ATLANTA—Marist School has announced Juanita and Jack Markwalter as the recipients of the school’s highest honor, the St. Peter Chanel Award. Named for the Marist saint martyred for his faith, the award honors those individuals whose selflessness, support and leadership have advanced the mission of Marist in profound and fundamental ways.  

The Markwalters were jointly honored by the school during its annual St. Peter Chanel Society Recognition Celebration held Tuesday, Oct. 18 at the Atlanta History Center. 

During the event, Marist School President Fr. Bill Rowland, SM, remarked, “Marist School has been blessed by the involvement and generosity of Juanita and Jack Markwalter, and we are so pleased to acknowledge that extraordinary support with the St. Peter Chanel Award. Their strong belief in the educational experience that Marist School provides is noteworthy and very much appreciated.” 

Previous St. Peter Chanel Award recipient and Marist School Board of Trustees member Bishop Joel M. Konzen, SM, introduced the Markwalters at the event. 

The Markwalters’ relationship with Marist began over two decades ago when their five sons attended the school’s summer camps, and Marist has become an integral part of their family history. They followed their sons’ many athletic, extracurricular, and academic endeavors while supporting the Annual Fund and the Booster Club. Juanita often participated in the Booster Club’s annual golf tournament.  

Together, Juanita and Jack significantly impacted the success of Marist’s The Way. The Hope. The Promise. (WHP) capital campaign by serving as co-chairs of the WHP parent committee, hosting the campaign kickoff and several other events, as well as supporting the effort. Jack also served on the WHP leadership committee. Their years-long efforts helped the campaign, the largest in school history, to surpass its original fundraising goal and to transform the Marist campus and educational experience for current and future students. 

Jack has served on the Marist School Board of Trustees since 2012, contributing his time to the Committee on Trustees and the Development Committee. As Chairman and CEO of CIBC Private Wealth Management, Jack lent financial expertise to Marist during the development of the school’s Strategic Plan 2025.  

Upon accepting the award, Jack said, “Juanita and I are lifelong believers in the immense positive impact and importance of Catholic education. St. John Paul II told us that Catholic schools are the single greatest ministry of the Catholic church. Other schools may have a sense of community and even of compassion, but our Catholic faith—centered in Christ—is what truly makes Marist special and unique.”