Marian Catholic High School announces the establishment of, and the awarding of, the first ever “Distinguished Alumnus Award” and the induction of 11 individuals and one family to the new Marian Catholic High School Hall of Fame to be held on May 20 in the John P. Malarkey ’51 Gymnasium at Marian Catholic High School in Hometown.

The inaugural recipients of the “Distinguished Alumnus Award” are two Tamaqua residents (one current and one former): John P. Malarkey, Class of 1951 from Saint Jerome’s High School and William “Bill” Bonenberger, Class of 1976 from Marian Catholic High School. Bonenberger is the son of the late Jim and Ida Bonenberger and the brother of David Bonenberger, Class of 1979.

Malarkey served as principal at Marian Catholic High School from 1977 until his retirement in 1998.

“Jack’s life of service to Marian over the last six decades has been nothing short of extraordinary. His enthusiasm toward Marian and its students is second to none,” said Patrick Reilly, chair of the school’s board of directors. “He is so deserving of this recognition.”

Jack and his wife, Jane, are the parents of three sons; John ’83, Jim ’84 and Joe ’95, and the grandparents of three Marian graduates, Ryan ’16, Rhiannon ’19 and Johnny ’21. They are also grandparents to Jack and Emma Donovan and Kiernan Malarkey.

Bill Bonenberger is CEO and founder of W.B. Homes and a longtime volunteer and benefactor of Marian Catholic High School.

“Bill’s selfless and devoted service to his alma mater has been a great gift to Marian and Catholic education,” said Reilly.

Originally from Tamaqua, Bonenberger now live in Harleysville, with his wife Janet.

They are the parents of three children, all educated in Catholic schools. Janet served as a board member at Marian for many years and currently serves as a member of the board’s Advancement Committee. W.B. Homes is one of Philadelphia’s most successful homebuilders and for more than 35 years has been a family-owned business. It all started in the early ’80s when Bill learned the craft of home building at Williamson College of the Trades, where he currently serves as the chair of the board of trustees.

The Distinguished Alumnus Award was established to recognize and honor alumni of Marian Catholic High School, Saint Ann’s High School, Saint Jerome’s High School, Saint Mary’s High School, Mauch Chunk High School and former students who are noted in their field of endeavor or recognized for their expertise and good works. The award celebrates those accomplished role models who inspire today’s Marian students to follow their own pursuit of excellence. Award recipients must meet the following criteria:

• Graduated from or enrolled at Marian Catholic High School, Saint Ann’s High School, Saint Jerome’s High School, Saint Mary’s High School or Mauch Chunk High School at least 10 years before being honored.

• Must have distinguished themselves through achievement, service or contributions to their alma mater or society.

• Exhibits leadership, character, and service at work, in their community or in civic organizations.

In addition, the school will welcome 11 people and one Marian family into the new Marian Catholic High Hall of Fame:

• Denise Bonner Wall ’54 (Saint Ann’s High School) from Reno, Nevada (formerly from Summit Hill).

• Margaret Bonner Dolan ’55 from New Orleans (formerly from Summit Hill).

• Lee Schilling ’57 from Tamaqua.

• Rev. Msgr. John J. Martin ’64 from Bethlehem (formerly from Brockton).

• Jim Sauka ’66, P ’93, ’94, ’96, ’00 from Nesquehoning.

• Sr. Anne Crampsie, RSM ’69 from Ambler (formerly from Summit Hill).

• Bill O’Gurek ’73, P ’01, ’03 from Summit Hill.

• Sr. Lisa Marie Valentini, MSC ’74 from Reading (formerly from Tamaqua).

• Terri Svetz Shickora ’77, P ’03, ’04, ’08 from Tamaqua.

• Jerome and Joan Palko from Weatherly.

• Andrew and Nora (Urban) Baddick Family from Tamaqua including:

• Francis J. “Frank” and Rose Uher Baddick;

• Joseph “Josey” and Rose Pelton Baddick (Parents of Guy ’60 and Joseph ’70);

• Josephine Baddick ’28 and Joseph Krynock;

• Helen Baddick ’30 and Harold “Pete” Campbell (Parents of Richard ’59);

• Genevieve Baddick ’32 and Paul Scarloss (Parents of Paul ’69);

• Mary Katherine Baddick ’34 and Joseph Zaleha, Sr. (Parents of Joe);

• Catherine “Kay” Baddick ’38 and Metro Kokalec;

• Edward ’40 and Mary Murphy ’38 Baddick (Parents of Mary ’71, Msgr. Tom ’73, Kathleen ’75, Noranne ’77, Susan ’81);

• Eleanor Baddick ’43 and Joseph Paslawsky (Mother of JoAnn ’69 and Jean ’75);

• Regina “Jean” ’Baddick 44 and Anthony “Mickey” Witcofsky (Parents of Joe ’76, Ann ’80, Mary ’84).

The Distinguished Alumnus Award and Hall of Fame Celebration will take place on Saturday evening, May 20, at Marian Catholic High School, starting at 5:30 p.m. with the cocktail reception and the dinner and program starting at 7 p.m. Mass will be celebrated at 4:30 p.m. in the Dr. and Mrs. William Bonner Chapel of the Immaculate Conception at Marian.

Contact Larry Furey ’79, event chair at 781-710-0242 or lfurey@partnersinmission.com, or Dr. Erin Marek, Director of Advancement at 570-467-3335 or emarek@mariancatholichs.org for more information on sponsorship, program book opportunities and tickets for the event. Proceeds from the celebration will benefit the Scholarship Fund at Marian Catholic High School. More information is available at www.mariancatholichs.org.