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Caring Heart Award

The Caring Heart Award pays tribute to alumna Caroline Griffin ‘12. Caroline was a member of the McAuley Golf Team. She also was a heart transplant recipient who never let her congenital heart condition get in the way of enjoying life. While a sophomore at St. Ambrose University in Davenport, Iowa, Caroline passed away as a result of ongoing heart issues. Her courage and perseverance in the face of hardship can be found in this year’s Caring Heart Award recipients, the Leadership and Staff at Blair Early Childhood Center.

Caroline’s mother, Georgina Byrnes Griffin ‘76, and sister, Courtney Griffin ‘08, presented the award at the After Par-Tee!

2024 Recipients

The 2024 Caring Heart Award Recipients are the Leadership and Staff at Blair Early Childhood Center.

Since October 1, 1984, Blair Early Childhood Center has provided a protective environment so children with multiple disabilities can participate in a standard education program supplemented by specialized programs and services based on the child’s needs.

Blair has 100+ staff members, 31 of whom are Mother McAuley alumnae. For the past 30+ years, Mother McAuley Little School has long partnered with Blair. Each year, our future teachers take a field trip to Blair to observe and experience a special education school environment. This field trip, along with the foundation laid at McAuley, has led so many students to pursue careers in special education and formed their caring hearts.

At the helm of Blair stands Principal Bess Hendry ‘94 and Assistant Principal Julie Kujawa ‘97, who are beacons of compassion and commitment. Bess and Julie set the tone for the entire community, fostering a spirit of love and support that resonates throughout Blair. Their teaching staff works closely with speech-language pathologists and occupational and physical therapists. They are supported by a team of special education classroom assistants, nurses, social workers, counselors, and case managers. This highly-trained team collaborates to provide the resources and services necessary to support the student’s medical needs, personal care, safety, and academics. Much like the strong community at McAuley that inspired them, Blair is a family where every member feels included, supported, and loved.

The heart of Blair beats with a passion that is unmatched. Its exceptional staff, with their unwavering dedication, pour their hearts into their students' journey, ensuring that every child at Blair shines like a STAR. They don't just teach; they nurture. They don't just guide; they inspire. They treat each child as if they were their own, celebrating every milestone and providing individualized care and attention that goes beyond mere education. Blair's staff instills in their students the courage to overcome obstacles and the determination to succeed, a testament to their exceptional commitment.

The Leadership and Staff at Blair exemplify the very essence of the Caring Heart Award. Their unwavering commitment, compassionate spirit, and dedication to each child's journey make them truly deserving of this prestigious recognition. As they continue to shape young lives and nurture future leaders, Blair remains a shining example of teaching with love and caring with all their hearts.