CAPE MAY COURT HOUSE — Wildwood Catholic Academy paused from the rhythm of the school year to celebrate the people whose faith, service and steadfast leadership have helped define the institution for generations.
During a ceremony billed as a “Celebration of Excellence, Service and Catholic Spirit,” the school presented its highest honors to alumni, parents, volunteers and benefactors whose lives have strengthened Catholic education in Cape May County.
“These people show up quietly and often behind the scenes,” Principal Joseph Cray said in his opening remarks during the event held Dec. 14 at Stone Harbor Golf Club. “You have helped build more than programs and traditions. You have helped build a culture – one that makes it easier for our children to encounter Christ here, to be known, challenged and loved.”
Few moments during the ceremony were as emotionally resonant as the presentation of the Pillars of Providence Award to Carole Pantalone, Class of 1966. Introduced as “a radiant force within the Wildwood Catholic Academy community,” Pantalone was credited with helping secure the school’s very existence at a time when its future was uncertain.
“For years, she has been the steady hand and courageous heart behind initiatives that have strengthened this school and literally forged its destiny,” said Carol Barnoski, awards emcee and a Class of 1990 alumna. “Without her, Wildwood Catholic Academy would not be here.”
Pantalone was praised for helping launch one of the most impactful fundraising campaigns in the region — a campaign that not only kept the doors open, but led to the school’s rebranding as Wildwood Catholic Academy. Barnoski emphasized her humility and resolve, noting that she works “quietly when no spotlight shines and boldly when her voice is needed most.”
Sharing the Pillars of Providence Award was Joe Bogle, whose decades of leadership and service have shaped both Wildwood Catholic Academy and the broader Cape May community. A lifelong educator and entrepreneur, Bogle served as president of the Wildwood Catholic Academy board for 20 years.
“Joe served when leadership was not easy and when decisions carried enormous weight,” Barnoski noted. “He held strong to the belief that this school mattered — not just as an institution, but as a place of formation, faith and hope.”
Bogle worked alongside Pantalone and others to lead fundraising efforts that ensured Wildwood Catholic Academy remained the only Catholic high school in the region.
The Caritas Award, recognizing love expressed through service, was presented to three community stalwarts, beginning with Michelle Rosenello, Class of 1995, whose more than two decades of volunteer leadership have touched nearly every corner of the school community.
“Her faith in God, her unwavering support of Catholic education, and her willingness to share her time, talent and treasure have set a standard by which future parent volunteers will be measured,” Barnoski noted.
Also receiving the Caritas Award was Charles F. Vogdes III, Class of 1966, whose legacy at Wildwood Catholic Academy spans generations of students and athletes.
“More than a coach, he has been a role model in character, integrity and faith,” Barnoski said, noting his service as a varsity coach, advisory board member, and key participant in fundraising efforts.
The third Caritas Award recipient, Laurie Vizzard, was honored for more than a decade of joyful service to Wildwood Catholic Academy and its Advisory Board.
“No task was ever too big and no request ever went unanswered,” Barnoski stated. “Her leadership is gentle, but it is felt by everyone.”
The Highest Spirit Award was presented to Haroula Karavangelos Rotondi, Class of 1993. “A natural mover and shaker,” she was described as someone who “does not stop until the mission has been successfully completed.”
Sharing the Highest Spirit Award was Marianna Papazoglou, Class of 2021, whose Crusader spirit defined her years as a student and continues through her academic and professional pursuits.
“Marianna accomplished that goal,” Barnoski said of her fundraising efforts. “And Wildwood Catholic Academy is grateful.”
The celebration also included a special moment honoring Bishop Joseph Williams, who was awarded an honorary degree and formally inducted by student leaders into the Wildwood Catholic Academy community for his unwavering support of Catholic education.
“Catholic education is a constant battle,” Bishop Williams said. “But it is a good fight – the fight for faith, for virtue and for the future of our young people.”
He praised the school’s leaders, parents and benefactors for serving as guardians of that mission and ensuring Wildwood Catholic Academy remains a place where students encounter Christ and discover who God is calling them to be.
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