Xavier’s reputation for academic and co-curricular excellence is a testament to the hard work and dedication of countless elementary and middle school teachers. On April 30th, Xavier welcomed more than 150 guests, including 28 honorees, to 16th Street for the fifth annual Ignatian Educator Awards, a night that celebrates the amazing work of some of New York City's finest elementary and grammar school teachers.

Xavier's freshman English students, with help from Department Chair Ms. Margaret Gonzalez, had the opportunity to submit essays to Mr. Jonathan Cambras, Xavier's Director of Admissions. They described their favorite teacher and the qualities that made that educator great. Those teachers were invited to a special awards ceremony in the Xavier Commons, where excerpts of the students' nominations were read.

Mr. Michael LiVigni, Xavier’s Headmaster, addressed the recipients with heartfelt gratitude. He remarked, “Although each of us knows that the real reward of teaching is that simple moment when you know…you honestly know...that you have taught a child something new, it is still fitting that from time to time we pause to acknowledge some of the truly remarkable ways teachers touch the lives of their students. The acknowledgement that you receive tonight is even more special because it comes from the students whose very lives you have changed in individual and personal ways.” Mr. LiVigni, and the rest of the Xavier community, is indebted to these teachers who have gone above and beyond in service to their students.

"It's truly amazing to see our guys speak so highly about teachers they had before they started here," said Mr. James Cappabianca '05, Xavier’s Associate Director of Admissions. "As educators at Xavier, we only hope to emulate the good work done by these amazing teachers."

Xavier's freshman writers selected their favorite teachers for a number of reasons. Many teachers were funny, others were organized and stressed hard work and that students should take pride in their work. Some were described as teachers who took time outside of class to get to know their students in very real ways. "In contrast to the unique nature of each essay, there was a consistent message within every submission - the ability of the teachers to have a real and lasting impact on the students they teach, and the passion they have for their subject was clearly felt," Mr. Cappabianca said.

Xavier extends its most sincere and heartfelt thanks to those educators recognized at the ceremony. To see a complete album of pictures (Harisch Studios) from the awards, see our Flickr page.