Through the halls of clare woods academy

It’s National Catholic Sisters Week (March 7-13, 2021) which shines a light on the spirituality mission, and community building of women religious. CWA is incredibly fortunate to have Sister Kim Mulhearn and Sister Shannon Fox working with our students in classrooms and through our remote learning program.

As you may know, Clare Woods Academy is a sponsored ministry of the Sisters of St. Joseph of the Third Order of St. Francis, where both Sr. Kim and Sr. Shannon began as novices in 2002. Sr. Kim began working at CWA in 2010 and teaches our intermediate school students. In 2012 Sr. Shannon followed and currently is teaching some of our remote learning students. 

For over a decade they have been sharing their passion and experience with staff and students. Simply stated, they go above and beyond as teachers, recognizing student’s individual needs and always showing up for them even on the most challenging of days. 

Amy Bender, Assistant Director at CWA says, “Sr. Kim has worked with some of the most difficult students and never gives up; and Sr. Shannon is always full of energy and the spunkiest sister I know!”

When asked what makes CWA standout, Sr. Kim says, “CWA is a unique school.  It is full of amazing people that work together to help teach those without a voice how to find their voice.  It is a blessing to be a part of that ministry.” 

Like all CWA staff, they understand the importance of building a strong trust with our students, and many times with their families as well.

A fellow staff member shared, “Before the pandemic, I loved watching this interaction between Sr. Kim and one of her students. Every week during lunchtime they would warm up a special homemade lunch together. I loved seeing the smiles and bond between them!” 

“It is CWA's family atmosphere that makes it a special place.  Each student is encouraged to develop and learn to the best of their ability.  The uniqueness of each child is cherished and celebrated.  The staff here really and truly care about each student and are extremely collaborative” Sr. Shannon shares. 

Another CWA staff says, “When I first started working here everyone asked if I met Sr. Shannon yet because she is just the best. It was heartwarming to see the love and respect the students had for her.”

Both Sr. Kim and Sr. Shannon “feel blessed to carry on the legacy of the Sisters of St. Joseph of the Third Order of St. Francis here at CWA”. 

Thank you both for all you do for our CWA community!

To see CWA dedication photos from 2014 click https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?vanity=SSJTOSF&set=a.797227556986914

Click https://www.facebook.com/SSJTOSFto follow the Sisters of St. Joseph of the Third Order of St. Francis.

To learn more about National Catholic Sisters Week visit https://catholicsistersweek.org

Written by: Ti'Arrah Atkins, CWA Staff

The name dashiki comes from the word “danshiki” or "dan ciki" means “shirt” in Yoruba and Hausa, respectively, languages spoken in West Africa, specifically Nigeria. For many people, the dashiki represents a deep cultural connection with the African continent and a joint declaration of pride for our roots. 

In 1967, Jason Benning coined the modern term "dashiki" and began to mass produce the dashiki-style shirt along with Milton Clarke, Howard Davis, and William Smith under their brand New Breed Clothing Ltd, based out of Harlem, NY. As a unisex garment, many men and women wear the dashiki during Black History Month, Kwanzaa, and other Afrocentric cultural events. Since the late 1960's, the dashiki shirt continues to be worn by African-Americans embracing their African heritage and promoting Black pride.

**Thank you Ms. Ti'Arrah for inviting staff and students to join you in wearing these beautiful garments, and continuing to educate our students and community on Black History/African Heritage.**