St. Mary’s School will present the 2016 Cardinal Cushing Award to Old Neighborhood Foods CEO Thomas L. Demakes and his wife, Marill, at the Peabody Essex Museum in Salem on Oct. 12.
Thomas and Marill Demakes have spent their lives making Lynn a better place in which to live, work and receive an education. Their boundless support for educating the city’s youth in and out of the classroom extends to generous scholarship support at St. Mary’s as well as to local after-school programs at Girls, Inc., the Lynn YMCA, the Boys and Girls Club and many more organizations.
“We are grateful for their leadership and willingness to accept this honor.” said St. Mary’s Head of School Grace Regan.
“The Demakes family has built a company, provided employment, nurtured cultural and nonprofit organizations, supported children and families in our city, and served as role models for all of us.” said Bill Mosakowski, chairman of the board of trustees at St. Mary’s “Their impact is immeasurable and has changed lives. “
Since its inception in 1996, the Cushing Award has been presented by St. Mary’s leadership to faithful champions of Catholic education whose personal and professional life mirror the mission of the school. Past Cardinal Cushing Award recipients include William F. Connell ’55; Carolyn and Peter S. Lynch; Sr. Janet Eisner, SND ’58, president of Emmanuel College; and Cardinal Sean O’Malley.
The Cushing Society celebration will host more than 350 alumni, parents and community members to recognize major supporters of St. Mary’s and their outstanding commitment to its students. For more information about the event please contact Jen Pearce at [email protected] or 781-586-2067.