Sacred Heart Schools honors contributors Sacred Heart Schools honors contributors (February 23, 2005)

By Marjorie Mader

Almanac Staff Writer

Four people whose contributions ranged from coaching soccer to serving on the Board of Trustees have received the St. Madeleine Sophie Barat Award from Sacred Heart Schools Atherton.

The honorees are Sheila Peterson and Shirley Connolly, both of Menlo Park; Bill Neidig of Palo Alto; and Joan Eagleston of San Mateo.

Ms. Peterson came to Sacred Heart Prep as a student, representing the third generation of her family -- the Sullivans -- to attend the school. Her children are now attending the Atherton schools.

Her volunteer contributions began as a "not too adept soccer coach." She became a trustee in 1987; during her tenure, the school became coeducational, recovered from Loma Prieta earthquake damage, and experienced financial setbacks.

More recently, Ms. Peterson has worked as events coordinator, which included planning the school's centennial celebration in 1998.

Ms. Connolly, a former trustee, principal, and faculty member at Sacred Heart Schools, was honored for her ability to live up to St. Madeleine Sophie's famous counsel: "Be humble, be simple, and bring joy to others," said school officials.

Her service began 40 years ago, when she started teaching at St. Joseph's School; she went on to teach and become an administrator at Sacred Heart Broadway in San Francisco. She returned to Atherton as Sacred Heart Prep's principal from 1973 to 1975.

School officials said Ms. Connolly was recognized for her ability to effectively teach other teachers. For many years, she was chair of the Oakwood Retirement Home Board of Advisors, and now fills in at various positions at Oakwood, housed on campus.

Mr. Neidig joined the SHS community 15 years ago, when his daughter Stephanie started kindergarten at St. Joseph's School. He had a vision of what the schools' grounds could become, and in 1990 put that vision into motion as a member of the buildings and grounds committee.

Under his guidance as committee chair and a school trustee since 1991, grounds projects have included renovation of the Main Building; restoration of the West Wing and the library; and construction of the new Performing Arts Center, track, tennis courts, and aquatic center.

Other improvements are construction of the Spieker athletics center, upgrading classrooms and science lab at St. Joseph's School, and developing Robinson Courtyard.

Ms. Eagleson, who joined the St. Joseph's faculty 16 years ago, was recognized for her work in advising students. She spearheaded the creation of the advisory and "Rainbow" programs, designed to guide middle school students to "see that what is essential is already within them," said the presenter and former colleague Marilyn Luotto.

In her current position as director of the Learning Center, Ms. Eagleson strives to instill a love of learning in her students, who are, she says, her greatest teachers.

The Roman Catholic Sacred Heart Schools in Atherton are Sacred Heart Preparatory High School, St. Joseph's School of the Sacred Heart (grades 1-8), and the Montessori preschool and kindergarten.

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