2022-2023 Second Semester Dominican Torch Awards

At the All School Mass on April 21, celebrated by Bishop David P. Talley, we gathered as a faith family to worship and pray together remembering our bonds of faith and friendship, service and belonging. After Mass we took time to celebrate the second semester Dominican Torch Award winners.

The Dominican Torch Award, presented twice a year, recognizes those students who live their daily lives in a way that reflects the Four Pillars of Study, Prayer, Community and Service. Each of the recipients upholds our standards of conduct and represents the core values of our school. These students have inspired others with their generosity and kindness, humility, and compassion.

Congratulations to the following award recipients! Please enjoy these excerpts from their nomination forms–they make it easy to understand why these students were chosen by their fellow classmates and teachers:

Norah Smith, St. Agnes Grade 2

A classmate wrote: I nominate Norah because she always has a smile on her face, and she is really smart. She likes to play with everyone and is a friend to everyone.

Another friend wrote: Norah helps people when they are sad. She is funny and kind and writes great stories.

One of Norah’s teachers shared: Norah makes my day every morning by greeting me with a hug and a story even though she is not in my class anymore. She brightens up any room when she walks in with her radiant smile and bubbly personality. Not only is she a hard worker academically but she had never met a stranger.

Another teacher said: SAA is lucky to have a girl of Norah's caliber! She lights up our school community with joy and kindness. Her big smile and happy heart are contagious. She is a true friend to everyone, making them feel valued and included. She is also kind, thoughtful, and humble. Norah is not afraid to take chances. She is the kind of girl who will lead prayer in front of the entire Lower School, play competitive soccer, and perform in front of a packed audience in a school play. Although Norah is not afraid to take risks, she is also a deep thinker who considers how her words and actions can affect others. She keeps Jesus close to her heart and is not afraid to live her faith. She is a pleasure to teach and a true St. Agnes girl!

Andrew Tucker, St. Dominic Grade 3

One of his St. Dominic brothers wrote: Andrew always picks up trash and helps his friends. Andrew works hard and makes me want to try to do hard things too.

Another classmate wrote: Andrew helps me when I am down and that is a good friend. He is never mean to me or anyone and he participates in everything we are asked to do. Andrew studies hard and everybody likes him.

Andrew's teacher shared: Academically, Andrew makes exceptional grades in all subject areas. He is curious and eager to learn. Andrew is a quiet leader in his school community. He is well liked by his classmates, and he can always be counted on to act responsibly and respectfully in any situation.  Andrew is always willing to help a friend in need. He shows empathy and compassion when others are hurting. Andrew takes our morning devotion time seriously, and he is an excellent role model for his first-grade prayer buddy.  I cannot imagine a better suited student for this award!

Maryn Gould, St. Agnes Grade 5

A good friend wrote: I chose Maryn because she is always smiling and nice. I don’t know anyone as happy as Maryn. She is funny and kind. She keeps a positive outlook on everything and seems to always be in a good mood. I feel very lucky to be Maryn’s friend.

Another classmate said: Maryn would do anything to help the church, and when people are having a hard day, she makes them laugh.

Mayrn’s teacher shared: Maryn is a girl who demonstrates the Four Pillars of our Dominican community daily. She shows love and concern for all of those she encounters. Maryn’s academic achievements are exceptional. She is a dedicated student. She is the epitome of a St. Agnes Star.  I am so very proud of her. She deserves this award!

Parr Worley, St. Dominic Grade 5

Parr’s classmate wrote: Parr is sweet, kind, caring, and smart! He is also an amazing friend. He tries hard in everything he does. Parr is smart. He works hard every day in class so he can do good on his report card. Parr wants to be kind to his friends and all the other people at St. Dominic, even the teachers. He is nice to everyone.

Another friend said: Parr is super cool. He is easy to be friends with because he is funny and serious. He likes to see people happy. I guess because he is always happy, too.

His teacher shared: Parr is an exceptional student. He is so willing to help out when someone needs help. He is often offering a helping hand to hand out papers and glue in class! Parr is a hard worker and comes to school ready to learn. When the 5th grade went to St. Columba, he stepped up to lead the boys in their team building activities. He had great ideas and was able to communicate to his classmates.

He’s a great SDS Sun.

Daylanna McSween, St. Agnes 8th Grade 8

One of her teachers shared: Daylanna is a remarkable young lady who embodies the Four Pillars of Prayer, Study, Community and Service in her daily life. Her warm, caring, and friendly personality are an added bonus. Daylanna is truly a blessing and a beautiful role model for all.

A few of the many things written by her classmates include: Daylanna is super nice and funny. She is always inclusive and a very responsible person. She is hard working and a serious student. Daylanna is very respectful to the teachers and her fellow classmates. She seems to always have a smile on her face. Daylanna always does what is right, she really makes good decisions. She really tries to live like Jesus did. I think everyone will agree with me that she deserves the Dominican Torch award.

Arthur Wharton, St. Dominic Grade 

A classmate wrote: I love to joke around with Arthur. He is a very funny guy and loves to laugh. He is a religious person with very good morals, and he shares them with the people he hangs out with.

Another friend wrote: Arthur is a caring individual who likes to help others. He is very nice to the people around him and he makes friends with everyone. Arthur stands up for people when they need it. Arthur is easy to talk to and he always listens. He goes out of his way to not upset people. Oh, and by the way I can't forget to mention how smart he is. He does not have a hard time learning complex things. He also is the fastest kid I have ever met! He runs FAST.

Arthur’s teacher shared: Arthur is a kind, loving, and generous young man. He values relationships with his peers and adults alike. His compassionate heart is evident in his participation in numerous school community projects, especially with his role in SGA.

Emme Donaldson, St. Agnes Grade 9

A classmate wrote:  I nominated Emme because she is always there to listen to my problems. She is a great friend to have and to trust. She is a perfect example of all the pillars combined, she works hard in school, is a member of her youth group, goes on mission trips, and is always a smiling face in our school community.  Emme has a strong love for learning as well as how to maintain healthy and happy friendships.

A teacher shared: Emme Donaldson exemplifies the Dominican Torch Award.  She is dedicated to her schoolwork and focuses on doing her best.  Emme is devout in her faith and serves others through mission work and being a caring and compassionate friend to all in our community.

Another teacher wrote:  Emme shows real joy in learning, and it's apparent that she isn't just learning for a test--she's enjoying the journey! Her attitude towards her studies uplifts students and teachers alike.  Emme's kind personality acts as a sermon for those around her. She uplifts others and promotes peace by just being herself.

Annabelle Lawler, St. Agnes Grade 10

In her nomination of Annabelle, one student wrote:  Annabelle exhibits all Four Pillars of Dominican spirituality because she is so amazing. She is a prayerful student who puts God first in everything she does. She is hardworking and smart, and the best part is that she does not make people around her feel less smart. She carries everyone along and helps in every way she can when you ask for her help. She is always volunteering for service hours even when she has a tight schedule, she still tries to squeeze in her time for the benefit of others. She is a perfect image of service because she serves others just as much as she serves herself. Her greatest charm is always smiling and making people around her feel loved.

A teacher shared: Annabelle has one of those hearts that radiates joy and goodness. She is a kind and caring person both with her friends and with her teachers. She is generous with her time and talent, offering both at the service of others. She is always first to volunteer to lead prayer in class. Ultimately, she embodies what it means to be a St. Agnes star.

Emily Deutsch, St. Agnes Grade 11

One of her teachers wrote: Emily is a model student and genuine person.  Her positive, cheerful attitude and helpful nature are contagious to all who interact with her daily.  In addition to her conscientious hard work as a student, which embodies the Dominican Pillar of Study, she also espouses the Pillar of Prayer as a faithful member of the liturgical choir and the Pillar of Service and Community as a retreat leader for the lower school students.

One of her friends said: Emily is truly deserving of the Dominican Torch Award.  She pours herself into everything she is involved in, whether it is the CBHS-SAA cheer team or the theater. She is what it means to be a true Saint Agnes Star, dedicating herself in everything she does, working to make Saint Agnes the best it can be. Her excitement for each thing she is involved in is contagious and makes working with her on various projects a joy. I am so glad to have been brought to her through Saint Agnes and been surrounded by someone that appreciates Saint Agnes and works to make it the best it can be.

Mary Ann Shearin, St. Agnes Grade 12

A classmate wrote: Mary Ann exhibits all four pillars, but above all Prayer. She was new to our class this year, and immediately everyone could see her faith demonstrated through her personality and actions. She even prays the rosary every day on her way to school. Although she hasn't been at the Academy for long, I know she has had an impact on many. She is truly one of the sweetest people who cares about her school, community, and friends.

One of Mary Ann’s teachers shared: Mary Ann’s dedication to the four pillars of Dominican spirituality is inspiring. In class, she is always willing to share her knowledge of and insights on her faith.  But what is most impactful is the way she lives it out in her everyday life.  Whether helping others in need or leading others to grow in their own faith, she embraces the Pillars with a joyful spirit.  We have been so blessed to have her join our St. Agnes community this year!

Congratulations to all 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!