2026 Nano Nagle Awards Presented to Two Teachers at St. Norbert Catholic School, Orange, California USA
Among the many awards presented at the May 28th Baccalaureate for 8th Grade graduating students, two teachers were also recognized for the ways they exemplify the mission of Venerable Nano Nagle, the foundress of the Sisters of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary, four of whom founded St. Norbert Catholic School (SNCS). This year, both awardees are alumnae of and long-term teachers at St. Norbert’s.
Students in grades K-3 were asked to draw a picture of how the teacher they were nominating prays with them showing what the teacher is praying or thanking God for. For this quality they selected Mrs. Patty McKimmey, a 1980 SNCS graduate and current Kindergarten teacher who has been at the school for 27 years.
Students in Grades 4-8 were asked to nominate the teacher who has most taught them to trust God and bring their needs to Him in prayer. They chose Mrs. Stevens, a 1986 SNCS graduate and 7th Grade teacher who has been at the school for 19 years.
The Nano Nagle Award has been a tradition at the school since 2009. Recipients are determined by a panel of judges who review redacted nominations. This year’s nominations again reflected that students found Nano’s example in every teacher.
Each recipient received a certificate, check for personal-not classroom use, and a lantern. By day, Nano defied the English Penal Laws to teach Irish children in secret. At night, Nano trudged through the dark streets of Cork, Ireland caring for the poor and sick, becoming known as “the lady of the lantern”. Past winners proudly display this lantern in their classrooms.
Mr. Joseph Ciccoianni, Principal, is committed to keeping the spirit of Nano’s charism and legacy of the Presentation Sisters alive for the all SNCS students. Mr. Ciccoianni said, “One of the great privileges of being principal at St. Norbert Catholic School is the opportunity every year to honor the amazing women who dedicated their lives in service as Sisters of the Presentation of the Blessed Virgin Mary by presenting the Nano Nagle Award to teachers who are keeping the Sister’s legacy – and Nano’s – alive for our children.”
Mrs. McKimmy and Mrs. Stevens proudly display their award certificates and lanterns at the statue of Nano Nagle on the campus of St. Norbert Catholic School, Orange, California