More than 425 Bishop O’Connell supporters attended the 2022 Gala & Auction on Saturday, Feb. 26 at the McLean Hilton Tysons Corner for an evening of fellowship, fun and fundraising. The evening included student performances, dinner, dancing and a lively auction that raised more than $250,000 for the school.
For the first time, the night’s program also included special recognition of eight “All-Star” faculty members and parent volunteers who received a plaque in honor of their dedication to the Bishop O’Connell community. The 2022 All-Stars are:
Melody Ballesteros (PTO Volunteer)
According to her PTO peers, Mrs. Ballesteros has a heart of gold, endless energy, and has been a blessing to O’Connell’s PTO and our community. She works tirelessly and seemingly effortlessly on some of the PTO’s biggest projects. She goes well above and beyond in her dedication to the students and parents in her work with the All Night Grad Party and the Used Book Sale.
Robert “Boomer” Buckreis '86 (Faculty - 31 years)
Mr. Buckreis came to O’Connell as a Religion teacher, then made his way to the Activities Office where he superbly managed every aspect of student life from clubs to dances to graduation ceremonies. Now as our Facilities Manager, he undertakes the enormous task of managing construction projects, day-to-day campus operations and continual facility upgrades.
Cathy Carroll (Faculty - 30 years)
Mrs. Carroll has dedicated 30 years of service to the O’Connell community, both in the studies office and behind the wheel of the Maryland bus. She has touched the lives of hundreds of O’Connell Knights who have become part of her “bus family” since 1992. Read more…
Hollyann Morton (Athletics Boosters)
Ms. Morton is a new parent to the O’Connell family this year. She responded to an announcement placed in the KnighLline looking for Athletics Boosters volunteers. The initial email exchange was a typical new volunteer interaction. “Yes, I am interested. No, I do not have much time to give.” She then met the boosters leadership and immediately they knew that she would be an invaluable resource and friend. “Ms. Morton is an angel sent to us in our time of need,” they said. When the boosters are short volunteers or are overwhelmed, she magically appears to lend a hand. Ms. Morton has been an integral part of the success this year.
David Nasca '72 (Faculty - 40 years)
Mr. Nasca has served the O’Connell community as a much beloved Math teacher, swim coach and football coach. He has spread positivity in the O'Connell community for over 40 years!
Taryn Salinas (Fine Arts Booster)
Mrs. Salinas serves as the President of the Fine Arts Boosters Executive Board and works tirelessly on behalf of our Fine Arts students, parents, and faculty to advance O’Connell’s Fine Arts program. Her leadership, creativity, and hours of volunteer work have increased our ensembles' visibility, ticket sales, parent engagement, and student participation. Mrs. Salinas is a kind and generous leader who reaches out to new students and families to make them feel welcome and engaged.
John Stamm (DJO Dads Club)
Mr. Stamm has been a member of the DJO Dads Club since its inception in 2017, serving as vice president since 2020. He has spearheaded one of the club’s hallmark service programs, managing the yard maintenance of the neighborhood convent where our IHM sisters live.
James Welsford (Faculty - 45 years)
Mr. Welsford has been a religion teacher for over 40 years at Bishop O’Connell, having spent most of his teaching career in the Diocese of Arlington. He has taught all grade levels of students, covering both the Old Testament to the New Testament in his classroom. There is a very good chance that if you meet an O’Connell graduate, he or she would have had Mr. Welsford at some point in their high school career. His constant presence on Little Falls Road is beautifully summed up by his favorite phrase, “By the Grace of God, I’m here.”
Thank you to the many volunteers and supporters who made this celebratory event possible! Mark your calendars now, the 2023 date has been set. Join us again (or for the first time) on February 4, 2023!
