac moves to St. Joseph

Notre Dame High School’s Howie Sompayrac resigned as athletics director April 8 after 15 years in the position. Mr. Sompayrac has accepted a job at St. Joseph School in Knoxville, where he will be the director of School Advancement. His wife, Cathy, has been offered an elementary teaching position there …