IWA Gala marks 145 years of school's service to community

Incarnate Word Academy observed 145 years of service to the community at its annual gala with the theme "Paradise Island" on Saturday, Feb. 27, at the American Bank Center. The sisters of the Incarnate Word and Blessed Sacrament came to Corpus Christi in 1871 and within months opened a school.

The more than 500 guests were introduced to the order's incoming superior general, Sister Annette Wagner, and acknowledged the service of current superior general, Sister Michelle Marie Kuntscher. Sister Michelle will pass the leadership baton to Sister Annette in June.

The gala included both a regular auction and a silent auction. Stephanie Bottom, principal at IWA Elementary, won the top raffle prize, a Nissan Sentra.

Paulette Guajardo and Melanie Villarreal Jennings served as co-chairs of the gala with Gloria Hicks as advisory chair. Marty Wind served as master of ceremonies.

Photos by Ervey Martinez