Teacher Honored For His Love of The Arts

Orlando Catholic schools offer a warm and nurturing environment in which students learn. Our teachers are dedicated and caring, as they help each child who walks through their classroom door grow in mind, body, and spirit. Generally, a teacher’s influence reaches only the students within a school campus. However, there are exceptions: meet Mr. Vince Balaguer. Balaguer, lovingly known throughout the Diocese of Orlando simply as “Mr. Vince,” joined the Bishop Moore Catholic faculty in 1990. From the beginning, his love for the students and desire to help them express themselves through the arts was evident. However, Mr. Vince’s vivacious personality could not be contained to the Orlando high school campus. In 2005, Mr. Vince was asked to help coordinate a “little” art show, showcasing the talents of students throughout the entire diocese. Without hesitation, he said, “yes,” and for the next 14 years, he continued to say “yes,” overseeing 12 Diocese of Orlando Elementary School Art Shows, and for the past two years, the Orlando Catholic Schools Fine Arts Extravaganza, which now includes performances from school bands, choirs, and drama groups. “Every year, I could see the progress students made. I am humbled to be part of something that allows children to display their talents and feel proud of themselves,” Mr. Vince said.This past school year, Mr. Vince coordinated his last art show and retired from teaching.Still, his love and dedication to the arts in Orlando Catholic Schools have not gone unrecognized. On Aug. 6, Henry Fortier, Secretary of Education and Superintendent of Schools, honored Mr. Vince during the Office of Catholic School’s annual Educator Kick-Off Day, presenting Mr. Vince with a plaque commemorating his service to Catholic schools. “Vince’s passion for the arts not only inspired the students he taught, but also shined a light on students throughout the Diocese of Orlando who share that same passion,” he said.(Pictured, left-right, Fortier; Balaguer; Scott Brogan, principal at Bishop Moore; and Tom Doyle, president of Bishop Moore)To learn how your child can grow at an Orlando Catholic School in the arts and any other area in which he or she shines, contact us at 407-246-4903.