Vatican II - Service in Education Award

Sister Virginia Honish, SDS, to Receive Vatican II Award

Sister Virginia Honish, SDS, received the Service in Education Vatican II Award from the Milwaukee Archdiocese. She was among a group of 14 men, women and young adults who represent various areas of service to the Catholic community of southeastern Wisconsin. The Archdiocese implemented the Vatican II Awards in 1991 to recognize deserving Catholics who contributed to the vitality and spiritual life of the Church.

Sister Virginia served as a teacher and principal at St. Pius X elementary school, Wauwatosa, from 1962-1975, and as principal of Divine Savior Holy Angels High School, Milwaukee, from 1991-2009. Throughout her years of leadership at DSHA, Sister Virginia saw the school experience unprecedented growth, academic prestige and educational influence in the Greater Milwaukee area and beyond. She is a member of St. Pius X Parish and a volunteer lector and Eucharistic Minister.

Always global in her approach and in the spirit of Vatican II, Sister Virginia taught Salvatorian Sisters in Tanzania, Africa in 2009 and 2010 so they could pass national exams in English.

For over three decades, she has made significant contributions to educational ministries within the Milwaukee Archdiocese and has personally committed herself to life-long learning and to promoting quality of life.

“Working in Catholic education for many decades, especially at DSHA, where we helped young women to be believers, leaders, communicators and critical thinkers is a contribution to the Catholic Church. One of the outstanding characteristics of these young women is their willingness to be involved in service. Their generosity continues to inspire me and reassures me that the vitality of the Catholic Church in southeastern Wisconsin will continue to grow for decades to come,” she said.