The Ed Schmit ’63 Family and the Skokal Family Receive the Tolle Lege Community Service Award
St. Rita High School humbly recognizes the Ed Schmit ’63 Family and the Skokal Family with the Tolle Lege Community Service Award—an acknowledgment of decades of quiet, faithful service to our St. Rita Family.
A proud graduate of the Class of 1963, Ed Schmit carried the lessons of St. Rita throughout his life. During his sophomore year, after his father suffered a heart attack, Ed worked to pay his own tuition so he could remain at the school he loved. That sense of responsibility, gratitude, and perseverance shaped his lifelong dedication to service.
In 1973, Ed founded Teddy Bear Day Care, which grew to six centers and has served thousands of children across Chicago’s Southwest Side over nearly fifty years. His life’s work was always centered around caring for families, supporting youth, and strengthening the neighborhoods he cherished.
Ed remained deeply connected to St. Rita. He served on the St. Rita Board of Directors, supported numerous school initiatives, and was recognized by the Augustinian Order as an Affiliate—one of the highest honors the Order bestows on laypeople who embody Augustinian values through their lives and service.
He was also a key contributor—alongside Father Bernard Danber, O.S.A. ‘68—to the effort to relocate St. Rita from 63rd and Claremont to its current campus, helping secure the school’s future for generations to come.
Ed’s commitment to the community extended to the very tradition we will celebrate at The 37th Annual Caritas Gala Valentine Dinner Dance. He served on the first Caritas Dance Committee and helped organize and support the event for many years, believing deeply in the power of charity and fellowship. In 2008, Ed was inducted into the St. Rita Hall of Fame. He and his wife, Debbie Schmit, later served as the Chair-Couple for the Caritas Gala and were honored as the Couple of the Year, a reflection of their shared generosity and service.
Ed also believed deeply in the importance of Catholic education, living out the spirit of Tolle Lege by ensuring that all of his children were formed within communities of faith. His three sons—Ed Schmit III ’90 and Nick Schmit ’97 both attended St. Rita, and John Schmit attended De La Salle. His daughters continued that tradition as well as Heather attended Maria High School, and Heidi attended Lourdes High School. Each benefited from the values and education that Catholic schools provide.
This unwavering commitment to providing a faith-centered education for every one of his children is a proud part of the Schmit family legacy we will honor at this year’s Caritas Gala. It reflects Ed’s belief that Catholic education not only shapes strong students, but forms compassionate, grounded, and service-driven individuals—something his family continues to embody and support today.
His Mustang legacy continues through the next generation. Four of his grandsons have proudly followed in his footsteps:
• Edward Schmit ’18
• Anthony Skokal ’19
• Joseph Skokal ’20
• Vincent Skokal ’25
The Schmit and Skokal families continue to serve St. Rita in humble and meaningful ways. His son-in-law, Tony Skokal ’85, recently served as President of the St. Rita Fathers’ Club and remains a dedicated volunteer at football games and other school events. His daughter, Heidi Skokal has given countless hours supporting St. Rita through Winterfest, athletic events, and numerous behind-the-scenes efforts that enrich student life and strengthen our community.
Together, the Schmit and Skokal families embody the Augustinian values of humility, community, and service. Their contributions—often quiet, always sincere—have strengthened St. Rita for decades and continue to support the young men who walk these halls today. Both families contributed generously to St. Rita throughout Ed’s life and continue to do so today, carrying forward the spirit of service he embodied.
They look forward to continuing Ed’s legacy of service, gratitude, and devotion to St. Rita for many years to come.
Congratulations to the Ed Schmit ’63 Family and the Skokal Family!
Learn more about our Caritas Gala here.
