Education Features

Cardinal O’Hara honored with national award

Western New York Catholic May 6, 2024

Cardinal O’Hara High School in the Town of Tonawanda was awarded the national #Generation G Heroes Award by GiGi’s Playhouse on April 17 at an all school assembly. Gathered after the ceremony are Emily Mondschein (from left), executive director of GiGi’s Playhouse in Buffalo; Cardinal O’Hara Principal Joleen Dimitroff, GiGi Gianni; her mother and founder of Generation G Nancy Gianni and Maria McGrath, special education teacher and DEI coordinator at Cardinal O’Hara. (Photo courtesy of Cardinal O’Hara High School)

TONAWANDA — Cardinal O’Hara High School was presented with the National #Generation G Heroes Award April 17 at an all school assembly in O’Hara’s Performing Arts Center.

“#GenerationG is a conscious decision to be better every day – be accepting, be generous, be kind,” explained Nancy Gianni, chief belief officer, GiGi’s mom and founder of GiGi’s Playhouse.

GiGi’s Playhouse provides support for individuals with Down syndrome expanding to 58 achievement centers across the country, including one in Buffalo. The centers provide free programming that enables people with Down Syndrome to live happy and healthy lives.

This is the first time a school has won the prestigious, national award.

“We are leading a nationwide campaign for acceptance, not just of people with Down syndrome, but for all people,” Gianni said.

She learned about Cardinal O’Hara and its St. Margaret Scholar program from an inclusion video designed by O’Hara’s Principal Joleen Dimitroff, along with Maria McGrath, special education teacher and DEI coordinator.

“Cardinal O’Hara is leading the way for inclusion in Catholic Schools. GiGi would have loved to have been a St. Margaret Scholar. We are extremely excited to celebrate you and honor your school’s commitment to acceptance,” she said while presenting the award.