Alumni who were inducted April 9 into Camden Catholic’s Hall of Fame not only look back on the Cherry Hill high school with fondness, but credit those formative years with helping lead to successful futures.
“I’m a theologian now, so I really feel I was prepared for [my] work by studying theology, languages, culture, history,” said Michael M. Canaris, who teaches at Loyola University, Chicago, and is a longtime columnist for the Catholic Star Herald. As part of his current responsibilities, he leads programs to England and Rome every summer, and he reflects how a Camden Catholic trip he took to Europe helped pique that interest.
“I went to Catholic school from kindergarten through my Ph.D. I feel a great honor and responsibility to carry that forward,” said Canaris, a 1998 alumnus who holds degrees from the University of Scranton, Boston College, Fordham University and more.
Nearly a dozen were honored April 9 by being inducted into the school’s Hall of Fame, with dozens of alumni, family, friends, staff and clergy in attendance.
“I remember my high school years very fondly. I am really pleased that they are honoring me,” said Stephanie Tortu, Ph.D., of the Class of 1964. “We had excellent teachers here [with] the Sisters of Mercy,” who founded the school. “I always believed that they instilled in me a real lifelong love of learning.”
Now retired, the former researcher, college professor and administrator who holds degrees from Duquesne University and the University of Pittsburgh added, “I also got from the school my sense of morality. We learned an ethical system … that helped me during my life.”
She said she hopes current students look at the Hall of Fame awardees as examples of strong role models. “I wish them luck.”
Canaris called the award humbling. “To come back and connect with the people who have for so long inspired me is really powerful. … My mom and her siblings graduated Camden Catholic High School, so I’m proud to continue my family legacy here.”
Originally from Collingswood, he also expressed thanks for being able to stay connected to the area through his work with the diocesan newspaper.
“The newspaper is really a profound joy for me, to keep me connected to the people of God here in South Jersey. It’s among my favorite professional activities each week to write that column. I always pray for the Diocese,” he said.
Video by freelance photographer Joe Warner contributed to this report.