Save the date for the Chiaravalle Gala on February 22, 2025! Chiaravalle translates to “valley of light” in Italian and is the birthplace of Maria Montessori. It is a fitting name for Good Shepherd’s annual fundraising dinner, where we celebrate our mission and those who spread the light of learning and compassion to children in our community. Mark your calendar and make a plan to enjoy food, fun, and fellowship with us on February 22. 

Check back this fall for information on sponsorships and tickets.

Chiaravalle Award

Good Shepherd presents the Chiaravalle Award annually at our fundraising gala. It honors a person or organization whose work has improved the lives of children in our community. We are grateful to all of our past recipients for the impact they have made on our school and the wider Michiana community.

Past Chiaravalle Award Recipients

  • Charles and Barbara Asher | Freedom 22 Foundation
  • Carolyn Hahn | The CASIE Center
  • Kirby Falkenberg | YMCA of Michiana
  • Terri Kosik | Early Childhood Development Center, ND/SMC
  • Reg Wagle | Memorial Health Foundation
  • James Kaspa | South Bend Community School Corporation
  • La Casa de Amistad
  • Daniel J. Myers | University of Notre Dame & President Emeritus, GSMS Board
  • Barbara Reed, posthumous | Montessori Pioneer
  • Sue Christensen and Ann Rosen | The Family Connection
  • Gerry Gingras | Saint Mary’s College & GSMS Educator
  • JoAnn DeCloedt | Countryside Montessori School 
  • Marianne Surges | The Montessori Center
  • Bonnie Boilini Baxter | Children’s Dance Workshop
  • Daniel W. Driscoll and Felicia Leon-Driscoll | Good Shepherd Montessori School
  • Kate Sollmann | Good Shepherd Montessori School 
  • Children’s Museum of South Bend