April 12, 2025

St. Mary High School dean of students wins prestigious Catholic teaching award

REGIONAL
Staff report

WESTFIELD – Rob Lepage, the dean of students and theology teacher at St. Mary High School in Westfield has been named the 2025 Brother Patrick Carey, cfc, PhD Award in Catholic Education recipient. Lepage is the fourth recipient of the award, inaugurated in Brother Patrick Carey’s name upon his 2018 retirement as the long-time director of the PACT program. 

The PACT program, established at Providence College in 2001, serves Catholic schools by forming and placing beginning Catholic school teachers. Since its founding, more than 450 PACT teachers have served in more than 65 Catholic schools in Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Connecticut. PACT is a member of the University Consortium for Catholic Education (UCCE), a network of Catholic educator formation programs at Catholic colleges and universities across the United States. 

Lepage is a PACT 6 graduate, who in 2006, was assigned to teach theology at St. Mary High School.

Over his nearly 20-year tenure at the school, Lepage has overseen campus ministry programs, served as athletic director, coordinated accreditation activities, and directed the parish school elementary choir. He has taught Catholic theology to all grades and directed thirty-seven drama club productions.

“Robert Lepage is the heart and soul of St. Mary’s High School. His ability to make genuine connections with the students and their families has helped to create a culture of caring and respect,” said St. Mary’s Principal Matthew Collins.

“Robert Lepage is truly irreplaceable at St. Mary’s, and his passion for education, faith, and student life leaves a lasting impact on all who know him,” Collins continued. “As a teacher, Rob engages students with deep, thought-provoking discussions on faith, ethics, and morality. As Dean of Student Life, he organizes events and initiatives that balance fun with meaningful personal growth. As Drama Director, he directs high-quality productions that challenge and inspire students to step outside their comfort zones. Without him, St. Mary’s High School would not be the place it is today.”

Born and raised in Fall River, Mass., Lepage studied music at Rhode Island College (violin) and Catholic theology at Mount Saint Mary’s University in Emmitsburg, Md. He is a life-professed Lay Dominican and serves as president of his chapter.

PACT Director Chris Keavy will present the award at the program’s 23rd graduation celebration in June.

“Whether for two years or twenty years, each PACT teacher has a contribution to make to Catholic education. We see in Rob Lepage a tremendous testament to the dedication, versatility, and generosity that Catholic schools rely upon to help their mission come to life.”  said Keavy. “Rob expressed to me that Brother Carey is his personal hero, and I cannot imagine a more fitting career for what Brother Carey and PACT seek to foster in its program members.”