Joe Trojcak was recently named the 2023 Distinguished Graduate at Seven Sorrows of the Blessed Virgin Mary (SSBVM) Catholic School in Middletown.

Trojcak, a member of the SSBVM Class of 1976, is involved with the Knights of Columbus and assists with the SSBVM Lenten Fish Fry and at parish festivals, funerals, weddings and other sacramental events. He prepares SSBVM church music, assists with the choir and is the church organist.

"From making the mac and cheese for our Lenten Fish Fry to playing the organ at our church, Joe is a man of many talents and always jumping in to help. We are blessed to honor him with this award," said Mindy Kennedy, SSBVM director of development.

Trojcak was honored at the school's Green & Gold Night Out fundraiser held on March 18 at the Vineyard at Hershey. He was presented the award by SSBVM principal Angela Warner, who stated, "Joe's caring and giving heart goes far beyond the church and extends to local organizations and businesses to support their needs. We are blessed by his service to the community, our church and the school."

In accepting the award, Trojcak expressed the importance of receiving a Catholic education. "Our faculty here - and I feel part of it as the musical leader in our parish - we strive to bring these kids spiritual nourishment to help them in their lives," he stated. "As a teacher at Lebanon Valley College, I get the students when they are 19 and 20 years old, and those who have a spiritual background have something to build on and have a step ahead of understanding what their life is really about."

Trojcak attended Lebanon Valley College, where he studied audio recording and producing. He is a graduate of West Chester University, where he received a Bachelor of Science in management. He also attended HACC, Central Pennsylvania's Community College, to study business and music. He launched his own audio engineering business and is an adjunct professor at HACC and Lebanon Valley College.

At SSBVM, he is one of the "Three Amigos" who make the macaroni and cheese during the Lenten Fish Fry. "We make eight vats of mac and cheese and serve about 700 to 800 people (each week)," he said, noting the meals are served in a drive-through format.

Trojcak learned he had received the honor during Sunday Mass, which kicked off Catholic Schools Week in January. He shared that he was surprised by the news. "Every year, they honor a graduate, and there is plaque in the hallway (that lists the honorees)," he said. "I had no idea I had been nominated."

Trojcak was presented a certificate, signed by Warner and SSBVM pastor Timothy Sahd, which recognized him for "generously assisting the Lord in spreading His kingdom by embracing our God and our community."