SAN JUAN CAPISTRANO, Calif. (Feb. 4, 2025) – JSerra Catholic High School is proud to announce that English Department Chair and teacher, Eileen McKeagney, has been named a recipient of the prestigious Elizabeth Ann Seton Teacher of the Year Award for the 2024-25 academic year. This distinguished award presented by the Diocese of Orange, honors Catholic educators who exemplify excellence in teaching, dedication to their students, and commitment to faith-based education.

Eileen has been a dedicated faculty member at JSerra Catholic High School since 2009. With 16 years of experience teaching English, she is deeply committed to fostering a love of literature and critical thinking in her students. In addition to her role as English Department Chair, she has served as a member of Faculty Council, the International Admissions Committee, and the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC) Leadership Team. Mrs. McKeagney was previously honored as JSerra’s Teacher of the Year in 2018.

“We are incredibly proud of Mrs. McKeagney’s well-earned recognition and are grateful for her unwavering dedication to Catholic education,” said Rich Meyer, President of JSerra Catholic High School. “Her passion for teaching goes beyond the classroom, inspiring students to strive for excellence, deepen their faith, and, ultimately, seek to become the people that God created them to be. She exemplifies the mission and values of JSerra, and we are honored to celebrate her achievements.”

A graduate from the University of California, Los Angeles, she holds a B.A. in English and a Master of Education. Her passion for education funs deep in her family, as she comes from a long line of teachers. Beyond the classroom, Eileen is a longtime resident of San Juan Capistrano, where she and her husband are the proud parents of three children. They are active parishioners at the Mission Basilica San Juan Capistrano.

“I am extremely grateful to all Catholic school teachers who share their passion for faith and learning with our students on a daily basis,” said Erin C.O. Barisano, Ed.D, Superintendent of Catholic Schools for the Diocese of Orange. “Our teachers are the hearts of our schools.”

The St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Teacher of the Year Award is presented annually to one elementary and one secondary school teacher. Nominees for the award are selected by their peers, and each school submits their top nominee to the Diocese, where final recipients are chosen. All Teacher of the Year finalists and awardees will be recognized at the annual Celebrating Catholic Educators Dinner on January 31, 2025.

For more information, visit jserra.org and occatholicschools.org.

ABOUT JSERRA CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL

JSerra is an independent Catholic high school that encourages students to pursue personal and professional excellence in life.  Our inspirational teachers partner with committed parents to form the faith, intellect, and character of young men and women within a Christ-centered, sacrament-based learning environment. JSerra has 5 acclaimed Magnet Programs in medicine, engineering, business, law, and the arts as well as online educational options. The school offers students 28 Varsity sports (26 of which are CIF sports) and 4 club teams. Both visual and performing arts are also well-represented on campus. For more information, visit jserra.org.