Sister Dorothy Rasche honored by local school corporation

Earlier this year, Sister Dorothy Rasche, SP, was contacted by Ryan Easton, the principal at West Vigo High School in West Terre Haute, who had asked her to write her “life story in general” for a project he was working on.

“I was dumbfounded,” Sister Dorothy explained.

As it turns out, Ryan wanted the information for her nomination to be included in the Vigo County School Corporation Circle of Honor.

Stepping up for those in need

She began discerning the request and the question of “why” kept coming up.

But then, all the memories of what The Connecting Link, the ministry Sister Dorothy oversees in West Terre Haute, has accomplished throughout the years for the city fulfilled her.

For example, she contacted the school corporation years ago for help to set up a food drive from students for Providence Food Pantry. In addition, she helped set up bus transportation for those in need in the West Terre Haute area; helped keep the library in the city; joined others to set up the walkway from West Terre Haute to Terre Haute; helped orchestrate the advent of a health clinic and pharmacy in West Terre Haute; and so much more.

The Connecting Link, through Sister Dorothy and the Sisters of Providence of Saint Mary-of-the-Woods, Indiana, have indeed given back to their neighbors in West Terre Haute and beyond.

Assisting the ‘entire community’

So, Sister Dorothy supplied Ryan with information and he wrote a brief bio for the Circle of Honor ceremony, which took place on Friday, May 10, at Terre Haute North High School.

“Sister Dorothy represents western Vigo County in her nomination,” Ryan said. “She has helped assist not only the schools in western Vigo County, but the entire community which in turn has helped our schools and students. There has not been a time that she has not stepped up for any child or family who may be in need.

“Sister Dorothy is an ‘adopted’ alumni who stays current by attending school board meetings and working hand-in-hand with many of the superintendents on initiatives.”

‘Humbled’

Sister Dorothy said she was humbled that she and the Congregation were recognized for the efforts.

“Being honored is great for the Sisters,” she said, “and it’s a great feeling that the work of The Connecting Link is being recognized.”

During the ceremony, Sister Dorothy and the others who were nominated each received a glass plate which sits on a stand. The glass plate has each nominee’s name on it.

She said the piece currently sits on her desk at The Connecting Link.

“The ceremony was lovely,” Sister Dorothy concluded. “I was very humbled.”