On Sunday, October 1st, the Saint Joseph School community proudly gathered at Family Mass to present their Volunteer of the Year Award. The award is named in honor of Saint Joseph the Worker and is presented annually to a volunteer who provides exemplary service to students, parents, faculty, and staff.
The 2023 recipient is Mr. Eddie Rosario from Webster, MA. Mr. Rosario has impacted the Saint Joseph School community since 2004. One of his most significant impacts has been on the results of our Polish festival, where his hard work and dedication before, during, and after the events have undoubtedly contributed to its success. Whether soliciting donations, maintaining the grounds, or breaking down booths days after the events, he was an integral part of its continued success.
This past year, Mr. Rosario played an essential role in the kitchen by recruiting volunteers to cook and securing food donations. And although he could not be present for the festival, he checked in regularly throughout the day – eager for updates. He has always been an active participant at festival planning meetings and has never been shy about expressing his opinions and sharing his ideas.
For many years, he was also involved in the Saint Joseph School Athletics program. He’s coached the junior varsity and varsity boys’ basketball teams and, recently, a crucial volunteer at cross country meets – volunteering to staff the course to ensure our students’ safety.
In 2021, Mr. Rosario became the Vice Chairperson of the Saint Joseph School Home and School Association and was the driving force in organizing movie events during school vacations – which has become very popular with students and their families.
Mr. Rosario also excelled in securing donations for gift card calendar raffles and other fundraising endeavors. But in addition to securing donations, he was incredible at raising money for the school. If a fund-raiser involved selling raffle tickets or tickets to events, he was always the top seller.
Finally, this past year, Mr. Rosario was instrumental in organizing the Beer and Wine tasting event, which raised funds for our 7th & 8th Grade students who participated in the Washington D.C. trip.
Our recipient’s priority has always been the students at Saint Joseph School. He’s never said no whenever asked to help – whether it was plumbing repairs, grilling hot dogs and hamburgers at school picnics, and much, much more, he has worked tirelessly and without hesitation.
As we know, God is found in our work. If we do it well, like the man who quietly taught Jesus to be a carpenter, we give glory to God. Saint Joseph, the Worker, stands by our side to encourage us toward the reward our work will earn. Mr. Rosario genuinely deserves this award. Saint Joseph School would like to thank him for his dedication to Catholic education and his generosity of time, talent, and charitable work for the school community.
