Lower School Dominican Torch Award Winners

Last week we gathered as a Dominican family to worship and pray together during this season of Advent, remembering our bonds of faith and friendship, service and belonging. We also took time to recognize several students and present them with the fall semester Dominican Torch Award. These students have inspired others with their generosity and kindness, humility, and compassion.

Take a moment to read their heartfelt nominations, written by classmates and teachers!

Ellery Cate Clothier, SAA 3

A classmate wrote: I nominate Ellery Cate because she always has a smile on her face, and she is really kind. Whoever’s rainy day she walks into, she turns their frown upside down.

Another friend said: Ellery Cate is always happy and cheerful, and she helps people when they are sad.

One of Ellery Cate’s teachers shared: My day would not be complete without a heartfelt hug from Ellery Cate! Her brilliant smile and sparkling eyes light up the classroom! I am so happy Ellery Cate is receiving this honor because she is so well deserving as she always does the right thing, is hard working, and all her classmates love her. She is a pleasure to teach and a true St. Agnes Star! 

Bentley Turner, SDS 1

One of his St. Dominic brothers wrote: Bentley is truthful, respectful, and so, so kind. He is even kind to me!

Another of Bentley’s classmates said: I nominate Bentley because he is the kind of friend everyone needs. He prays a lot. He is truthful and good to everyone. I love him so much.

A teacher shared: Bentley is a Joy! His smile and adventurous stories will light up any room. He is very kind and always thinks of others before himself. He is very creative and loves to do his best at school. He enjoys every minute of every day! 

CeCe Hollis, SAA 5

A good friend of CeCe said: I chose CeCe because she is kind to all. When I am upset, or worried, CeCe always helps me. CeCe accepts me for who I am and never tries to change anything about me.

Another classmate wrote: CeCe is kind, caring and respectful. She is so funny and always tries to cheer me up. She looks on the bright side no matter what the situation is. I always see her helping others and she always tells the truth even when she does not want to. CeCe stands up for others when people are being mean to them or even if they are just being unfair. But I think the best thing about CeCe is that she is always a good sport!

One of CeCe’s teachers shared: CeCe is a self-confident, strong person, who has lots of empathy and is well loved and respected by all her classmates. Her speaking and reading voices have a commanding presence and you can always count on her to do the right thing. She is someone who knows how to lead just by example and is inspiring to her peers. I know when I talk to CeCe I am having a genuine and sincere conversation.

Heinz Barksdale, SDS 4

A classmate of Heinz wrote: I nominate Heinz because he throws the ball to me at recess and I have noticed he lets everyone play with him.

Another friend wrote: Heinz is a very nice brother and he helps me and all his other friends when they need help. The teacher never has to ask him. He just does what he needs to do. Heinz is funny and loves to make other people laugh.

Another of his friends said: Heinz prays a lot, he is the best! 

A teacher shared: Heinz is a delightful student, always prayerful and thinking of others. He does his best effort in all academics and loves to challenge himself. He is always polite to adults and a great friend to his peers and all the boys on the hallway. He’s a great SDS Sun.

Amara Touch, SAA 8

A friend of Amara’s wrote: Amara shows an optimistic attitude in everything she does. She is for sure a follower of Christ and you know this by her daily interactions with her friends. She is involved in many extracurricular activities including sports and Beta Club.

Another friend said: Amara is one of the most caring and thoughtful girls I know. She demonstrates all four of the Dominican Pillars. She studies hard, prays a lot, is involved in all kinds of service, and she loves to go out into the community and help others. I say that is what the Torch award is all about. Another classmate wrote: I can count on Amara for anything. She is always there for her friends.

A teacher shared: Amara is the kind of student that any teacher loves to see coming. She is willing to go the extra mile to help others and she is always caught being kind. She is a delight to be around whether you are an adult or a peer. 

Mosby Wade, SDS 7

A classmate wrote: Mosby is a good friend, the kind you can trust. He exemplifies the pillar of study. He is always ready for the next assignment, and he does his best work in all of his classes.

Another friend shared: Mosby loves his friends. He is passionate about playing sports and he is really good at them. He is a great teammate. Mosby also likes to help his school community by serving at Mass.

One of his other classmates wrote: Mosby is always looking out for other people, and you can count on him to know what the homework assignments are when no one else remembers.

And another friend wrote: Not only does Mosby represent the four pillars, but he is also a great friend. He is always laughing, and he definitely knows how to cheer me up.

A teacher shared: Mosby is a wonderful young man who is kindhearted. He is always ready to help others without being asked to assist.

Congratulations to all of our deserving recipients! They are wonderful examples for us all.