June 1, 2006

 

Each year the Board of Pastors with consultation from the administration of Bishop Neumann High School awards its highest and most prestigious award, the Saint John Neumann Medal of Honor, to an educator or community leader who has demonstrated exceptional dedication to the mission of Catholic Schools.

This year we celebrate an outstanding business leader and member of the Williamsport Catholic Community. Perhaps it was his own experience at St. Joseph’s High School, Class of 1945, that sparked Clarence Eck’s concern for Catholic Education. As a devoted husband and father, Clarence sent all five of his children to Catholic schools, all of whom graduated from either St. Joseph’s or Bishop Neumann High School.

In 1992, Mr. Eck established the Beatrice M. Eck Trust and Endowment Funds in memory of his beloved wife, to exclusively benefit the Catholic schools of Lycoming County. Over the past 13 years, the contributions made by Clarence to these two funds have exceeded $3,250,000. To date, approximately $1,250,000 in distributions has been made for tuition assistance grants for Catholic families, as well as capitol improvements to our buildings. In addition to this incredible generosity, it was not uncommon over the years for this man to approach our area Pastors, offering full scholarships to families that they knew were in significant need. Clarence believes that no child should be denied a Catholic education simply because a family might not be able to afford the tuition.

And so today, along with his family, we celebrate a man of remarkable credibility, a true servant of the Lord, and a person of profound generosity who is reluctant to receive the recognition he so very much deserves.

This year’s recipient of the Saint John Neumann Medal of Honor is our school’s great benefactor, Mr. Clarence L. Eck. When presented with this award, Mr. Eck recognized his second wife, Mary Emily Eck for being supportive of his mission of supporting the Catholic schools.