Title
Honoring Reverend Joseph Campellone, O.S.F.S. on His 2016 Induction into the Father Judge High School Hall of Fame.
Body
WHEREAS, Joe Campellone is the third oldest of six children, the son of Frank and Mary Campellone and a favorite son of St. Timothy Parish. Father Joe attended the Ashbourne School from third grade through his completion of high school. He attributes his passion for education, especially quality education, to his past struggles with his own severe learning disability growing up; and
WHEREAS, Because of his conviction and passion, Fr. Joe was able to overcome his learning challenges and obtain a Bachelor of Arts in Theology in 1990 from DeSales University and a Master Degree of Divinity from DeSales Theological Seminary in Washington, D.C. in 1996; and
WHEREAS, His desire to work and minister to youth led him to the Oblates of St. Francis de Sales. The philosophy of the congregation resonates with the ideals and convictions which enable Father Joe to be a successful priest, administrator, friend and teacher. This philosophy is simply, “Look for the goodness in an individual and make that goodness grow”. ; and
WHEREAS, Fr. Joe believes that before you can have an effect on the mind of a student, you must first motivate the soul. During his ordination to the priesthood, his prayer card read, “Strive to see good in all things without exception,” a quote from St. Francis de Sales. Father Joe tributes his parents, grandparents and former teachers for his success, faith and continued passion for life; and
WHEREAS, Father Joe became the chaplain of Father Judge High School in 1996. One of his first initiatives, working with his good friend Joan Krajewski, was to bring students from Lincoln, St. Hubert’s and Father Judge High Schools together for annual community rallies and marches. These rallies were attended by hundreds of students and residents in the Northeast; and
WHEREAS, In 2001, he was named President of Father Judge, a position he held for the next 15 years. During this time, Father Joe raised more than $10 million in assistance for financially challenged families within the Judge community; and
WHEREAS, Father Joe also founded a Resource/Learning Center at Father Judge High School to help students deal with learning challenges. This program brings all the new initiatives geared to help students love learning and to help teachers support students with learning difficulties. Unlike most special education programs, this program comes with no additional cost; and
WHEREAS, Some of Father Joe’s other accomplishments while serving as President of Father Judge include the founding of the hugely successful Annual Taste of Northeast Philly event and the President’s Challenge Cup, both of which fund tuition assistance and facility improvements. He was also a tremendous influence in the opening of the William F. Mitchell Activity Center, the McGonigal Fitness Center and the field renovations to Ramp Playground. Father Joe brought wrestling, rugby and a robotics Program to Father Judge High School. It is because of these and many other initiatives too numerous to mention here that Father Joe is one of the most revered figures ever to walk the halls of Father Judge High School; and
WHEREAS, Father Joe serves our community through his affiliation with the Ancient Order of Hibernians-Division 39, the Northeast Philadelphia Community Development Corporation, the Youth Leadership Workshop, the City of Philadelphia Anti-Violence Coalition, DeSales University, the Philadelphia Flyers, Crossing the Finish Line, the Overtime with Christ Program, the Greater Northeast Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce, the Union League, Wildwood Catholic High School and other organizations and programs by lending his knowledge, experience and expertise; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA, That we hereby honor and congratulate Reverend Joseph Campellone, O.S.F.S., on His 2016 Induction Into the Father Judge High School Hall of Fame.
RESOLVED FURTHER, That an Engrossed copy of this resolution be presented to Father Joe, further evidencing the grateful appreciation and deep admiration of this legislative body.
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