Erie, PA – The Erie Catholic School System is proud to announce the launch of its "Light of Christ" initiative, a new program that honors current or former Catholic school teachers and staff members who have made a meaningful impact on students' lives. Honorees are presented with a certificate and commemorative pin during a personal award ceremony as a testament to their dedication to Catholic education and the positive difference they have made in the lives of their students. The first recipient of the "Light of Christ" award is Jan Blakeslee, a beloved retired Saint Jude School kindergarten teacher, who was nominated by Liam Reitzell. Liam, a former student of Mrs. Blakeslee, went through chemotherapy treatments for a brain tumor while in her class and will be forever grateful for the Christ-like care and compassion she showed him. "I will never forget that year and all the trips we made back and forth to Pittsburgh,” said Liam Reitzell, who is now a sixth-grade student at Saint Jude School. “I missed quite a bit of school, but Mrs. Blakeslee made sure I never fell behind and was always there checking in on me. Whenever I make money, I put some aside to give, save and spend. I’m glad to be able to use my giving money to honor Mrs. Blakeslee. She was a great teacher, but she was much more than that for me.” In Medieval times, stained glass was used to illustrate biblical stories and the teachings of the Catholic Church. In the same way that beautiful stained-glass artwork in our churches reflects the light of God, educators reflect that light upon their students each day. Erie Catholic School System’s teachers and administrators go to great lengths to not only impart knowledge, but to model Christ’s love. The "Light of Christ" program aims to shine a spotlight on that transformative role Catholic school teachers and staff members play in shaping the hearts and minds of their students, past and present. By allowing individuals to contribute in honor of a teacher who has made a difference, the initiative serves to celebrate the enduring impact of Catholic education and the values it instills in the community. “We are thrilled to launch this initiative and celebrate Jan Blakeslee as our first honoree,” said Nicole Reitzell, Vice President of Advancement for the Erie Catholic School System. “Her story, like that of so many of our dedicated educators, reflects the light of Christ that shines in our six schools each day.” The Erie Catholic School System invites current school families and alumni from any Catholic school to make a gift in honor or memory of an educator who reflected the Light of Christ in their lives. For more information on how to donate in honor of a teacher, please visit www.eriecatholic.org/lightofchrist or contact Nicole Reitzell at nreitzell@eriecatholic.org or at (814) 806-2423 x103. About Erie Catholic School System Anchored in the Gospel values of Jesus Christ, the Erie Catholic School System, under the guidance of the Diocese of Erie, provides academically distinguished schools that cultivate our students’ potential. Founded in 2017, the Erie Catholic School System unites six K-8 schools in Erie County, PA, offering a values-driven education that emphasizes academic excellence, faith, and service. With a focus on small class sizes and individual attention, our schools prepare students for success in high school and beyond while nurturing their spiritual growth.