SAVE THE DATE
OCTOBER 18, 2025
at the Hemmingson Center on the Gonzaga Campus
Shining Light
on Catholic
Education
Thank you all for your incredible generosity and support at this year’s Celebration of Light, Nazareth Guild’s primary fundraising event. Your contributions directly impact the lives of countless families in need by providing tuition assistance to students attending our seventeen Catholic schools in Eastern Washington. You are helping to bridge the gap for schools offering reduced tuition, ensuring that more children can benefit from a Catholic education.
Additionally, your support fuels grants for teachers’ professional and classroom development, along with school initiatives that enhance the growth and future of our schools. Together, we are not only empowering our students but also uplifting our entire community. Thank you for making a lasting difference!
September 14th, 2024
John J Hemmingson Center Gonzaga University
If you have any questions, please call 509-744-3259 or email dbattaglia@dioceseofspokane.org
Champion of Catholic Education Award
Kristine Allbery has served as a Catholic school educator in the Spokane Diocese for over 23 years shaping the minds and hearts of young students. Kristine began her teaching career at St. Patrick, and since 2009 she has been teaching at St. Thomas More. Her commitment goes far beyond the classroom walls; she brings her wisdom, kindness, and faith to countless lives along the way.
She is in service to the school and community; always supporting students and colleagues. She’s the ultimate team player, ready to lend a hand, always leading with humility and passion.
A mother of four who has opened her heart and home to host nine exchange students over the years, Kristine truly values her community and considers them family. As one of the twelve McKenna children, Catholic schools were a part of her upbringing. Kristine attended Trinity, St. Charles, Gonzaga Preparatory, and Gonzaga University. Her life is a living testament to the values of Catholic education—selflessness, generosity, and unwavering dedication to others.
Champion of Catholic Education Award
The Spokane Catholic community lost an important member this past June. Brian O’Rourk was taken entirely too soon, but his impact on Catholic schools lives on. He was a dedicated servant to Catholic education, his Catholic faith, and coaching lacrosse. Brian was a founding board member of Chesterton Academy of Notre Dame. His commitment to Catholic education was intertwined with his commitment to bringing kids together through lacrosse. At the time of his tragic passing, he was the athletic director and lacrosse coach for Chesterton. Before that time, Brian spent ten years coaching lacrosse at Gonzaga Preparatory and was deeply involved with the Spokane Youth Lacrosse.
Like Catholic education, Brian sought to develop the whole person in body, mind, and soul on a path to virtue. He led by example, showing what it means to live with purpose and integrity. His legacy extends far beyond the field. He shaped lives, inspired faith, and made a lasting difference.
As a husband and father of four Catholic school children (who attended Cataldo, St. Charles, Gonzaga Prep, and Chesterton), Brian modeled what it meant to be a man of faith and believed wholeheartedly in the power of Catholic education. His life will continue to inspire all of us, and especially the Catholic school children who called him Coach.
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