Colleagues recognized with Torch Awards

HSHS St. Francis Hospital recently honored colleagues who exemplify the mission of the Hospital Sisters and St. Francis of Assisi and live out the hospital’s Core Values through their annual Torch Awards.

The Torch Awards were created to honor those whose values reflect the hospital’s commitment to colleagues, patients and their families - how through the past year they have carried the torch forward, passed on from St. Francis and the Hospital Sisters. One Torch Award is presented for each HSHS Core Value of Respect, Care, Competence and Joy. 

The 2025 Torch Award winners are: 

• Respect – Deanna Ellis, BSN, RN, Medical-Surgical Care Manager
• Care – Terri Costley, RN, Women and Infants
• Competence – Lacey Cyprian, RN, Medical-Surgical Care
• Joy – Julie Pauli, RN, Medical-Surgical Care

“As a peer-nominated award, it is an honor to recognize these colleagues for living out our Core Values, especially in the year we are celebrating our 150th anniversary of serving this community,” said Aryn Hunter, Chief Administrative Officer. “The founding Hospital Sisters entrusted their mission to future generations like us, and I’m so grateful to lead a team that proudly carries that torch forward in all that they do.”

This year is the 150th anniversary of the arrival of the founding Hospital Sisters of St. Francis in the United States and the establishment of their ministry in Litchfield. Accepting an invitation from Bishop Peter Baltes, Diocese of Alton, Illinois, 20 Sisters from Germany arrived in the U.S. on November 3, 1875. In addition to Alton, he sent small groups to Springfield, Belleville, Effingham, East St. Louis and Litchfield. They learned English, introduced themselves to the people of the area, and began nursing care. Hospital Sisters Health System evolved from these humble beginnings and is now serving communities across southern and central Illinois and eastern Wisconsin.

Photo Caption: (left) Competence Award winner Lacey Cyprian, RN, Medical-Surgical Care, and Respect Award winner Deanna Ellis, BSN, RN, Medical-Surgical Care Manager (center) Aryn Hunter, Chief Administrative Officer, with Care Award winner Terri Costley, RN, Women and Infants (right) Joy Award winner Julie Pauli, RN, Medical-Surgical Care with Aryn Hunter, Chief Administrative Officer