Bishop Lynch Educators Receive Record-Number of Work of Heart Awards

Five Bishop Lynch High School educators were honored with The Catholic Foundation's Work of Heart Award at the end-of-year faculty and staff luncheon, representing the largest number of employees receiving the award from one school at the same time. 

Work of Heart recipients are nominated by the school community for their service to the school, embodiment of Christian values, and the many ways they go above and beyond on campus and in the local community. 

Bishop Lynch is honored to recognize the following faculty and staff members for demonstrating excellence in Catholic education in their faithful, caring, and dedicated approach. 

Accompanying each of their names is a quote from the individual who nominated them. 

Patty Barton, RN, Campus Nurse – 23 years of service 

“Patty consistently lives out Christian values through her actions — compassion, humility, service, patience, and unconditional love. She treats every student with dignity and kindness, offering calm presence in moments of fear and genuine joy in moments of progress.” 

Maritza Fierro, Coordinator of Student Formation – 25 years of service 

“Her love for others and willingness to serve as Christ would is so consistent that it is difficult to focus on just one example. Maritza lives her life as one continuous Work of Heart. The Bishop Lynch community, and greater Dallas Catholic community, has benefited greatly from all her sacrifice of time in service to others.” 

Doran Lopez, MA ’00, World Language Department Chair and Spanish Teacher – 19 years of service 

“Señora Lopez creates an atmosphere of learning as well as comfort. In her class, I feel as if I can be completely myself, while striving for the best possible education. She offers one of the hardest classes at Bishop Lynch but also offers support in order to conquer it. Señora Lopez reminds me of my worth as a student at Bishop Lynch and as a child of God.” 

Pamela (Pam) Malouf, MA, Counselor – 14 years of service 

“Pam has consistently demonstrated Christian values at Bishop Lynch. The ones that I have personally witnessed are love, compassion, faithfulness, generosity and kindness. In a time of difficulty for our family, to know that my children were being taken care of at school, away from me, was a huge relief.” 

Natasha Pajda, MCSL ’08, Theology Teacher – 2 years of service 

“Natasha cares deeply for those around her both personally and professionally. Natasha is most deserving of this honor through the simplicity of her saying yes to opportunities and showing up wherever she is needed. The students know she truly cares about their interests, and they value and seek out her input for those pursuits.” 

Bishop Lynch is immensely grateful to The Catholic Foundation and its supporters for giving our deserving faculty and staff the opportunity to be recognized for their commitment to the school community and to Catholic education.