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Spirit of Madonna
The spirit of Madonna Award is given to a individual in honor of its support of the Madonna Alumnae Association under the Madonna Foundation.
The recipient of this award exemplifies the ideals of a Madonnian through outstanding service, devotion, generosity and support to the ongoing legacy of Madonna High School through the Madonna Foundation Scholars.
The nominee shows a dynamic and purposeful impact to the Madonna Community, who has shown unselfish and consistent service to our community enhancing the mission of the Madonna Foundation.
Celebrate Our 2026 Winners
Bernadette Sigl
Class of 1964, was honored to receive the Spirit of Madonna Award alongside fellow educators and dear friends. Reflecting on her years at Madonna, she emphasized that the school provided students with more than an education—it instilled confidence, strength, and the belief that young women could achieve anything they set their minds to.
A longtime history educator and department chair, Bernadette shared that her goal was never simply to teach dates and facts, but to help students appreciate the accomplishments of people throughout history and understand the lessons those achievements offer today.
She encouraged everyone to value the friendships, family connections, and everyday moments that bring meaning to life. Concluding her remarks, Bernadette expressed gratitude to the Madonna community and reminded attendees of the lasting impact a Madonna education has on generations of women.
Judge Nancy Schuster Waites
Recipient of the Spirit of Madonna Award, was honored and surprised to receive the recognition alongside Bern Sigl and Madonna Carsello.
A history teacher at Madonna beginning in 1978, Judge Waites encouraged her students to appreciate different cultures and believe in their own potential. She credits Madonna High School with giving her the confidence to pursue her dreams, including attending law school while teaching full-time and raising a family.
Judge Waites describes the Madonna bond as “emotional super glue”—a lifelong connection built on friendship, support, and shared experiences.
“Madonna has always been a special place to me” she says. “I carry Madonna with me every day.”
Madonna Carsello
Accepting the Spirit of Madonna Award, Madonna Carsello, reflected on her decades of service as a history teacher and department chair at Madonna High School. She credited her students with inspiring her throughout her career and recalled the many traditions and friendships that made Madonna a special place.
Bern shared her hope that students left Madonna with a sense of competence, compassion, and contribution—values that guided her teaching and reflected the school’s mission. Thanking generations of students and colleagues, she described teaching at Madonna as “the best career I could have ever hoped for.”
She concluded her remarks with a heartfelt message to her former students: “I hope we served you well.”
