2025 Celebrate Gala Award Winners Announced

Thursday, May 01, 2025

With the Celebrate Gala officially set for Sept. 18, Julie Billiart Schools is excited to announce the 2025 award recipients. Each year, a member, or members of the Julie Billiart community are recognized for their belief in our mission and dedication to empowering our students through a JB education.

The Community Partnership Award recognizes individuals and businesses that share our vision of enhancing a child's life. Steve Wilt and CAPTRUST have brought unwavering commitment to our kids and the Akron community. Through his incredible generosity JB Akron came to life. Wilt’s vision and partnership has helped Akron continue to grow and provide the love, acceptance, and belonging that every child deserves.

Steve served as a member of our Board of Trustees and currently serves as a member of the Emeritus Board. Since 2009, he’s been an institutional retirement plan advisor with CAPTRUST.

The Spirit of St. Julie Award stands as one of the highest honors we bestow in our Julie Billiart Schools family. It recognizes individuals who embody faith, servant leadership, and outstanding service. This year, we are recognizing Brent Pietrafese with the Spirit of St. Julie Award.

Brent and his wife Cheryl, have been actively involved with JB for over 15 years. As chair of the Board of Directors from 2015-2019, he was instrumental in helping create the network structure that allowed the school to expand, from only one campus serving 132 students, and now four campuses serving over 500 students with special learning needs. Brent has chaired the Celebrate Gala, and now serves as member of our Emeritus Board.

He currently co-chairs the Corporate and Finance group for Calfee, Halter & Griswold, LLP and has been with the firm since 2002.

To learn more about Celebrate Gala including sponsorship opportunities and tickets, click here.