The annual Hall of Fame induction ceremony honors alumni and friends of Bishop Ward who have contributed to the community while upholding Catholic values. 2014 marks the event’s 9th year. Hall of Fame proceeds benefit the Bishop Ward Student Scholarship Fund.
Dr. Michael Bartkoski, recipient of the Achievements in Arts & Sciences award, spent his career in the animal health sciences field, primarily in vaccine manufacturing. Dr. Bartkoski spearheaded the renovation of Bishop Ward’s St. Albert the Great chemistry lab in 2008, creating a catalyst for improvement which has resulted in the addition of programs such as the popular Science Lecture Series.
Edward and Mary Elaine Mayfield, who have been married for 61 years, will receive the Don Denney ’70 Spirit of Bishop Ward award. The Mayfields are the face of Bishop Ward as longtime supporters of the school. They are a legacy family with more than 20 family members who are also Ward graduates. Mr. Mayfield served as the Wyandotte County Clerk for 18 years while Mrs. Mayfield served in various volunteer roles in her church and children’s schools.
Tom Roberts will receive the Alumnus of the Year award. Mr. Roberts was the Senior Class President while at Ward and then went on to become a scholar athlete at Wichita State University. Mr. Roberts began working with the city of Kansas City, Kan. in 1975 and was named Unified Government Clerk in 1997 when the county and city unified. He also served as President of the International Institute of Municipal Clerks, an organization with over 10,000 members.
Helen Skradski, recipient of the Fr. Raymond J. Davern Community Service Award, is the owner of Skradski Funeral Home. Mrs. Skradski sits on several boards, sings at weddings and is known throughout the community for her compassion toward grieving families. She is also heavily involved in Bishop Ward activities, especially the Drama Club.
The Vader brothers, Jim, Joe and Jay are recipients of the Athletic Achievement Award. Each was captain of the Ward football team and received athletic scholarships from Kansas State University. Jim, who ran track at K-State and was a member of two record setting Big 8 champion mile relay teams, is currently the President and Owner of Vader Insurance, Inc.
Joe, who played football, basketball and baseball at K-State before being drafted by the Dallas Texans, has been practicing law in the Johnson County area since 1964. Jay, who also played football at K-State and received the Red Raider award in 1969, is currently working as an attorney.
More information, including ways to honor award recipients can be found at wardhigh.org/hof2014.
