Each year, the TEC Conference asks local TEC communities to submit nominations for the annual Spirit of TEC Award. This award honors individuals’ dedication and service to TEC on the local or regional level; those who receive it truly exemplify the spirit of TEC and live out the Paschal Mystery in their own lives.
We are pleased to present the 2024 Spirit of TEC Award winners below! Each awardee has a short write-up from their local community on why they deserve this honor. Certificates for each winner were on display at Encounter 2024 and then presented to each recipient at their home TEC centers. Congratulations to everyone!
Evamarie Rossi Cross, Northcoast Spirit TEC (Diocese of Cleveland, OH)
This teacher, mother, wife, youth minister, and enthusiastic member of the TEC community has consistently served weekends and encouraged so many to encounter Christ like she did at her first TEC over 27 years ago. One special TECite, her father, Tony, was healed by the now Saint Padre Pio of Pietralcina as a youth. The Padre Pio words of "Pray, Hope, and Don't Worry" are seared on her heart and part of what makes him her favorite saint. It is because of this that her love for Jesus and the Eucharist is apparent. Everything she does for her family, home community, and TEC community is from her love for Jesus. This is how she has continually invited many people to TEC to encounter Christ because of her original encounter at age 20… therefore, Northcoast Spirit TEC is honored to present the 2024 Spirit of TEC Award to Evamarie Rossi Cross.
Alicia Gresko, Northcoast Spirit TEC (Diocese of Cleveland, OH)
An amazing friend, wife, educator, a Northcoast Spirit TEC Board Member, very involved in her parish and many aspects of our diocese. A good listener, a person devoted to the service of others, a person who puts others in front of herself daily, a person who is devoted to training and inspiring others to be future TEC leaders. This person makes everyone think of “Love is patient, love is kind. It is not jealous, [love] is not pompous, it is not inflated…” (1 Corinthians 13:4) This person does nothing but put others first. She is very patient, kind, lacks jealousy and pompousness, and does the business at hand for the growth of others and not personal reasons. So many members of the community, especially teens and young adults, look up to and trust her. This is because of the truly amazing person she is and will continue to be! She will pour out all she has to guide and help this community. It is with great pleasure to present a person full of love and a person full of love for this community and all that it stands for as the 2024 Spirit of TEC Award winner, Alicia Gresko.
Sarah Bell, Northcoast Spirit TEC (Diocese of Cleveland, OH)
This teen has returned to work and encouraged all of her friends to come make a TEC in the shot year and a half with the community. She is very persistent when it comes to making sure those she loves will make a weekend. She is always excited to find a new way to give the gift of herself. She has fully committed herself to sharing the love of Christ with so many, and it is clear to see that God is really working through her. Her work shows just how selfless and generous she can be. Overall, she has contributed much of her time and energy to our community. She has done so by being a TEC Board member for the past year and helped manage TEC’s socials, creating and leading our new community game night. She is a joy to have in our community, and we are incredibly grateful for the time she has invested in making TEC even better for future TECites. Therefore, Northcoast Spirit TEC Is honored to present the 2024 Spirit of TEC Award to Sarah Bell.
Cathy Hayes, Belleville TEC (Diocese of Belleville, IL)
Cathy made her first TEC in January of 1983 on TEC #93, Cahokia. Her passion for TEC started that weekend and has continued ever since. Our TEC Community can always count on Cathy to step up to fill in any role on a TEC weekend. She works tirelessly and completes all of her “work” with a smile on her face! Cathy is definitely doing her part to keep our program successful. One of the most amazing projects she has worked on, with another TEC community member, is collecting and organizing photos and rosters for ALL Belleville TEC weekends. Our community currently has 5 large binders to share that contain 50+ years of lives touched by the Belleville TEC Program. Cathy's faith walk is a living testimony that the Church is more than a brick and mortar building. Cathy takes the time to show the community around her that the Church is made of living stone.
Mike "Pickle" Kocher, SWITEC (Diocese of Evansville, IN)
This year, SWITEC would like to give the Spirit of TEC Award to Mike "Pickle" Kocher. Pickle has been a vital and active member in the SWITEC community for a really, really long time. He selflessly works behind the scenes and does not seek recognition or praise. He is the man to call on when you really just need a dependable person, whether it be to wash dishes, mop, or to serve on a TEC retreat team. In addition, he leads the rosary for his parish and is a true prayer warrior—always willing to pray for those who ask. He also humbly asks for prayers and knows he is a work in progress on his faith journey. He has been a rock for his family in physical and spiritual needs, and he keeps a smile on his face and joy in his heart even when times are tough. He lives out the Gospel of trying to follow in the steps of Christ. He seeks out genuine conversations and throws in plenty of dad jokes and puns to keep you on your toes. Congratulations on the 2024 Spirit of TEC Award!
Chuck Viosca, TEC New Orleans (Archdiocese of New Orleans, LA)
Chuck’s love of TEC began in 1990 when he attended TEC 28. From the very beginning, Chuck’s welcoming and inviting spirit has been a witness of the unconditional love Christ calls us to offer. His gift of bringing people together has been integral in helping to grow the New Orleans TEC Community. His wit and natural ability to entertain puts others at ease and makes them feel included. His love of teaching young people shines in everything he does, both in his job as a college professor and in his dedication to various church ministries. Chuck has excellent rapport with the young Church, and he has a unique ability to present on complex topics of our faith, making them relatable and relevant. Chuck met his wife, Becky, on TEC 45, and together they have built a life grounded in faith and dedicated to family and friends. Living in Tuscaloosa, AL, Thibodaux, LA, and for the past 7 years in Tallahassee, FL, they have been a model of commitment, not letting geography keep them from faithfully serving our TEC community. Chuck has served on the team of numerous TEC retreats, sometimes driving through the night to be fully present on a weekend. In addition to being very active in New Orleans TEC, Chuck is currently serving as our Region 5 representative on the National TEC Conference Leadership Council. Chuck has invested much of his life in serving others and helping others to encounter Christ through TEC, and the reward is a legacy that has impacted many members of the TEC New Orleans community and will continue to bear fruit for years to come.
Dcn. Kevin Robicheaux, TEC New Orleans (Archdiocese of New Orleans, LA)
Deacon “Cool Coach Kevin'' Robicheaux has been making TEC New Orleans a little bit brighter since TEC 52. Currently serving on our Leadership Council as the Assistant Spiritual Director, Deacon Kevin is a man of vision, humility, and kindness. He has a knack for seeing the potential in a project, a person, or an idea, a gift that will undoubtedly keep TEC New Orleans moving in the right direction for years to come. Kevin is also a motivator, challenging our young people to acknowledge their God-given gifts and to use them in a way that serves others. He sees the blessing in our young Church of today and never turns his back on or discredits the impact our youth can and will make on the world. Kevin’s deep love for faith, family, friendship, and service are the foundation on which he has built his life. In fact, for Kevin, TEC is truly a family affair: his wife Erica and his daughters Amber and Amanda and son-in-law Jeff are all a part of the TEC community. He’s also known for his joyful sense of humor and his playful demeanor; Kevin always knows how to lighten the mood and bring a smile to your face! When you’re around Kevin, there is no doubt you will laugh, work hard, and be challenged in your faith. He is a man of integrity whose loyalty and love for TEC has made our community stronger. Therefore, it is with deep gratitude that we honor the true servant leadership of Deacon Kevin Robicheaux.
