School Commission
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School Commission members 2023-2024
Fr. Sengole Gnanaraj, STL, Pastor/Administrator
Fr. Sengole T. Gnanaraj, Pastor of our parish arrived in Richmond in July 2019.
He was Pastor of St. Pius and St. Michael in Perry County prior. He has a post-graduate degree in Theology from the Angelicum, Rome through the Faculty of Sacred Heart Major Seminary, Detroit, MI. He was an attorney at Law in India before moving to the United States.
His hobbies include sketching, playing the guitar and graphic designs. The most favorite Bible text for him is John 3:16.
One of his favorites in being at Seton School is being able to say Mass for the school students three times a week and spending brief time with them during lunch hours. -
Mrs. Beth Van Der Burgt, Chairperson
A retired pharmacist, Beth volunteers as parish Sacristan at the St. Andrew campus and serves as Past Board President of the Richmond Area Rose Garden in addition to serving on our school commission. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Pharmacy from Butler University and also graduated with a Master's in Theology from St. Meinrad in May of 2022. Beth and husband, Marty, are very active in the parish and are long-time supporters of Seton Catholic Schools. “I chose to serve on the school commission for Seton Catholic Schools because Marty and I greatly value Catholic Education, and I felt honored to be asked to be more involved with our school. We must catechize our youth to ensure a solid future for our Church. Seton is a vital part of this process, and I feel it is important to support our school in other ways than just financially. I look forward to serving with everyone on our 2023-2024 school year.” -
Dr. Roy Teng, Vice Chairperson
Seton Catholic parent and parishioner Dr. Roy Teng has spent the last fourteen years supporting our school through the gifts of time and treasure. Roy works locally for Richmond Radiologist Inc. and is married to Jackie. They have one son, Zachary, a recent Seton graduate who attended Seton Catholic since he was three years old.
“I choose to serve the Catholic community however I am called.” -
Mr. Ed Martin, Secretary
Ed is a familiar face around Seton Catholic Schools. He is the father to Seton Catholic alum, Kelsey Martin (’17) and current junior, Jack Martin; and spouse to Varsity Coach Jennifer Martin. He received his Juris Doctorate in May 1994 from Valparaiso University School of Law and is self-employed.
“I choose to serve on the commission to cultivate kindness. Mrs. (Kara) Hamilton and Father Sengole asked that I volunteer and I accepted. I believe Catholic education is a mission and as a parent, I am grateful to be part of this ministry.” -
Mr. Tony Talbert, Finance Committee Chairperson
Tony Talbert is a lifelong Catholic along with his wife Donna. He recognizes that the Catholic School is our most important ministry shaping our future parishioners and the future leadership of the Catholic church. Giving our students a Christian foundation as well as a premier academic educational experience is the top priorities of our schools. With our principals, teachers, staff, students, parents and commission members working together we can collectively make our catholic school experience one of great impact on our community and society today, tomorrow and for decades to come keeping Christ and His love as our center. -
Ms. Molly Vanderpool
By day Molly is the Executive Director of Admission with Indiana University East, and by night she is a busy mom of three. She possesses a bachelors degree from St. Mary of the Woods College and a masters degree from Indiana University. Molly is a parishioner and has volunteered for many years with the school as her children, Allie (grade 9), Tim (grade 6), and Abby (grade 1) are life-long students of Seton Catholic.“I am passionate about education and serving my community, and want to instill a love of learning in students. Serving on the commission is a privilege. I am deeply committed to sharing my professional background and my faith in building and maintaining strong Catholic schools in Wayne County.” -
Mr. Justin Ferriell
Justin and his wife, Christie, are Seton Catholic parents and parishioners. They have two children, Grace (grade 7) and Collins (Pre-Kindergarten). Justin has been a life-long member of the parish, and the busy owner of Family Tradition and Road Ready. He has been an invaluable resource regarding transportation for field trip and athletic use.
“I am passionate about school and church. I want to help the school any way that I can. There is a direct affect on my family in many ways.” -
Mr. Brad VanVleet
Mrs. Kelly Knapke
Mrs. Laverne Barlow -
Mrs. Jane Brack, Seton Catholic High School Principal
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Mrs. Kim Becker, Seton Catholic Elementary Principal
Kim and husband, Chris, have two Seton Catholic High School graduates - Noah 2017 and Suzanne 2020. The Becker have been in Richmond since 2010 and have thrived here, thanks to church and school. Kim has an elementary ed, special ed, administration and supervision degrees from Butler University and Indiana University and has spent 44 years teaching and being a school leader.
“I teach and lead because I know kids CAN succeed and CAN be holy. Our future depends on them! Catholic education is the answer!”
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Seton Catholic Schools is extremely blessed to have an outstanding school commission. All eleven commission members generously give of their time, talent, and treasure on behalf of our schools. We thank each member of the commission for answering this call to serve the young people of the greater Richmond community.
The commission usually meets the fourth Wednesday of each month, beginning at 6:30 pm in Father Hillman Hall at Seton Catholic High School. Every other month is a work session. All are welcome to attend. Please notify the commission at least two weeks in advance if you wish to be added to the agenda.