It has been a tradition since 2003 that during the celebration of Catholic Schools Week, St. Joseph School presents a special “Partners in Education” award to a person or persons who’ve made a significant impact on the school community. This year we are pleased to present this award to Mrs. Joan Comeau and Mr. Richard Skrocki.
Mrs. Joan Comeau, LCHS is a member of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem, a papal organization with her designation being Lady Commander of the Holy Sepulchre. She is a graduate of Regis College, BA, Worcester State College, MA, American International College, CAGS, and Anna Maria College, MA. Currently retired, she served the Town of Oxford for twenty-nine years as a teacher and Elementary School Principal where she was president of the Oxford Education Association, as well as president of the Alpha Alpha Chapter of Delta Kappa Gamma International. In retirement, she became the Director of Religious Education for St. Joseph Basilica, St. Aloysius Parish in Gilbertville, MA and St. Brigid Parish in Millbury, MA. She was privileged to be named by Bishop McManus a Pastoral Associate at Notre Dame/Sacred Heart Parish in Southbridge, MA where she served during the merger of those two parishes. During this time, she represented Deanery VII as a member of the Diocesan Pastoral Council. Her contributions to local government include serving as a member of the Town of Webster Master Plan Committee, By-Law Committee, and as chairperson of the Planning Board. She was managing editor of Our Gift Our Legacy, St. Joseph Parish’s Renovation Book and a project director for St. Joseph Basilica Parish 125th Anniversary Book. In 2000, she received an Appreciation Award at Webster’s Annual Women’s Recognition Night, and in 2002 she was the recipient of the St. Joseph Parish Ministry Award. She was also honored to be included in the 1996-1997 edition of Who’s Who in Executives and Professionals.
Mr. Skrocki has been an educator for 48 years. He started his career at St. Joseph School in 1970 and plans on culminating his career at St. Joseph School as well. He’s taught in the Webster and Dudley-Charlton Public School systems at the elementary, junior high, and high school levels. He’s also taught college students and night classes for local adults. He attended Bartlett High School as well as Franklin Pierce University where he earned a degree in Biology. He later went on to earn a master’s degree in Education with a concentration in Technology from Lesley University and a master’s degree with a concentration in Administration from Worcester State University. Mr. Skrocki has taught many different subjects from Science, Pre-Engineering, Health, Biology Computer Aided Design, Computer Programming Languages, Nature Study, and Computer Repair. He’s also taught many students of diverse backgrounds and cultures and takes pride in the success of his students. In addition to teaching for 48 years, he has coached basketball – starting the boys basketball program at St. Joseph School – as well as coaching soccer and track & field. Plus, he’s been a basketball official for 27 years. His family is his most important asset, beginning with his wife Jacqueline, sons Brian and Andrew, and his granddaughters Olivia and Vivienne.
The awards were presented to Mrs. Comeau and Mr. Skrocki by Bishop Robert McManus. On behalf of the St. Joseph School family, we extend our congratulations to these two special people! May they enjoy many of God’s blessings in their ministry to serve St. Joseph School and Parish.
