2021 Michelle A. Mendez Lifetime Service Award Winner

June 7, 2021

A devoted parent and servant, St. Monica embodies the qualities many parents strive to emulate. Michelle Mendez was a St. Monica parent who truly possessed the spirit of a servant leader in her personal, professional, and community relationships. She was an invaluable asset to many organizations, and the St. Monica community was one of the lucky recipients of her devoted volunteerism.

Inspired by her dedication to service, The Michelle A. Mendez Lifetime Service Award was created in an effort to recognize a current 8^th grade parent who shares her passion for serving others.

This year’s recipient has an intrinsic ability to empower those around her. Her welcoming disposition exudes such an inclusive essence that anyone who meets her feels valued as a part of our community.

Her loyalty to the church and school is undeniable, and her dedication is evident in the many ministries she serves. She has served our PTO in a myriad of facets, from Homeroom Parent and Grade Level Rep, spearheading class projects, school dances, memory books, class parties, First Holy Communion, Confirmation, graduation, field days, class gifts, and Christmas Purse, to working tirelessly as a member of the Executive Board for many years. She has also assisted the school in organizing numerous Open House and New Family Welcome events.

She has served in several Hospitality roles, including Autumnfest Decorations, Teacher Luncheons, Parent Coffees, and the Catholic Schools Week Family Dinner. She chaired our very first Back to School Picnic, creating an annual tradition for St. Monica families. She supported our Dads’ Club by hosting numerous Night Out With Friends parties, ensuring we are nurturing relationships with one another.

Her service continues outside our school community supporting local charities and organizations, such as North Texas Foodbank, Feed My Starving Children, Cub Scouts, and Boy Scouts. She also served as Texas Warriors Youth Hockey Team Fundraising Chair, as well as Jesuit Hockey Mom, organizing banquets, team gifts, and supporting the coaches and players.

However, her most notable and impactful contribution to the St. Monica Community is inspiring and co-founding LEAF (Learning difference Education & Assistance for Families), an organization cultivated to help our community grow together in understanding learning differences among children. LEAF brings resources, assistance, and guidance to students, parents, and teachers, as it has gained a local reputation as a substantial resource in learning different education and mental health. Garnering attention throughout the Dallas Catholic Diocesan schools, the LEAF Speaker Series offers resources, tools, and hope to those facing these challenging issues. Her passion for this endeavor has not only fostered community awareness but has also given children a voice, enriching their academic accomplishments as well as their mental health.

She demonstrates her love of her own children by embracing the children of our entire community, assuring their ability to flourish in school and in life. Her love for St. Monica is undeniable, and her service is a testament to her dedication to a community she cherishes. She has the heart of a servant leader; she is “the salt of the earth,” and, in the words of her peers, she is “changing lives.”

Congratulations to the SEVENTH recipient of The Michelle A. Mendez Lifetime Service Award, for her 14 Years of Service:

Helene Taillefer Peppard