2002 Inductees: Sister Mary Agnes Sesk (Olivette)
Category: Music
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Sister Mary Agnes Sesk, previously known as Sister Olivette, is a Presentation Sister who was born in Ferryland on Newfoundland's Southern Shore. This part of the province has always had music as a natural component of life in both families and communities. It is not surprising, therefore, that at only 10 years of age, Sister began piano lessons. She was also reputed to have "the voice of an angel", and a combination of the two led her to a life-long love of music and a long involvement in music education in Newfoundland and Labrador.
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Her musical achievements include:
- Associate Diploma from Trinity College of Music, London, England.
- Bachelor of Music Education and Choir Masters Certificate from Catholic University of America, Washington, D.C.
- Bachelor in Church Music from the Gregorian Institute of America, Toledo, Ohio.
- Honourary Life Membership in the Music Council of the NTA. (now NLTA).
- Honourary Life Membership in the Canadian Music Educators' Association.
In addition, and as a backdrop for her life as a Presentation Sister and her ministry in various communities in Newfoundland: St. John's, Corner Brook, Trepassey, Placentia, Harbour Grace, Witless Bay, Deer Lake, and Stephenville; Sister also received a Master of Theology Degree from St. Bonaventure's College, New York.
However, it is the nurturing of children and their musical talents that have always been close to Sister's heart, and this has resulted in her involvement in music education in the province over a fifty-year period. During that time she was:
- a member of the Music Council of the NTA since its inception in 1966, and served on regional and provincial music councils as both President and Secretary.
- a member of the planning group for the Syllabus of the Kiwanis Music Festival in St. John's.
- a member of the planning group for the Rotary Music Festival in Corner Brook.
After retiring from music education, Sister Agnes continued to work as a volunteer at the Correctional Centre in Stephenville. Here she gave valuable service through her caring presence, her teaching of life skills and Christian living. She was chosen to receive the Stephen Award by the town of Stephenville, and was the first ever to receive the NF and Lab. Adult Correction Division Award for a volunteer. During this time, Sister was appointed by the Canadian Bishops to serve on the Church Council on Justice and Corrections, and was Chair of the Pastoral Care Committee of the Correctional Centres.
Even when officially retired as a Music Educator, she still found time during her days in Stephenville to train pianists and choral directors for St. Stephan's Parish; strongly believing that the tradition of music had to be passed on to others.
When she moved back to St. John's in 1993, she continued to teach piano to several young people, and to others who were involved in church choirs; proving once again that a passion for music is integral to who she is.
For her demonstrated love of music, her dedication to sharing it and her knowledge, her invaluable service to music in the various communities in which she served, and, in particular, for her devotion and support of the Kiwanis Music Festival of St. John's over the years, we are pleased to induct her into the Music Festival HALL OF HONOUR in the MUSIC CATEGORY.
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