Fr. Arnold Perham, CSV, began teaching mathematics at Saint Viator High School in 1962, one year after it opened and more than 50 years later, he continues to meet with students every day.
On Saturday, he was honored as Mentor of the Year at the sold out Hearts of Gold dinner in Arlington Heights. In accepting his award, Fr. Perham described how he motivates students by telling them about some of their predecessors, and how they overcame their struggles to succeed.
In the end, he summed up his commitment this way: “There’s no place I’d rather be.”
Saint Viator Principal Eileen Manno nominated Fr. Perham for the award, crediting him with helping students in the Math Club, Math Team, Querbes Scholars program and in the school’s math lab.
“I get these nomination forms every year, but I never want to single out just one teacher. We’re all educators,” Mrs. Manno said. “But when I see Fr. Perham come faithfully every morning, it just hit me how much he reflects our mission — both academically and spiritually.”
Fr. Corey Brost, CSV, president of Saint Viator, attended the dinner, along with Fr. Thomas von Behren, CSV, Fr. John Milton, CSV, and Br. Rob Robertson, CSV, as well as teaching colleagues and his sister, Faustine Perham.
“I can’t think of anyone who deserves this recognition more,” Fr. Corey said. “You won’t find a kinder, wiser, more intelligent person in this building. He shines God’s bright light, daily.”