Over the summer at our annual TEC picnic, the Spirit of Tec 2017 winners were announced. After much deliberation and voting, the board decided on 3 winners. Three incredible women. One adult, one young adult, and one teen. Board members were given the opportunity to write about why these faithful women of our community truly exemplified what it means to be the "Spirit of Tec". Below, please find our 2017 Spirit of Tec winners, and the words about them that are on each of their plaques.
North Coast Tec's, "Spirit of Tec" 2017 winners:
Deb Werner
“For me prayer is a surge of the heart, it is a simple look towards Heaven, it is a cry of recognition and of love, embracing both trial and joy.” — Saint Therese of Lisieux DebWerner has always found ways to consistently be available in love, prayer and service during both trial and joy. Despite the many hurdles, Deb has faced, she has always managed to take a phone call and be that listening ear. She has always found time to help with the latest TEC project or event, especially if it requires a craft. She is compassionate and honest. She continues to serve weekends, now even as a lay director. Above all of this she has even taken on the demands as the Fundraising Coordinator of the NCS TEC board, which includes the facilitating of the annual TEC t-shirt. Deb is certainly dedicated. She has been mother, sister and friend to all of us. Shelives out her Catholic faith in tradition and spirit. With a servant-heart she has embraced each of us with great love. We have thankful hearts for the gift of Deb. It is truly an honor to present the 2017 Spirit of TEC award to Deb Werner.
Katie Fraser
"Our Lord does not look so much at the greatness of our actions, or even at their difficulty, as at the love with which we do them." St. Therese of Lisieux once said this, and it rings true to the kind of person Katie Fraser is. Although Katie has only been involved with the NCS TEC Community for a couple years, she has already made a loving impact. As someone who has overcome many versions of spiritual warfare in her life, Katie always comes out stronger and credits Christ and her Faith with her ability to overcome. Katie is a wonderful witness of her Faith and was made to have a servants heart. She is always willing to help, no matter how busy her life as a full time Youth Minister is. As a young adult who knows the struggles of growing up as a Catholic in today's world, Katie gives hope and promise to the teens, and even adults, who join the NCS TEC Community. Being one of her favorite saints, Katie deserves to be showered with roses from Our Lord through the intercession of St. Therese for all the good work she continues to do in the Church and in her life. Our 2017 Spirit of TEC award is Katie Fraser.
Gabby Yatson
“Jesus is living next to you, in the brothers and sisters with whom you share your daily existence.” This quote from St. John Paul II perfectly describes Gabby Yatson. She is a young woman of faith who serves the NCS TEC community, her parish, and the pro-life movement with great devotion. The presence of Christ within Gabby is evident to anyone who meets her. She selflessly serves the NCS TEC community in many ways including working weekends and as a teen representative of the NCS TEC board. Gabby lives out the powerful message from St. Thérèse of Lisieux that taught us to “Miss no single opportunity of making some small sacrifice, here by a smiling look, thereby a kindly word; always doing the smallest right and doing it all for love.” Gabby is well respected by all and lives out her faith each day. It is an honor for the NSC TEC Community to recognize Gabby Yatson as our 2017 Spirit of TEC Award winner.
