Photo by Michael Scotto
A LIFE OF FAITH & SERVICE Sister Carole shows her gratitude for earning the COTY award, “The values of faith, compassion, service, and generosity that I try to develop in the children also ripple out into the larger community... Just as a pebble dropped in the lake creates ripples that continue to create change. This is what I have attempted to do as a Catholic educator by witnessing and loving the children I teach and the people and families in the Spring Lake Community!”
Whether teaching, publishing educational materials, or supporting Ugandan school children Sister Carole’s passion for education has never wavered. To donate to Mission of Mercy Uganda, please make the check payable to St. Catharine/St. Margaret Parish. Write Mission of Mercy Uganda on the memo line and mail to: Sister Carole MacKenthun, RSM 215 Essex Ave, Spring Lake, NJ 07762
students of St. Kizito School in Uganda. Since the beginning, Sister Carole has led efforts in raising funds and awareness for the school. She hopes to be able to build a school, church, library, dormitory, and health clinic in the future. Mission works to sponsor over 100 children and feed 1000 children twice a day. This progress is all possible because of the support and fundraising St. Catherine’s School, Parish families, and The Brian Kelly Foundation have provided.
BY RUTH CRAWFORD Honoring her lifelong devotion to community service Sister Carole
F or over fifteen years, The Spring Lake Chamber’s Citizen of the Year award has honored individuals who have excelled in providing service and volunteerism to their community. This award was created to highlight our hometown heroes and make sure they get the recognition they deserve. Sister Carole MacKenthun was chosen to be the 2025 Citizen of the Year in acknowledgment to her lifelong dedication to education, making an impact on the local community for generations to come. SHAPING YOUNG MIND S Sister Carole is a pillar in the Spring Lake community, spreading warmth and
more than 20 religious education and language arts books. A celebrated figure in education, Sister Carole’s impactful contributions have earned her numerous awards, including the NCEA National Award, Teacher of the Year honors from the Metuchen and Trenton Dioceses, and the prestigious Elizabeth Ann Seton Award for her work with the Girl Scouts to name a few. GLOBAL REACH Sister Carole’s service extends far beyond the borders of Spring Lake. Mission of Mercy was established over 22 years ago as an effort to provide necessary health and education to the
constant support to anyone that crosses her path. She welcomes any participant to her Thursday prayer groups, with ages often varying from 5 to 90 years old. Sister Carole has been shaping young minds in Catholic classrooms for 57 years. For the past three decades, she has been focused on bringing faith, knowledge, and service to St. Catherine School through her work as a teacher and spirituality coordinator. “Sister Carole has touched the hearts of many generations. She is a wonderful lady who brings a gentle, joyful holiness to everyone she meets,” Father Damian McElroy shares. Her passion for education extends beyond the classroom, as she has authored
16 May 2025
Stroll Spring Lake 17
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