2012 Lasallian Educator and Vincentian Service Award

Sacred Heart Cathedral Preparatory is proud to announce the 2012 Lasallian Educator Award to Tom Farrell and the Vincentian Service Award to Brother Joseph, FSC. Tom Farrell, the 2012 Lasallian Award winner, has worn many hats during his service at Sacred Heart Cathedral. Farrell inspires his students as an instructor of science, and then connects with them in a different way as a counselor. “I was the guy in my high school that the other students would come to when they were having trouble in math or science class,” says Farrell. Motivated by the experience he had with his classmates, Farrell works hard to help students understand difficult chemical equations and calculations. “I’ve come to believe that my ability to comprehend the subjects and to explain them to others are gifts from God,” says Farrell. “God calls me to use those gifts as a teacher.” After long days of teaching and counseling, Farrell leads an impressive group of Block Club students as they represent the school at a variety of events and school functions. This year, Farrell will work alongside our Lasallian Vincentian Youth as they lead the school through various community drives and prayer services. Not only does Farrell connect with his students, he also takes great pleasure in connecting with his peers, especially performing in annual spring concerts as a member of the faculty/staff chorus. [caption id="attachment_366930" align="alignleft" width="160"] Brother Joseph Fabiano[/caption] SHC’s 2012 Vincentian Award winner, Brother Joseph Fabiano, FSC, has contributed 41 years of educational service to SHC. Brother Joseph believes our environment teaches us plenty, although one’s inclinations and free will help to create our paths. Brother Joseph grew up in the working-class environment of San Francisco’s Mission District. As a child, his family maintained religious and devotional values, and the De La Salle Christian Brothers in grade school, high school and college molded him. Through God’s will, and from the mentoring by Brother William Cyril, Brother Joseph attributes his decision to be a Christian Brother, Brother Joseph attributes his decision to be a Christian Brother. Brother Joseph chose the religious name Joseph because he admired the saint who, along with Mary, nurtured and molded the youthful and clear-thinking Jesus. Also inspired by saints John Baptist de La Salle and Vincent de Paul, he decided to reach out to youth in their teen years. After transferring from teaching in the Brothers school in Sacramento, Brother Joseph has taught religious studies, Latin, Italian and Spanish at SHC. Among his outreach positions have been alumni director; class moderator of freshmen, juniors and seniors; cafeteria and maintenance liaison; student activities director and vocation coordinator. In his recent years of retirement, through occasional class presentations, Dining Room supervision, library and computer mentoring, and presence at games and student and parent activities, he continues to open and touch hearts.