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Balash awarded Distinguished Service Award by Holy Family School
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Neighbors | Submitted.WFMJ-TV sports director Dana Balash (right) was awarded the Distinguished Service Award for his work with Holy Family School. Pictured (from left) are Holy Family Church Bishop George Murry, Dana Balash's daughter Hannah and his wife Kim.
By TIM CLEVELAND
Every year since 1997, Holy Family School has been giving the Distinguished Service Award. The award was first given to a distinguished alumni, but for the past 10 years it has been awarded to someone for their dedication and service to the school every year during Catholic Schools Week.
The school’s faculty submits candidates for the award and then discusses them before a winner is named.
The most recent recipient of the award is WFMJ-TV sports director Dana Balash, who was honored at Holy Family Church during 8:30 a.m. Mass on Jan. 28.
Balash said he was “humbled” to receive the award and considered it one of his most cherished awards.
Approximately 500 people [including about 100 parents and friends of Holy Family] attended the ceremony, including Balash’s wife Kim and daughter Hannah. Hannah attends Holy Family School.
“Dana has been a loyal dedicated volunteer for the past nine years since his daughter entered kind,” Holy Family School Principal Kathy Stoops said. “He helps with recess duty every Monday and Wednesday. He has also helped with classroom projects, spelling bee and science fair.
He is tremendous with all of the children. He is an expert on playground games, especially ga-ga pit and kickball. He has known all of the kids by name and has a wonderful rapport with children and faculty.”