Athena winner named

NUACS

Principal

Sister Sharon

Waldoch

receives award

By RACHEL WEDDIG

Journal Staff Writer

NEW ULM -- A surprised Sister Sharon Waldoch was greeted with a warm and exciting reception on Wednesday as she was presented the 11th Annual Athena Award for her outstanding work as principal of St. Anthony Elementary and Holy Trinity Middle Schools.

The Athena Award is sponsored by the New Ulm Area Chamber of Commerce and Jensen Motors. It was created to recognize and honor the achievements of outstanding professional and business women.

"To me it was like an explosion of people," Waldoch said. "It took me time to get my eyes and my mind to focus to the reality. My whole being is filled with a numb disbelief."

Waldoch said she was at a loss for words, which she admits is a rarity for her.

"I don't know what to say, I'm speechless," Waldoch said. "This is truly unbelievable. It's very rewarding because these women I work with challenge and inspire me."

The Athena Award celebrates women who strive toward the highest levels of accomplishment; women who not only excel in their chosen field but who also open paths so that others may follow.

"The selection committee felt that she was very worthy of the award," said Chamber President Jeanne Albrecht. "She's dedicated to her profession and strives for perfection. She's a very worthwhile recipient."

The Athena sculpture was created to capture and embody, in abstract bronze and crystal, all the strength, wisdom and power of the mythical goddess.

Even though New Ulm Area Catholic Schools (NUACS) Superintendent William Moeller has only served as chief administrator for about three weeks, he worked with Waldoch for six years while on the NUACS School Board.

"I think she's a wonderful recipient," Moeller said. "From what I've worked with her on the school board, she's a very hardworking woman."

Dave Schieffert, Waldoch's boss until his retirement as superintendent of NUACS this year, said she deserved the honor.

"I was very pleased to hear she was selected for the Athena Award," Schieffert said. "She truly deserves the award because of her leadership abilities and skills."

Through the shared vision of Waldoch and many other supporters of NUACS, the construction of a new elementary building became reality in the fall of 1999.

NUACS has also benefitted by the organizational skills of Waldoch through her involvement in fund-raising projects. A few of her notable successes include the Marathon for Non-Public Schools and Magazine Drive which have raised more than $30,000 annually.

Driven by a strong commitment to bridging the gap and promoting communication between parents and educators, Waldoch developed the COAPT Committee, which is a parent, teacher and administrator group.

Waldoch, as a member of the School Sisters of Notre Dame, (SSND) striving to enhance her personal and spiritual growth, became a certified Spiritual Director. Through SSND, she is currently serving on the Stewardship and Renovation Project Committee at Good Counsel in Mankato.

Waldoch received the Bishop's Medal of Service Award for her involvement with the NUACS Building Committee and has been recognized as a Blandin Foundation participant.

NUACS Administrative Assistant Patti Groebner said she has never seen Waldoch react the way she did when friends, co-workers and former Athena recipients strolled into her office to present her with the award.

"She is usually much more talkative," Groebner said. "This was a side of her we had never seen before. Words just usually flow from her. She was just so humble and didn't feel like she was in that class of those who have previously received the award."

Waldoch said the whole experience has been unbelievable.

"It's unbelievable and so humbling," Waldoch said. "I don't put myself there. I admire the women that have been there in the past. It's a wonderful surprise."

As a principal, she is the instructional leader of the school, said Schieffert, and he cited her strong ability to work with her staff in curriculum development.

"She has also been involved in leadership roles with state associations, especially the Minnesota Non-Public School Accrediting Association," Schieffert said. "We are truly proud of her and extend our congratulations to her."