Celebrating...the volunteers who make great things happen!

In April, Louverture Cleary School celebrated its twentieth anniversary. For the past two decades, LCS has been educating students, changing lives and giving hope to the people of Haiti. Through the guidance of the Holy Spirit, the leadership of the Board and Staff, and the dedication and commitment of the entire Haitian Project community, much has been accomplished.

At the sixth annual “Big Get Together,” September 7th in Rockford, IL, the Second Annual Volunteers’ Volunteer Awards were presented to two members of The Haitian Project community who exemplify its spirit of commitment and service. A volunteer is defined as: “someone who offers his or her services freely, without monetary reward, and for the benefit of the community.” The Gospel message of Matthew 10:8, embraced by LCS & THP, “What you receive as gift, you must give as gift,” enhances this definition and embraces all our volunteers and community.

The award recipients are community volunteers chosen by their peers, fellow THP Volunteers, as individuals who go above & beyond in their commitment to offering their talents & skills to the Haitian Project. This year Volunteers’ Volunteer award recipients are Mary Jo LeGrand and Cathy Melanson.

Mary Jo (Scordato) LeGrand, served as a 2000-2001 Volunteer Teacher at LCS, and as the THP Director of Development after returning to Rockford following her service in Haiti. Mary Jo is originally from Rockford, IL, and is a graduate of Loras College in Dubuque, IA. Mary Jo, her husband Scott and their daughter Maria are currently living in Somerville, MA while Scott conducts his medical residency at Massachusetts General Hospital. She continues to be an active volunteer, organizing school support, Penny Campaigns, and serving on the THP Schools Committee.

Cathy Melanson is a member of the faculty of Bishop Ireton HS in Alexandria, VA. A first trip to LCS in 2002 to provide classroom training and staff development for the volunteer teachers and faculty of LCS has resulted in her being a regular visitor to LCS, returning several times every year to continue the professional development of our staff. Cathy and her associates at Bishop Ireton have also mentored four mission trips of BI students to LCS. With additional professional skills – a 5th degree blackbelt instructor in Karate and a certified instructor in personal security – she has taken on the task of assisting the LCS security team improve their individual skills, teamwork and alertness.

Cathy and Mary Jo were honored at the Big Get Together in Rockford and the Clambake in Providence in September. We thank them for their ongoing sharing of their talents with LCS/THP, and may the Peace of Christ be with all of our volunteer community who share in our work with the young people of Haiti.