Community Corner

Science Teacher Named 'Heart' of St. Damian

Co-workers nominated science teacher Andrea Lampasona for the "Heart of the School" honor, the highest award handed down from the Chicago Archdiocese.

Co-workers say she's the last to leave everyday. She goes above and beyond for her students; she takes on the most challenges and handles them with ease.

Andrea Lampasona was the "hands-down" choice for this year's "Heart of the School" award, said Principal Colleen Domke.

The nominations were anonymous, but all lauded Lampasona's devotion to her students.

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"She's dedicated to her students — mind, body and soul," one nomination letter read.

The award goes to a devoted faculty member, within the schools of the Archdiocese of Chicago, who demonstrates outstanding, unique and innovative accomplishments in seven categories: The Arts, Behind the Scenes, Catholic School Identity and Mission, Innovation and Creativity, Leadership, Rising Star and Technology.  It is the highest award handed down to 16 recipients within the Chicago Archdiocese.

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"She's my choice," said Domke. "She's the first in every morning, and the last to leave."

Lampasona is in her seventh year of teaching at St. Damian. Before moving into the parish, which celebrates its 50th anniversary this year, she worked within the public school system in the Western suburbs. She has been teaching for 21 years. While she was working within the public school system, her children were attending St. Damian. Ultimately, she was missing out on time with them, Domke said, and applied to St. Damian to "be where they were."

Seven years later, she's an inspiration within the science department at St. Damian.

Eighth grader Brianna Martinez, during a stop into Lampasona's classroom called her "the best."

"What an honor to be chosen," Lampasona said. "I work with such a wonderful staff, and I've met so many wonderful families. It really is special.

"It is really nice to teach junior high and it's really nice to see the kids who have left the school, go out to do wonderful things."

Domke and Lampasona share a passion for running, and Lampasona is an accomplished marathon runner. Last year, she completed both the Chicago Bank of America Marathon and Indianapolis Marathon. She did not attain her goal time during the Chicago marathon, so she promptly signed herself up for the Indianapolis one, Domke said.

"She's our science teacher, so she's also our 'health nut,'" Domke said.

Lampasona holds her bachelor's degree in science instruction, with a master's in curriculum and instruction.

Don't miss our slideshow of St. Damian's Open House, held for prospective families during Catholic Schools Week, and hear parishioners reminisce about the parish and how far it's come in its 50 years.


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