The Archdiocese of Hartford’s Office of Catholic Schools recently honored Derby’s Art Gerckens with a prestigious St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Award for the key role Gerckens played in saving the St. Mary-St. Michael’s School.
The Catholic school in Derby was on the verge on closing in 2010 when a core group of parents, led by Gerckens, rallied to save it.
They didn’t just belly-ache — Gerckens and the parents presented the Archdiocese with a detailed plan to increase revenue and enrollment at the school.
They came up with a five-year plan in just two weeks.
It worked.
Enrollment at the school has increased from just 65 students at its low-point to 144 students today, the Catholic Transcript Online reported Oct. 2.
In addition, the school community at St. Mary’s‑St. Michael’s has become extremely active. They host alumni recognition dinners, weekly bingo fundraisers, golf outings and the annual Housatonic River rubber duck race.
Gerckens received his award Sept. 22 at the annual “Help Our Parish Elementary Schools” (HOPES) dinner in Plantsville.
Gerckens is a member of the Knights of Columbus, a recipient of their 2010 Donald R. LeClair State Leadership Award, a member of the board and a coach for Derby Youth Soccer and Girls Basketball, and the Communications Director for the DeFilippo Scholarship, which raises money for scholarships to Derby High School graduates, according to a press release.
Gerckens is completing his first term representing the Second Ward on the Derby Board of Aldermen. He is running on the Democratic line for re-election.
“Art emulates Elizabeth Seton’s energy in serving his Church and school community, reaching out to the children of our school and community. His commitment and advocacy are the reasons our school is thriving today,” St. Mary-St. Michael principal Linda Coppola said in a prepared statement.
Gerckens credited other parents, including Sam Rizzitelli, Grace Torres, Gloriann Albini, and her husband, George Pudimat, for helping him in the the effort to save St. Mary-St. Michael’s.
“It is amazing what a group of dedicated people with a common goal can accomplish,” Gerckens said in a prepared statement. “This experience has been nothing short of terrific and has given my life purpose and direction.”
