Two Catholic school educators are continuing their formation as leaders with support from the Monsignor Michael F. Sexton Continuing Education Endowment.

The Diocese of Birmingham Catholic Schools Office recently announced Dylan Jedlovec and Kade Foster as the 2026 recipients of the Monsignor Michael F. Sexton Continuing Education Scholarship. The scholarships were presented during the annual Catholic Schools Formation Day in September.

Established in 2023, the endowment provides scholarships for professional staff in diocesan Catholic schools who wish to continue their education or pursue advanced degrees. Scholarships can provide up to 80 percent of a recipient’s tuition, helping Catholic educators grow professionally while continuing to serve within diocesan schools.

For Jedlovec, Catholic education has been a lifelong journey. A graduate of both Holy Spirit Regional Catholic School and St. John Paul II Catholic High School in Huntsville, he later returned to St. John Paul II as an educator. Today, he serves as principal of St. Ann Catholic School in Decatur and is pursuing a Master of Catholic School Leadership.

Foster serves as a teacher and campus minister at Holy Spirit Catholic School in Tuscaloosa. He is pursuing both a Master of Education and a Doctorate of Education in Catholic School Leadership from Pontifex University. His studies will further prepare him to integrate faith, educational leadership, and Catholic identity in his service to students and the Church.

The scholarship reflects a larger commitment to supporting those who have answered the call to Catholic education. The Monsignor Sexton Endowment was created not only to make advanced education more financially accessible, but also to strengthen excellence and leadership throughout diocesan schools.

That investment is already bearing fruit. Since the first scholarships were awarded in 2023, recipients have pursued advanced study in instructional leadership, special education, and other areas that directly strengthen their service to students and school communities. Previous recipients have included teachers, counselors, special education professionals, and principals.

The 2026 recipients continue that growing legacy. Through their commitment to formation and professional growth, Jedlovec and Foster demonstrate an important truth about Catholic education: forming the next generation of students also requires forming and supporting the educators and leaders who serve them.

Through the generosity of those who support the Monsignor Michael F. Sexton Continuing Education Endowment, that investment in Catholic educators will continue to strengthen schools across the Diocese of Birmingham in Alabama for years to come.

To support the endowment, please visit bhmdiocese.org/monsignor-sexton-endowment.