Last weekend, Patrick Bonacci, AFSC, Vice President for Mission at La Salle High School in Pasadena, was honored with the 2018 Distinguished Lasallian Educator Award. Sponsored by the Christian Brothers Conference, the award is giving annually to honor educators who exemplify the ideals of St. John Baptist de La Salle, the patron saint of Christian teachers of young people. 

“I am honored to receive this award, and humbled to be in the company of so many distinguished Lasallian Educators,” Bonacci said. “As I enter my 47th year of being a Catholic school educator, I know without a doubt that God is directing my journey. I am so grateful that the journey brought me to Lasallian education.”

Bonacci has been at La Salle for 33 years, and has served in many different capacities during his time there, including dean of students, dean of studies, admission director, assistant principal, and principal. Bonacci introduced the school’s service learning program, expanded its service immersion program, and established its Founder’s Week of Service activity. In 2006, he was made an affiliated member of the Institute of the Brothers of the Christian Schools. 

In his letter nominating Bonacci for the award, La Salle president Richard Gray wrote of Bonacci’s “involvement in the local community, his commitment to faith and justice education, and his deep involvement in service to others which demonstrates his limitless potential for transforming Lasallian communities. Pat has constantly focused his attention to the students entrusted to his care, their parents, and teachers.”

Brother Donald Johanson, visitor of the San Francisco New Orleans District, offered his congratulations, saying, “We are blessed to have Pat as a member of our Lasallian family, and we are pleased to be able to publicly honor and thank him for his many contributions and years of dedicated service.”

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