With tears brimming in her eyes, Saint Joseph’s Program Coordinator Ann Drummey stands in front of students, parents, faculty, and staff members as she poses with her “Ann Drummey Service Award.” On March 28, Drummey was presented with the award and became an honorary member of the Archbishop John Carroll Service Honors Society.

After the induction of 51 students, Drummey was called to the front of the Brown Room to be recognized for her unfailing service and commitment to the school. The award was given to her by Coordinator of Service Learning  Susan Strawbridge and members of the Service Club.

Drummey was given the award as a representation of all of the hard work and service she has dedicated to both the students and the school for years. “She does so much stuff and no one really knows what she does. We’re taught not to be boastful and to do things in quiet, and it’s so typical of her, she does things in such a quiet manner. I felt as though we needed to shine a light on her,” Strawbridge said.

When Drummey was asked to come to the front, her face was covered in confusion as she saw a group of students and faculty members smiling and waiting for her. “I was overwhelmed. I’ve always felt that it was my privilege to be of service here, and it was completely unexpected. I was very grateful,” Drummey said.

The idea of making Drummey an honorary member and creating an award for her had been planned out for weeks in advance. It was kept a secret from Drummey prior to the ceremony by faculty members and her own husband. “I came just to watch the other people get the award, I had no idea what so ever. They had asked my husband to come and he kept it a surprise too,” Drummey said.

The award will be given to a faculty or staff member every year in honor of Drummey’s constant service to the school. Strawbridge thinks it will be a good idea to recognize the new recipient at the induction ceremony to show students what it truly means to serve.
“I was really grateful that it will be continued, so that other people will be honored, because there are so many other people here who give a tremendous amount of service,” Drummey said.

Anna Sullivan is an Entertainment Editor for The Patriot and jcpatriot.com.