SJCA Receives Exemplary Recognition from Archdiocese

St. Joseph Catholic Academy has been awarded the Archdiocese of Milwaukee’s Exemplary Recognition in the category of Mission and Catholic Identity. First annouced back in June, this honor was ceremoniously presented by Bruce Varick, Associate Superintendent of Schools for the Archdiocese, after the Upper Campus Mass on Wednesday, September 10, 2025.

The Exemplary Recognition Program, rooted in the National Standards and Benchmarks for Effective Catholic Elementary and Secondary Schools, honors schools that demonstrate innovation and excellence in key areas of Catholic education. Recognition may be awarded in the areas of Academic Excellence, Educating the Whole Child, and Mission and Catholic Identity, with each distinction granted for a five-year term. The process is rigorous, involving a written application, on-site visits with community interviews conducted by a review panel, and final approval from the Archdiocese.

“This award is a testament to the way our students, families, faculty, and staff live their faith daily. It affirms that Catholic identity is not just something we talk about at SJCA—it’s something we embody together as a community.” – Bridget Bartholomew, Upper Campus Principal

Why This Matters

Receiving this distinction underscores our ongoing commitment to fostering a vibrant Catholic identity—one rooted in forming scholars, leaders, and stewards who reflect Christ’s love. We are especially proud to be the first preschool through 12th grade academy in the Archdiocese to earn this recognition. Keeping Catholic identity strong across all grade levels requires intentional, age-appropriate formation; faith naturally looks different in a preschool classroom than it does in high school.

The Archdiocesan Office for Schools review panel highlighted several ways SJCA excels, including:

• Our Senior Mission Trip – a capstone experience where seniors conclude their high school journey with a week-long immersion in service.

• The involvement of three outstanding leaders in ordained religious life – Fr. Todd Belardi, Deacon Ed Sosa, and Sr. Sylvia Leonardi (SJHS ’62).

• Younger Lancers’ outreach and service through initiatives such as The India Project, Baskets of Joy, and Feed My Starving Children field trips.

• The return to weekly Masses (previously celebrated every other week), along with the quarterly addition of Eucharistic Adoration and the Sacrament of Reconciliation.

  
  

These practices remind us that faith at SJCA is not only taught but lived—shaping students at every stage of their journey. This award truly belongs to our Lancer family: the students, families, teachers, staff, clergy, and alumni whose daily efforts make our mission possible. We pray this recognition inspires all of us to continue growing in faith, learning, and service.

To learn more about the Exemplary Recognition Program, visit the Archdiocese’s program overview.