Torch Award Winners for the First Semester Announced

On December 8 we gathered as a school family to worship and pray during this season of Advent, remembering our bonds of faith and friendship, service, and belonging. At the conclusion of Mass, we took time to recognize several students and present them with the Dominican Torch Award.

The Dominican Torch Award, given twice a year, recognizes those students who live their daily lives in a way that reflects the Four Dominican Pillars of Study, Prayer, Community and Service. Classmates and faculty members nominated the award recipients because they noticed something special about them and the ways in which they live out the Gospel daily.

The award recipients, selected by our Faith Formation Team, have inspired others with their generosity, kindness, humility, and compassion. They are wonderful examples for us all!

Congratulations to our deserving award winners: Philip Gould, Charlize Crenshaw, Jack Butterick, Eleanor Weems, Hank Thompson, Iris Mesler, Riley Tull, Mary Ann Pesce, Grace Denegri, and Isabella Gardino. Below are excerpts from the nominations recognizing the many ways these students exhibit a loving and faithful life.

Philip Gould, SDS 2-A friend wrote: “Philip greets me every morning with a smile and goes out of his way to help a friend or the teacher. He works very hard in all of his studies and celebrates when others do well.”

Another classmate wrote: “Philip is kind. He is good. He is optimistic. He is truthful and respectful and kindfuland mindful and prayerful. He also is good at community and service and preaching things. He is my best friend and I love it this way.”

Charlize Crenshaw, SAA 3- A fellow 3^rd grader wrote: “I nominate Charlize because she is kind and respectful to all people. She works hard and is helpful. She makes me laugh and gets good grades. She is a good example for our class.”

Another friend said: “I love Charlize because of her positive attitude and the way she stands up for everybody. She does not cause trouble and offers to do stuff she really doesn’t want to do. This is thoughtful of her.”

Jack Butterick, SDS 4- Jack’s teacher wrote: “Jack goes above and beyond for other students. He was playing soccer one day with some 2nd and 3rd grade boys. One of the 2nd grader’s shoes came untied. I asked him to tie his shoes, but he didn’t know how, so Jack jumped in and said, “I’ll help you!” The little boy thanked Jack and rejoined the soccer game. I was so impressed with Jack’s thoughtful reaction and willingness to help a younger student.”

A classmate wrote: “Jack is a kind and loving, all around GOATED person. He makes everyone around him a better version of themselves. He is funny and very good at baseball.”

Eleanor Weems, SAA 5-A teacher wrote: “Eleanor’s academic achievements are exceptional. She puts forth her whole heart into her work and friendships. She has an optimistic attitude daily and enters the building with a smile on her face, ready to greet the day with enthusiasm.”

A fellow 5^th grader said: “Eleanor is kind, giving and a strong leader. She’s a great friend and, when someone is sad, she comes to play with them. She shows her faith by prayer and how she loves and cares for people around her.”

Hank Thompson, SDS 7- One classmate wrote: “I nominate Hank because he is always prepared. He steps up to say the morning prayer in homeroom when everyone else is too shy to do it. Hank prays a lot with his church group and parents. They do kind things to help others. He is always willing to help teachers and friends, even people he doesn’t know.”

Another student shared: “Hank goes around singing K-LOVE songs and show his faith through that singing. He has a caring heart for others, is respectful and is loved by his peers and teachers. He is a great friend to everyone and makes sure that everyone feels like they belong.”

Iris Mesler, SAA 8- A friend wrote: “Iris is the most caring, loving, and prayerful person I know. She looks for the good in everyone and includes others. She balances school, participating in school and competitive sports, hanging out with friends, but mostly, she makes time for prayer.”

Another fellow 8^th grader shared: “Iris demonstrates the Four Pillars in her daily life by showing her faith through her daily actions. She studies and does well in school and is inclusive, so no one feels left out. She radiates a sense of community when she walks into a room. Iris is a positive example for all who meet her.”

Riley Tull, SAA 9-A classmate wrote: “Riley truly displays the Pillar of Study. She always puts her studies first and is a friendly face in classes. When she isn't off studying for one of her own classes, she always is willing to extend help to those who struggle academically.  She also exemplifies the Pillar of Community.  She might be new to St. Agnes this year, but she is always up to hang out with anyone, and she makes sure no one feels left out.”

Another classmate wrote: “Riley exhibits the Pillar of Community. She strives to make everyone feel comfortable and is a great example for girls in my class. She inspires me to be true and kind to everyone and overall keeps a smile on my face.”

A teacher wrote: “Riley Tull is a student who devotes herself to her faith. She leads with kindness and seeks to help those around her. Riley is a wonderful student that focuses on study and excels at school. Riley exemplifies the Dominican Torch Award as she upholds the Four Pillars of our Dominican faith.”

Mary Ann Pesce, SAA 10-In her nomination of Mary Ann, one student wrote: “Mary Ann represents all Four Pillars in a variety of ways. My family doesn't go to Mass on Sundays, but one day Mary Ann invited me to go with her and her family. That was a few weeks ago, but I've been going with them ever since. This has drastically changed my relationship with God and my faith life. Mary Ann is also a straight A student. She studies very hard for tests, and it is reflected in her grades. However, she's humble and doesn't brag about her scores. She is always smiling. She thinks of everybody as her friend and always makes sure that everyone is happy. She's the type of person you know you can trust with anything. We also do a lot of service work for a parish nearby, and if I ever need someone to do a service project with, I ask her because I know she will always be willing to help anyone she can and will find fun and joy in doing so. For these reasons, I believe Mary Ann perfectly embodies all of the Dominican Pillars and is perfect for the Dominican Torch Award.”

One of her teachers said: “Everyday Mary Ann enters my classroom, she has a smile on her face and is ready to learn. She is an excellent student and is kindhearted to each person she encounters. She is helpful when others might stand by and watch. She truly exemplifies what it means to be a St. Agnes Star.”

Grace Denegri, SAA 11-When nominating Grace for the Torch Award, one of her teachers wrote: “Grace embodies the Dominican Pillar of Prayer, Study, and Community.  Grace’s devotion to her faith is evident in her daily life.  She is an active member of her parish, Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church.  As an honor student, Grace’s commitment to Study is evident, as her grades will attest.   She continually shares her talents through her dedication to tutoring in the Learning Lab.  Grace’s commitment to Community is also embodied in her service as Coordinator for the Stars for Life.”

Another student wrote: “Grace always says ‘Hi’ to everyone in the hallway. Her peers expect and appreciate a friendly smile and greeting each day.  A student in a different grade had to go to Mass on Sunday on her own.  Grace saw that she was alone and invited her to sit next to her in Mass, and that meant a lot to her.”

Isabella Gardino, SAA 12-One classmate wrote: “It is impossible to choose just one pillar that Isabella exhibits. Isabella is notorious for always being on top of her work and helping others in her free time. Isabella's position in her class office shows her love for the community and how dedicated she is to supporting her class. Isabella serves others throughout her day and even on the weekends. As Senior Class Minister of Service, Isabella loves to find fun service opportunities for her and her friends. Isabella's kindness towards others reflects her strong relationship with God and how she is strong in her faith.”

One of Isabella’s teachers shared: “Isabella deserves this award because of her dedication to our Dominican Pillars.  Isabella is an incredible role model of service to the community - whether it be to our SAA-SDS community or the Memphis community.  Not only does she get involved and work diligently to help others, she includes her peers as well.  Isabella is also dedicated to the pillar of Prayer, which is evident in her daily life, her active participation at her parish, and her leadership on the SAA and SEARCH Retreat teams.”

Congratulations to all of our Dominican Torch Awards recipients. You are excellent examples for us all, and we appreciate your commitment to the Four Pillars and living a virtuous life!