September 9, 2026

St. Thomas the Apostle parish and school start year off with awards

REGIONAL
Staff report

Father Jack Sheaffer, the pastor of St. Thomas the Apostle Parish and Beth Hawley, the principal of St. Thomas the Apostle School pose for a picture with Readers Rave Awards. Both the parish and school were recognized this year. (IObserve photo/courtesy of Beth Hawley)

WEST SPRINGFIELD – St. Thomas the Apostle Parish and school have started the new academic year off with some bragging rights after being named best place to worship, best private school and best principal on Reader Raves on MassLive. The annual poll allows readers to vote for their favorites in different categories.

“Being named Best Private School for the fifth year is an incredible honor, and one that means so much to all of us,” said Beth Hawley, the principal of St. Thomas the Apostle School. “St. Thomas the Apostle School is a family. Our parents entrust us with their children, and we take that responsibility very seriously. We are committed to providing our students with strong academics in an environment where faith is at the center of everything we do. We want our children to leave St. Thomas not only well prepared academically, but also understanding that God calls each of us to care for one another, especially those who need us most,” she said.

Hawley has 41 years of teaching in the Catholic Schools for the Diocese of Springfield under her belt. Hawley was named the principal of St. Thomas the Apostle School in 2023. She received several awards including the Grinspoon Teacher of Excellence. A longtime coach, Hawley was also the Springfield Parade Marshall for the 2026 St. Patrick’s Parade in Holyoke.

“Being named Best Principal is very humbling and deeply meaningful to me. I love this school, I love our children, and I believe wholeheartedly in our mission. But I also know that anything we accomplish here is accomplished together. I am blessed to work alongside our pastor, Father Jack Sheaffer; our administrative assistants, Joan Whitehead and Joyce Reichelt, and more than 30 extraordinary faculty and staff members who come to school each day ready to give their very best to our students. I share this award with everyone here at St. Thomas,” she said.

(IObserve photo/courtesy of Beth Hawley)

St. Thomas the Apostle Parish was also recognized. Father Jack Sheaffer celebrates daily Mass, which is posted on the parish YouTube page. In addition to faith formation, the parish runs programs for youth including Bible camp. The parish also brought a group of teenagers to the Steubenville East Conference in July.

“I am thrilled that St. Thomas the Apostle Parish was named Best Place to Worship at the same time our school was named Best Private School. To me, the two recognitions belong together. Our parish and our school are one family,” said Hawley.

“Our faith, mission, and commitment to serving others connects us. Our children attend Mass every week with parishioners, and once a month our entire school community comes together to celebrate Mass. Father Jack is very present to our students and teachers in classrooms, the lunchroom and after school cooking and stained-glass clubs. His support of our school is evident in his interactions within our school community,” said Hawley.