Second Semester Torch Award Winners

At the All School Mass on April 19, 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:

 

Eva Philip, St. Agnes Grade 3

A classmate wrote: I nominate Eva because she is kind and respectful of others. She always tells the truth, and she is a very good friend. 

Another friend wrote: Eva always has a smile on her face. She is never mean, and she is very funny. She likes to make people happy, and I love when she says the prayer in class.

And another classmate said: Eva is very calm and sweet. She is smart, too! She tries so hard to be positive. Eva always stands up for what is right. She likes to do the right thing.

One of Eva’s teachers shared: Eva has a sense of integrity that radiates from her.  She is a beacon of honesty and fairness in all her interactions. She readily offers support and understanding to those in need, fosters a sense of belonging and compassion, and inspires others with her love for God. Eva embodies the qualities that The Dominican Torch Award celebrates! Her classmates and I are blessed to know her. She is a pleasure to teach and a true St. Agnes Star!

 

Buster Hammond, St. Dominic Grade 3.

One of his St. Dominic brothers wrote: Buster is awesome! He is respectful, and so kind. He is the best classmate I have had all year! 

Another of Buster’s classmates said: I nominate Buster because he is my best friend. He is always funny and makes people laugh, even our teachers! He really is pretty awesome. Buster always has a smile on his face because he is happy but also because he wants everyone around him to be happy too.

One of Buster’s teachers shared: Buster is a joy. He always has a smile on his face and is a friend to others. He follows the rules, completes his assignments, and is a great example of the virtues that we have learned, such as studiousness, cheerfulness, and patience.

Another teacher added: Of the Four Pillars, Buster exemplifies the Pillar of Community the most. He is friendly and inclusive to everyone in our hallway! He will be the first to invite others to play games or join in a conversation, and he cares deeply for his classmates. I can't think of a more deserving student for this award.

 

Brooke Clayburn, St. Agnes Grade 6

A good friend of Brooke’s wrote: I nominate Brooke because she demonstrates what it is like to be a true St. Agnes Star. There is not a day that goes by when I don’t see a smile on her face. She always brightens my day. She is also very intelligent and pretty athletic, too. I hope that one day I can be as awesome as Brooke.

Another classmate said: Brooke is an outstanding friend. She helps everyone and tries to make sure everyone is happy. She is one of the most kind, respectful, and caring people you will ever meet.

And a third friend wrote: Brooke is an example of all Four Pillars. She loves to serve as a Morning Star. She welcomes everyone in the morning with a smile. She is so proud to be a part of our school community. She loves religion class and tries to answer all the questions. Brooke is a model student. I know all the teachers love to have Brooke in their class.

Her teachers shared: Brooke is an inspiring beacon of courage and compassion. She embodies the essence of an upstander, guiding her peers towards kindness and integrity.

 

Matthew Sumpter, St. Dominic Grade 4

A classmate of Matthew’s wrote: I nominate Matthew because he is a great friend. He is bright spirited, kind, and respectful to others. Matthew works hard on everything he does, and he never gives up! He respects JRP and the Four Pillars and he always includes everyone. He never leaves anyone out!

Another friend said: Matthew is a good friend. He just “gets you” which makes everyone feel good.

One of Matthew’s teachers shared: Matthew exudes the Four Pillars. He has a great attitude even when the odds are against him. He is respectful and helpful to all. He is eager to hold the door for someone, cheer up a school mate, and cares for all including God’s creation. He is quick to pick up litter around campus or help in cleaning up the dining hall. Matthew is the ideal St. Dominic Sun.

 

Cecilia Odom, St. Agnes Grade 8

A classmate of Cecilia’s wrote: I nominate Cecilia because she exhibits the Pillars of Prayer and Study in her daily life. She always makes sure that her work is done on time. She demonstrates a positive attitude inside and outside of school. She is very busy but always leaves room for Jesus! Cecilia shows a strong sense of justice and fairness. I feel very lucky to call her my friend.

Another classmate shared: Cecilia helped me when I was very upset about something. While Cecilia and I are not very close she still decided to help me, and she would not rest until we found an adult I could talk to. She could have just walked away but instead she stayed with me the whole time. I am so thankful for her act of kindness.

Another friend said: Cecilia cares about her relationship with God. She is kind to all and tries to include everyone. She has tons of service hours because she is always helping others.

One teacher wrote: Cecilia is honest, hardworking, and a friend to all. Her smile brightens up the room and brightens my day. 

Another teacher shared: Cecilia is truly the hands and feet of Jesus on Earth.  She is kind to everyone she encounters and treats all with a generous spirit.  She is a good friend and classmate and is so deserving of the torch award!

 

Brett Sipniewski, St. Dominic Grade 7

A classmate wrote: I nominate Brett because he is always in a good mood, and he is very funny. Also, once he starts something he never gives up no matter how difficult it seems.

Another friend said: Brett is uplifting and sets the way for everyone else. One time I was being left out and Brett invited me to hang with him.

A third classmate wrote: Brett is an outstanding student and puts others first. He is nice and funny and very good at football. He tries his best in school, and he always does the right thing. Brett is friends with everyone, and he loves school. Brett is such a good friend that he will not only hang out with you, but he will help you study, and he is super respectful during Mass which I admire.

One teacher shared: Although I have only taught Brett for a short period of time, he has shown me he has the willingness to learn and grow in his faith. Brett is the type of student who is self-motivated and puts effort into all his activities which is allowing him to achieve success.

Another teacher wrote: Brett shows a love for learning which is a teacher’s dream!

Another teacher added: Brett is a kind, mature, and dependable student.  He is always gracious to both his teachers as well as his peers.  He is conscientious, with a strong work ethic. He is very deserving of the torch award!

 

Lilah Fik, St. Agnes Grade 9

A classmate wrote: Lilah Fik exhibits all Four Pillars of St. Agnes. She shows what it means to be a good example of Christ to our entire freshman class. Lilah loves and cherishes every single person around her and puts on a smile everywhere she goes. She has the kindest soul that I have ever seen and truly represents what it means to be a St. Agnes Star.

A teacher shared: Lilah is kind and inclusive to the members of her class. She radiates with positivity. She actively participates in class and works hard in her studies. Lilah is a wonderful example of the Four Pillars at St. Agnes Academy.

 

Zara Centeno, St. Agnes Grade 10

A fellow student wrote: Zara exhibits the Dominican Pillar of Community. She always has a smile on her face and is willing to help anyone regardless of if she is friends with that person.  Zara has the biggest heart and is always there when you need her. 

A teacher shared: Zara is a peaceful presence in the sophomore class. Her smile brightens everyone's day. She is kind, caring, and thoughtful of others. She is a responsible student. She lives out Christ's call to be a witness to others through her love for all people she encounters. She has a true servant's heart and is always willing to help those in need.

Another teacher wrote: Zara's commitment to her classmates shines through her tireless efforts to support and uplift them, while her steadfast dedication to the Four Pillars of her school underscores her role as a beacon of integrity, leadership, scholarship, and service within the student body.

 

Mae Cianciola, St. Agnes Grade 11

One teacher wrote: Mae distinguishes herself as a leader in her class by embracing all four Dominican Pillars in her life. Mae demonstrates the Pillar of Prayer as an active member of St. Louis Church, where she works with the parish Vacation Bible School. At St. Agnes, she is a faithful and enthusiastic member of the liturgical choir, lifting her voice to God in prayer. Mae demonstrates the Pillar of Study with her excellent GPA and high academic rank in the junior class.  She is a student who embraces a love of learning, responsibility, and honesty in the classroom. She demonstrates the Pillars of Community and Service through her participation in the St. Agnes Soccer Camp, Ducks Unlimited, and the Alpha Omega Homeless Veterans project, and the Joy Prom Dress Fest. Mae’s life is one of spiritual and moral growth, caring, and helpfulness.  She is a model student who espouses the beliefs and values we strive to instill in our students at St. Agnes Academy, putting God first, others second, and herself last.

A friend shared: Mae is kind to all. She thinks about others first and what she can do to help them. She is a great friend to have because she is honest and dependable. She cares to be the best she can be at all times.

 

Annaliese Hammack, St. Agnes Grade 12.

A classmate wrote: Annaliese has always been strong in her faith and encourages others to follow the teachings of the Bible without being overbearing or forceful. Annaliese truly hopes the best for the people around her and wants her friends to have information to grow in their faith.

Annaliese's teachers shared: "Annaliese is so deserving of this award. She is generous and kind, patient and joyful. She is prayerful, studious, welcoming of others, and finds joy in serving those in need. She can endure through difficulties with great grace and is truly sustained by her faith. She is the kind of person everyone needs in their life as she can bring joy and peace to any situation, building up others amid hard times.  Her dedication to the sanctity of life is inspiring. She has given students a meaningful way to celebrate life with the establishment and leadership of the Blessing Blankets Club."

 

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.