Six Distinguished Lasallian Educators (DLEs) were recognized on Thursday, November 21, 2024, during the opening night of the 2024 Huether Lasallian Conference in Baltimore, Maryland. These educators were selected by their Districts for their contributions to the mission and for their exceptional work in touching the hearts and minds of their students, leaving a lasting impression that often goes beyond the classroom.
Click here to see all previous DLE award recipients, dating back to 1987.
District of Eastern North America
Brother Daniel Aubin, FSC
President, Saint John Paul II Academy, Boca Raton, FL
After five decades as a Brother of the Christian Schools, Brother Daniel Aubin’s impact on the Lasallian mission has been diverse, significant and extensive, positively impacting multiple Lasallian ministries including his current assignment at Saint John Paul II Academy. His principal noted, “Brother Dan has served the Lasallian mission with an enduring legacy of passion, dedication and tireless pursuit of educational excellence.”
In each of the ministries in which he has served, including his multiple administrative and leadership positions, Brother Dan has played a pivotal role in shaping the lives of students, accompanying young men discerning a Brother’s vocation and mentoring countless faculty, staff and administrators.
Ed Bernot (On behalf of) Brother Daniel Aubin, FSC
“It is an honor to accept this award for Brother Daniel Aubin, FSC. I join with the entire Saint John Paul II Academy community in congratulating him on receiving this award and on his 50 years as a brother and a very distinguished career as an educator. As a school that has only been officially a La Salle school for less than 10 years, I would say that to our community, this is a really big deal. And as one of a small group of leadership that got to share the news of this award with Brother Dan, I can tell you that he was exceptionally touched and very, very happy about the award, and certainly wishes that he could be here to accept it and proceed.”
Teresa Diamond
Principal, La Salle Academy, Philadelphia, PA
As principal of La Salle Academy for the last 19 years, Teresa Diamond has been instrumental in building the foundation of this 22-year-old San Miguel school. Her deep faith models God’s love for her students. As one colleague shared, “Ms. Diamond lives the core Lasallian Catholic values sharing her love of the Gospel and scriptures with our students daily.”
Teresa’s leadership of the academic program is highlighted by a commitment to academic excellence and the introduction of current and timely new programming, particularly a service-learning program that introduces students to the work of social justice and the impact this work has on the local and global community.
“I am immensely grateful and humbled to receive the Distinguished Lasallian Educator Award. I share this honor with Sister Jeanne, our founding President, Mrs. Maria Walker, our current president, the dedicated teachers, staff (past and present), generous board members and benefactors, faithful Brothers and associates of the District of Eastern North America. Borrowing one of Sister Jeanne’s favorite quotes, ‘No one of us can do what all of us can do together.’ Saint John Baptiste de La Salle encouraged his early Brothers ‘to perform miracles by touching the hearts of those entrusted to their care.’ I pray that I have shared the miracle that is God’s love for us by touching the hearts of those entrusted to my care at La Salle Academy. Our God is a loving God, holding our hearts close to his. I am grateful for the miracles I have received through the goodness and kindness of our students, their families, my colleagues, board members and benefactors as well as all who are brothers and sisters to us in the global Lasallian family for the many, many ways they have touched my heart.”
William Leahy
Grade-Level Counselor and Teacher, La Salle College High School, Wyndmoor, PA
William Leahy’s multidimensional career at La Salle College High School has included serving as a passionate teacher of religion, inspiring assistant campus minister, compassionate guidance counselor and U.S. Lacrosse Hall of Fame-inducted head lacrosse coach.
As La Salle College High School’s principal shared, “Bill’s work has been profoundly transformational. His dedication to building a school community, rooted in the Lasallian values of faith, service and community, is evident in every aspect of his work. He inspires students and colleagues alike to strive for excellence, serve others and embody the principles of a Lasallian education.”
“I find it somewhat providential that almost 40 years ago I walked into the halls of Calvert Hall High School here in Baltimore and unknowingly into a Lasallian life vocation sustained and nourished by the Christian Brothers, the Institute, Lasallian colleagues, parents and students all of whom have blessed me beyond measure. A recognition like this does not happen without my friends and colleagues at La Salle College High School.”
Midwest District
Cheri Broadhead
Principal, Totino-Grace High School, Fridley, MN
Cheri Broadhead has served Totino-Grace High School for 27 years. She started as a theology teacher, then served as vice president of mission and vice principal, and is now principal. She graduated from the Lasallian Leadership Institute, attended District Assemblies and Chapters and served on the Midwest District’s Mission Council.
As principal, Cheri embodies what it means to be Lasallian. She understands that education is never just about the transmission of knowledge – it is about caring for the entire being. She models the expression “Together and by Association.” Totino-Grace is a sacred place and it shows in how Cheri ensures people experience Christ’s presence every day.
“I’m just so grateful. I’m very grateful to be honored in a room full of amazing educators, and I’m so thankful to Brother Milton Barker, FSC, who was my mentor, who really elevated women in leadership and elevated lay people in leadership. And I’m just so thankful to all of the Brothers for sharing their charism with us.”
Emily Vogel
Vice President of Mission and Ministry, De La Salle Institute, Chicago, IL
A former Lasallian Volunteer, Emily Vogel worked at San Miguel Chicago and has spent the past 17 years at De La Salle Institute, where she currently serves as vice president for mission. Her dedication extends well beyond work hours. She has served on the Brother David Darst Center Board, advanced the International Lasallian Women’s movement, participated in international programs in Rome, and led Lasallian Youth gatherings and immersion trips. De La Salle said, “Miracles happen by touching hearts.” Thanks to Emily’s compassion, thousands of miracles have happened in the lives of her students and colleagues.
“I’ve been a Lasallian since I was 15 years old in high school, and it’s really such a large part of my life. (It) has always helped me to make sense of my Catholic identity — to have this community and this family and so many of my greatest mentors have come through my Lasallian experiences. So it’s a great honor to just be a part of the whole 25 years of education. I want to thank my colleagues that are like family to me, that have helped me grow up in many ways, and students that I’m still in contact with. They just make all the long days worth it.”
District of San Francisco New Orleans
Chris Giangregorio
Principal / CEO, De La Salle Academy, Concord, CA
From his days as a student at Saint Mary’s College of California to today as principal/CEO of De La Salle Academy, Chris Giangregorio’s hallmark has been an unfailing commitment to leadership that not only serves our mission but also extends its reach and relevance. His dedication to our Region’s San Miguel schools exemplifies his focus on transforming lives and changing society – a model for learning and living rooted in Chris’ faith in students, desire to serve and determination to make a difference.
“There’s been a recognition of the amount of years of service that I’ve put into Lasallian education, particularly in our San Miguel schools. I’ve taught and been an administrator in three different Districts for 24 years, all at our San Miguel schools, and I feel really passionate for those (schools). I’m honored to represent that part of our Lasallian mission as one of the recipients of the award this year. … I realized that this is not so much a recognition of me, but as to the school that I’ve been at – De La Salle Academy in Concord — and the small community that we are and what we’ve overcome, and the work that we have done in our 11 years, the positivity that we have put into the lives of the families that we’ve served, and how the teachers have worked side by side with the families and the community to create opportunities that otherwise wouldn’t have been there.”