Congratulations to Mr. Joe Novak, named the DLS Teacher of the Year, and Mrs. Angie Aldini, Administrative Assistant in the DLS Admissions Office, named the DLS Staff Member of the Year. 

Novak and Aldini were selected by the DLS Faculty and Staff; each April, the Faculty and Staff vote on which monthly winners will be the Teacher of the Year and the Staff Member of the Year. 

Novak, a DLS alumnus from the Class of 2003, was also recognized for his teaching efforts in 2021. 

“I am surprised and humbled,” Novak said. “There are a lot of great teachers on the list.” 

He serves as Chair of the DLS Math Department and is the IM Sports Coordinator. In the Fall of 2022, Novak began an early morning math class aimed at eighth-grader students; that successful program is now in its second year. 

In the Fall of 2023, Novak began a new venture, a Math contest for sixth, seventh, and eighth-grade students. 

A standout athlete during his high-school career, Novak played football and basketball all four years of high school and played football at John Carroll University in Ohio his freshmen year. 

While at Carroll, he also played basketball his last three years on his way to earning his degree in Math and Education. 

At DLS, he served along with his classmate Kevin Fitzhenry as the DLS Varsity Baseball team manager

Novak began his teaching career at DLS in 2007, and for several years coached football, basketball, and baseball on the freshmen and JV levels. 

But with two young children, now in first and fourth grades, Novak has cut back on his extra-curricular coaching commitments. 

Novak and his wife Stacie, who works in marketing, live in Clinton Township. 

Several of Novak’s brothers are also alumni: Chris ‘99, John ‘05, Jim ‘10, and Tom ‘13. 

Aldini has had a lengthy association with DLS, as both a parent of alumni and as an employee. 

“I am truly honored and would like to express my heartfelt thanks to the faculty, staff, and DLS families for their support,” Aldini said. “You are the best!”

Her sons are Lido, Class of 2010, and Dominic, Class of 2012. 

Aldini was an active member of the Christian Brothers’ Auxiliary (CBA), serving as the group’s President 2013-2015, and was awarded the CBA Lifetime Achievement Award in 2023. She chaired the CBA Craft Show and was actively involved with the CBA High Tea and Fashion Show. Angie has also chaired the annual Evening of Delights.

Along with Tom her husband of 34 years who served as the Dads’ Club Treasurer for several years, the Aldinis handled cooking for the DLS Band Pasta dinners, the group’s annual fundraiser. 

“I loved being part of the DLS community,” Aldini said. “When I saw the posting for Admissions Assistant, I had to try! And here I am! I have maintained wonderful friendships with moms from the Classes of 2010 and 2012 and developed lasting new friendships while working at DLS. I am truly blessed.” 

Before joining the DLS Staff in February 2018, Aldini had worked for Beaumont Hospital in its Benefits Analysis Unit, and as a supervisor in the Blue Cross/Blue Shield Call Center. 

Aldini attended Assumption Grotto Grade School and is a graduate of Detroit’s Denby High School. 

Aldini and her family live in Sterling Heights and are members of St. Lawrence Parish. 
 

Past Teacher of the Year Honorees:

• 2014 Mike Szatkowski
• 2015 AnnMarie Michol
• 2016 Nina Jacks and Laura Rigby
• 2017 Dave Kirck
• 2018 John Berlin
• 2019 Lindsey Tula
• 2020 Scott Grimmer
• 2021 Joe Novak
• 2022 Shaun Legato
• 2023 Scott Grimmer
• 2024 Joe Novak

Past Staff of the Year Honorees

• 2018 Sheryl Anderson
• 2019 Anita Griffin
• 2020 Christopher Dean
• 2021 Br. Ken Kalinowski
• 2022 Shirley Renze
• 2023 Andrew Campbell
• 2024 Angie Aldini