Cardinal Joseph Bernardin Catholic School students had quite the welcome back this academic year.
Students at the school, 9250 W. 167th Street in Orland Hills, were greeted by Leo, the Orland Park Police Department’s K9 Therapy Dog to help anyone suffering first day jitters.
Since arriving at the Orland Park Police Department in September 2021, Leo, a 3-year-old American Labrador Retriever K9 therapy dog, has made a significant impression on the surrounding community.
Leo’s handler, Orland Park Police Officer Rich Miller said it is proven that Therapy K9’s help reduce stress.
Miller is not only Leo’s handler, he is also a Cardinal Joseph Bernadin Catholic School dad. His second-grade daughter, Lacey, attends and couldn’t be happier to have her dad and Leo with her on her first day back.
“We are very excited to have this connection with Officer Miller and Leo,” said Tricia Pecka, Director of Marketing for Cardinal Joseph Bernardin Catholic School. “And, we were so happy to welcome Officer Miller and his therapy dog, Leo. Leo specializes in providing comfort to people who have experienced some kind of trauma. He has supported survivors of the Highland Park shooting, families of fallen officers and many others.
“Thankfully, Leo’s duties are much lighter today. He just provided pets and smiles for our students. We are fortunate to have Officer Miller as a member of our Cardinal Joseph Bernadin Catholic School family. Both he and Leo are so generous with their time.”
Cardinal Joseph Bernardin Catholic School is a regional elementary school located in the Archdiocese of Chicago. It officially opened its doors on August 29, 2000. It was the first newly built school in the Chicago Archdiocese in more than three decades. It was built as a regional school for St. Elizbeth Seton, St. Julie Billiart, St. Francis of Assisi and St. Stephen Deacon and Martyr parishes.
Under the collaborative leadership of the sponsoring parishes, and through the efforts of its pastors, teachers, staff, and parents, Cardinal Joseph Bernardin School supports parish ministries through active involvement at weekend liturgies, in faith and family formation, and social service outreach, including events like having Leo visit with students.
During the early-morning visit, Miller handed out Leo’s very own personalized baseball cards to the children as they walked into school during drop-off.
In addition to Leo greeting the students on the first day of school, all students attended the school’s annual First Day Opening Prayer and Flag Raising Ceremony.
It began with Cardinal Joseph Bernadin Catholic School Principal Jeanne Pagliaro’s Welcoming Address. Students provided the Liturgy, which was planned by Mary Vlaming, the Coordinator of Faith Formation at St. Elizabeth Seton. Fr. Kevin McCray, the Pastor of St. Elizabeth Seton, blessed the new school year, and the school flag and the American Flag that will be raised every day.
Following that, members from the Bremen VFW Post 2791 raised the flag and everyone recited the Pledge of Allegiance. After some closing comments from the principal, students joined in singing “God Bless America,” led by Kevin Crowley, CJB’s new Performance Arts teacher. The students then returned to their classrooms happily ready to start a new school year.
“The first day of school is always exciting, but this year brings increased anticipation,” said Pagliaro. “We’ve implemented many new programs for our students such as individual music lessons, co-ed flag football, Performing Arts and Tech Arts. Cardinal Joseph Bernadin also has many special things planned for our community, as we begin the celebration of our 25th anniversary.”
The school is in the process of locating alumni and former staff and faculty members to celebrate its 25th anniversary that will culminate on August 2, 2025, with a Special Celebration Mass at St. Elizabeth Seton. It will then continue the celebration in the school.
“It will be a fun-filled evening of reliving fond memories, strolling through the halls, seeing the classrooms, picture slideshows, theater performances and sports accomplishments,” Pagliaro said.