Gratitude for Son and Catholic Education Has Mom Going the Extra Mile

Story by Shelley Wolf

Nine years ago, Kate Terricciano’s son Anthony was born as a “micro preemie,” coming into this world at just one pound.

“It really helped to turn to our faith, to get us through those first few months that were very touch and go,” Terricciano says. “That’s why our Catholic faith is so important to us, and that’s part of the reason why I send him to Catholic school.”

When it comes to Catholic education, this Catholic mom says she has so much to be grateful for that she can’t help but volunteer for St. Luke Catholic School in Southington.

For her assistance in helping to advance a Catholic school, Terricciano received the 2023 St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Award at this year’s HOPES (Help Our Parish Educators & Students) Dinner held recently at the Aqua Turf Club in Plantsville. The event was sponsored by the Archdiocese of Hartford’s Center for Catholic Education and Formation.

Terricciano appreciates Catholic schools for many reasons.

“I think in today’s society, education that is rooted in firm values and beliefs is something that is underrated,” she says. “Catholic vision provides a great foundation for future learning and creating good citizens.”

Terricciano attended Catholic school herself, and so did her parents. “I think it set me up for success in my later years,” she says.

Today the young mom is the owner and president of Image Marketing in Plantsville, which employs 15 people. This year, she donated her agency’s design services to the school for a new school logo as well as its media buying services to help place ads to promote the school.

Joining the school board in 2021 and later becoming the board chair, Terricciano applied her marketing expertise when Southington Catholic School changed its name to St. Luke Catholic School earlier this year.

“I think I just fell into it naturally,” she says. “We needed to spread the word after going through a few name changes for the school. I feel God gives us talents and fortunately I can help with marketing, so that was my contribution.

“A lot of it is just making connections with the media to lead the school strategically. We can think differently about marketing in the digital age by using social media for outreach to potential families,” she says, “and then donating the services of my actual team with the logo rebrand and the media buying services.”

Terricciano then developed an ad placement strategy that included billboard, print, and digital campaigns, using the buying power of her agency to get the best deals for the school.

Prior to the award ceremony, her nine-year-old son, Anthony, who is now a healthy and happy fourth-grade student, was at his mom’s side. 

When asked what he likes about school, Anthony says, “I like some subjects, the small classes and a lot of attention.” He especially enjoys reading, science, art and music. “And lunch. I love lunch and recess!”

ADDITIONAL AWARD WINNERS AT THIS YEAR’S HOPES DINNER

Father Emmanuel Ihemedu, pastor of St. John Paul the Great Academy in Torrington, received the 2023 Distinguished Elementary School Pastor Award. He switched the school to a STREAM curriculum, created a new tuition model, and increased enrollment.

Mary Alice Nadaskay, head of schools for the Consortium of Elementary Catholic Schools in Manchester, received the 2023 Distinguished Catholic School Administrator Award.

Seventy-nine volunteers from 28 Catholic schools received the 2023 St. John Neumann Awards for Volunteer Services.