VALPARAISO – When the Northwest Indiana Influential Women Association came calling, Melissa Czekaj would have none of their compliments. Actually, the St. Paul Catholic School secretary thought the email about an award nomination was spam.
The 18-year veteran staff member took another look and did her research to determine if their information was fake news. Finding legitimacy in the local nonprofit professional development organization’s Influential Women of Northwest Indiana award, she reacted with befuddled excitement.
“I said, ‘Maybe this is legit,’ so I went ahead and filled out the application,” said the Valparaiso resident, nominated in September in the NWIIWA’s education category. “I was absolutely excited.”
Czekaj, who came to St. Paul with administrative and promotional experience in the construction industry, has built a reputation as being the proverbial smiling face and easy-to-get-along-with person and hub of administrative assistance. As secretary, she greets visitors, manages incoming calls and performs motherly nursing care for students such as those complaining of a toothache or suffering from a bloody nose.
St. Paul leaders believe Czekaj is a good example of a happy Catholic, ever ready to assist those in need.
“Melissa is a blessing to St. Paul School," said third-year principal Lisa Hughes. “She helps make the school welcoming with her positive, kind and loving personality and the school would not be the same without her.”
Hughes said the veteran secretary has been generous with her time.
“Melissa was so helpful in my transition to St. Paul and made me feel welcome from day one. She has a wealth of knowledge and perspective regarding St. Paul that few other staff members have," Hughes explained. “I am so fortunate to consider Melissa a friend.”
Amanda Bookholt, St. Paul marketing director, was on hand to second those emotions of the principal. She also believes that Czekaj’s good cheer is infectious.
“Her announcements at the end of the day or cheering at school assemblies brings smiles to our faces and we appreciate her support,” Bookholt explained. “She can juggle many things at once, but when you come to her with a problem or concern you know you have her attention and help.”
One uncertainty about the award nomination remains who was the nominator. Some in the office have speculated that it was a parent who was pleased with their child’s education. Bookholt does know the criteria for a woman recommended for the award includes 15 years of experience in a select field.
On Sept. 28 at Avalon Manor in Merrillville, women from 12 industry sectors and their families and friends gathered for the NWIIWA awards banquet. Czekaj was announced as among the finalists group, joining 160 other Region women from 320 originally nominated.
According to NWIIWA, “Each finalist and winner has journeyed through personal challenges while simultaneously lifting themselves and those around them. These individuals serve as powerful sources of inspiration, significantly contributing to the betterment of Northwest Indiana as both a thriving place to live and a dynamic hub for professional growth.”
Czekaj said she is thrilled to be thought of in such high terms and that it is an honor to work with such wonderful people at the Home of the Panthers.
"I love to deal with people … getting hugs from the kids. It’s definitely the interaction with everyone,” Czekaj said.
Caption: Melissa Czekaj, 18-year Saint Paul Catholic School secretary, arrives early for the Northwest Indiana Influential Women Association awards banquet on Sept. 28 at Avalon Manor in Merrillville. At the gathering, the Valparasio resident advanced to the finalist round where she was among twelve females determined to be the most influential women in the Region's education sector. (provided photo)