At Saint Joseph School, volunteers are the heart of our community, and their selfless dedication is deeply appreciated. Therefore, each year, we recognize one or more outstanding individuals who go above and beyond to support the school by presenting them with the Saint Joseph the Worker Volunteer of the Year Award. This award honors those whose time, talents, and commitment make a meaningful difference in the life of our school.
Recipients of this prestigious award embody Saint Joseph’s values—humility, service, and dedication to hard work. Their contributions reflect the very essence of our school: to foster a community grounded in faith, learning, and love. We are incredibly grateful for all they do, and we are excited to continue celebrating those who devote their time and energy to making our school such a wonderful place.
Saint Joseph School is thrilled and filled with joy to announce that Eva and Jacek Podgorny are this year’s recipients of the Saint Joseph the Worker Volunteer of the Year Award. Their achievements bring us all a sense of shared pride and joy.
Eva and Jacek have been pillars of the Saint Joseph School community for many years, offering their time, energy, and skills in numerous capacities. Their contributions have significantly enriched our school, inspiring us all with their dedication and service.
Eva and Jacek were married in October 2001 and have made their home in Oxford, MA. It was always important to them that their children attend Catholic school to build a solid academic and spiritual foundation. Together, they have three boys—Sebastian, Adam, and Max—who all attended Saint Joseph School from PreK-3 through 8th Grade.
Today, Sebastian is a junior at Assumption University, Adam is a junior at Marianapolis Preparatory School, and Max is a freshman there. Jacek also has a daughter, Olga, whose two daughters also attended Saint Joseph School.
Since joining the Saint Joseph School community in 2007, Eva has been a dedicated volunteer for the Home and School Association, serving in various roles. Over the years, she has contributed to nearly every event the school has held, including auctions, book fairs, Migration Mass events, spaghetti dinners, teacher luncheons, sports banquets, and festivals. She has also organized paint nights, financial literacy classes, and the extremely successful comedy night earlier this year.
Jacek has also been a steady presence at the school and parish, volunteering at the Parish Festival, Corpus Christi picnic, and gym dedication. He chaired the bar at the festival and even stepped in as a soccer referee when needed. But most importantly, Jacek’s unwavering support for Eva’s volunteer work, always caring for things at home so she could help the school whenever possible, is a testament to the warmth and support within our school community.
Together, their favorite contribution was working on the banquet for the Gym Dedication, the first event they worked on together—believing it was an opportunity to give a little bit of themselves during such a big moment in the school’s history.
Eva and Jacek’s dedication and service have left an indelible mark on our school community. Their tireless efforts have significantly enriched our school, and we are deeply grateful for their service. Their story is a testament to the power of volunteerism and the difference it can make. We are honored to present them with the 2024 Saint Joseph the Worker Volunteer of the Year Award, a recognition of their outstanding contributions that have made our school a better place for all.
