Introduction
Tonight’s event is a fairly new tradition — an evening dedicated to expressing our gratitude to you, our many donors, for your continued support of the Basilica School and its mission to provide the children of the Lower Keys with a Catholic, faith-based education.
The task of operating a school — one that offers multiple academic programs, extracurricular opportunities, excellent teachers, modern technology, and quality facilities, while still remaining affordable — has become increasingly difficult. As many of you know, our budget per student is roughly one-third of what Monroe County allocates. And that, in part, is why we are here.
By God’s grace, we are able to do more than just make ends meet. We strive to provide a quality education rooted in the Gospel — one that forms not only the intellect but the heart, teaching our students to grow in virtue, to become contributing members of society, and to help build God’s Kingdom here on earth. That is a high calling, and I am deeply grateful that you have chosen to walk this journey with us.
I know that each of you leads a busy life, yet you continue to support our mission. The Annual Fund gives all of us a way to live out our values through our financial generosity. But tonight, I also wanted to do something more — to recognize a group of people who, like you, have given so much of their time, talent, and treasure to see our school grow and thrive.
Tonight’s honorees are members of our faculty and staff who have been with me since my very first day. Today, the school employs more than 80 people, but these nine have been here from the beginning. I’ll be reading from a script this evening — partly to keep myself from saying the wrong thing and partly to keep us on schedule.
At the conclusion of the recognitions, I’ll ask all honorees to return to the stage for a group photo.
Honorees
Mrs. Maria Thompson
I actually hired our first honoree while riding on a school bus headed to Key Largo. She was one of my earliest hires when our preschool began to expand. I’ll be honest — my memory isn’t great, and I don’t remember the details of how I was first introduced to Maria Thompson. But I’ll never forget that first phone call from the school bus. I believe she was working in human resources or accounting at the time. In our conversation, she was professional, lighthearted, and funny — qualities of hers that have remained unchanged. Anyone who’s had a child in her class or a meaningful conversation with her would agree completely.
It was because of Maria Thompson years ago that I had to start telling parents, “This isn’t a fantasy league — you don’t get to draft your child’s teachers.” If I had allowed it, Maria Thompson’s name would have been on every roster.
Ladies and Gentlemen: Mrs. Maria Thompson
Mrs. Allison Hunter
Our next honoree actually began her career at The Basilica School several years before I arrived. She made a brief move to Naples for a couple of years, and thankfully, she came back home to us. Allison Hunter was Noah’s first teacher, and I’ll never forget that first year — one student was struggling with hitting and biting, and the parent emails were piling up. Trying to buy myself time to find a solution, I asked Allison to move that child next to Noah. My reasoning was simple: if he bit my own kid, that’d be one less email to answer!
Thanks to her patience, both of those students went on to finish middle school successfully. Allison and I also joined forces on the same bowling league in 2013. We weren’t great — not even close — but that didn’t matter. Those were great memories. Over the years, Allison has taught preschool, elementary, and middle school for me. She’s one of those rare teachers who just has it — no matter the age group or subject, learning simply happens in her classroom.
Ladies and Gentlemen: Mrs. Allison Hunter
Mrs. Ariela Johnson
The early on faithful sidekick to Mrs. Hunter is our next honoree, Ariela Johnson. She began her career here as a paraprofessional. Our very first conversation happened in July 2013, when she told me she was quitting. Long story short, I told her I’d never let her feel unsupported and that I wanted her to stay at the Basilica — and thankfully, she agreed.
Ariela has since become a remarkable teacher — always going the extra mile for her students and families. She makes learning fun every single day. She, like so many of these talented and selfless individuals, always answers my call — no matter the day or the hour. One of those calls came after Hurricane Irma, when I phoned her on a satellite line asking if she could pick me up from a grass airfield in Summerland, after I’d hitched a ride with someone I’d met on Facebook the night before. She didn’t hesitate. We even stopped by Baby’s Coffee and enjoyed a cup of instant coffee brewed over a propane tank — though enjoyed might be too generous a word.
During COVID, Mrs. Johnson drove to her students’ homes, sitting on their front porches and reading to them. That’s just who she is — endlessly giving of herself, embodying a truly Christlike spirit.
Ariela, thank you for trusting me all those years ago, and for making this journey with me.
Ladies and Gentlemen: Mrs. Ariela Johnson
Mrs. Nancy LaRe
I think my earliest memory of this next honoree involves a FROG — not the kind that sticks to your sliding glass door, but the little paper ones that once filled her classroom. The word “FROG” stood for Fully Rely On God, and that simple message captures so much of who she is.
Mrs. Nancy LaRe has taught art at The Basilica School for over two decades and, in recent years, has expanded her ministry as an art therapist within our school’s guidance program. Nancy has a beautiful way of connecting with children — she listens to their stories, their weekend adventures, their worries and joys — and then helps them work it all out on a canvas or in clay.
A few years ago, when her husband Jeff faced serious illness, Nancy took time away to care for him. Thanks be to God, Jeff is back on his feet — quite literally — chauffeuring Nancy to and from school each day. If you stop by the Grotto around 2:30 p.m., you’ll often find him there, quietly praying as he waits for her.
Through Nancy’s care for Jeff and their steadfast prayers for our students and school, she reminds us what it means to Fully Rely on God.
Ladies and Gentlemen: Mrs. Nancy LaRe
Mrs. Melinda Foell
When I hired this next young lady, she used to walk past my office with her homework in hand on her way to the back conference room — what is now the bookkeeper’s office. I don’t recall all the details from that first year, but I do remember trying to start a lunch program at the school and needing someone to help with data entry. I’m fairly certain she bounced around the campus that year — from the office to the kitchen to first grade — doing whatever was needed. What she demonstrated, even then, was a genuine desire to be part of the school and to get the job done, whatever the job happened to be that day.
Thirteen years later, she is a proud mother of two, a devoted wife, and a dedicated educator who continually strives to grow. I deeply admire Melinda Foell, because I know how difficult it is to balance being a loving spouse, an attentive parent, and a committed professional. She manages those vocations with grace and purpose.
I pray that, if it’s God’s will, Melinda will continue to enjoy a long and fulfilling career here at The Basilica School — shaping the hearts and minds of the many students she is bound to teach.
Ladies and Gentlemen: Mrs. Melinda Foell
Mr. Rudy Bentacourt
Now, perhaps everyone being recognized this evening could be described as dependable — the kind of people you can always count on. But I don’t think anyone would argue that Mr. Rudy takes dependability to another level. Would anyone here question his willingness to help when called upon?
He’ll plug your tire, plant a garden, clean a grease trap, catch a snake, hang a cabinet, fix a light, pick up cases of water from GFS, and greet the children at morning drop-off — and somehow, he does all this before 9:30am. He recently asked if he could take a vacation this month, and I had to laugh in his asking permission. Every school deserves a Rudy — but there’s only one, and thankfully for us, he’s a Mariner.
Ladies and Gentlemen: Mr. Rudy Bentacourt
Ms. Eileen Dolan-Heitlinger
The next four ladies represent nearly a century of combined service to The Basilica School.
First, Ms. Eileen Dolan-Heitlinger — was my right hand when I first began here. She served as assistant principal and knew how everything worked, both in the school and around Key West. She helped cut my learning curve in half. Eileen is one of the smartest people on our team — logical, tireless, and always willing to help. She’s been a middle school language and composition teacher, led our music program for more than a decade, and managed our library and safe environment program. I’ve probably missed a few roles, but suffice it to say — she’s worn more hats than anyone I know.
Eileen remains a trusted friend, and I never hesitate to call her for advice. Her husband John has led our finance committee for as long as I can remember. Together, they have been unwavering supporters of our school.
Ladies and Gentlemen: Ms. Eileen Dolan-Heitlinger
Mrs. Lana Jabour
To my knowledge, there are only three licensed school psychologists in Monroe County — and I can only name two of them but surely there’s a third. One of them, Mrs. Lana Jabour, has been an unsung hero at The Basilica. Through her expertise, we’ve been able to welcome diverse learners, identify their needs, and develop plans that allow them to thrive in a Catholic school environment. She and her husband, Richard, also helped establish and fund our end-of-year academic awards, allowing us to celebrate the accomplishments of our students in a meaningful way.
As Mrs. Jabour nears retirement, I want her to know how deeply her work has impacted our community. Her contributions have made Catholic education possible for so many young people, and her shoes will be very hard to fill.
Ladies and Gentlemen: Mrs. Lana Jabour
Ms. Beth Kilroe
Our next two honorees are not “old,” though both began teaching before I was born — and yes, I’m proud to be paying into their Social Security benefits.
Ms. Beth Kilroe actually taught my wife in fourth grade — and thirty years later, she was still teaching fourth grade, doing an incredible job. Her classroom management is second to none; as a matter of fact, I have sent new teachers to observe her when they need a model of structure and classroom routine. Ms. Kilroe is known for being a tough teacher — and she is — but she’s also one of the most resilient. A few years ago, she faced cancer head-on, refusing to let illness or treatment slow her down. She rarely missed a day, and her dedication never wavered. Our mascot is the Mariner — someone who can navigate rough seas and weather any storm. Beth Kilroe truly embodies that Mariner spirit, charting her course through life’s challenges with strength and grace, all while ensuring her students continued to learn and grow.
Ladies and Gentlemen: Ms. Beth Kilroe
Mrs. Sidney Jones
Finally, our last honoree this evening began her career at The Basilica School before I was even born. Though she officially retired two years ago, she still volunteers weekly as an aide in our elementary classrooms. Honestly, she might have retired sooner — but I didn’t really let her.
Mrs. Sidney Jones was probably the kindergarten teacher for some of you here tonight. When I was hired, the Archdiocese expressed a little concern about nepotism, given our family connection. I told them, “Nepotism in Key West? Nah…” But in all seriousness, I assured them I’d be fair — and I believe I was. Over the years, I moved her to preschool, gave her 27 students—twice—took away her storage space, and somehow she stuck with me through it all.
Mrs. Jones has one of the biggest hearts of anyone I know, and I’m not ashamed to say I leaned on that more than once as we grew the school. Sidney, thank you for your many, many years of devoted and selfless service to The Basilica School and the entire St. Mary’s community. And to your husband, Tim — thank you for the countless evenings and weekends you gave up while she dedicated herself to her students and her classroom.
It’s true — the unsung heroes are often the spouses who call at 10:30 p.m. asking, “When will you be home?” only to hear the familiar answer, “Soon.”
Like so many we honor tonight, Mrs. Jones has balanced faith, family, and vocation with remarkable grace. Because of that unwavering commitment, we are the school we are today.
Ladies and Gentlemen: Mrs. Sidney Jones
Closing Remarks
In closing, I apologize if I am pandering a bit, but I am genuinely amazed and inspired by each of these honorees. They have trusted me for many years, endured the growing pains of expansion, and continued to serve with heart and faith. They are incredible educators, parents, and friends — and words will never fully express my gratitude.
To everyone here, I thank God for allowing us to share in this work together — to build, in our small way, a piece of His kingdom here at The Basilica School.
Thank you all for your time this evening, and may God bless each of you.