Second Semester Lower School Torch Awards

On April 4 we gathered as a Dominican family to worship and pray together at an All-School Mass. Afterward, we had the honor of presenting the Dominican Torch Award to four of our Lower School students and two of our Junior High students.

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. Nominated by their classmates and their teachers, these students uphold our standards of conduct and represent the core values of our school.

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:

Gideon Hogan, SDS Grade 1

Gideon is a shining example of kindness, humility, and leadership, and his classmates and teachers have shared many wonderful things about him. Even though he is new to St. Dominic, his welcoming nature has helped him make friends across multiple grade levels.

A classmate shared: “Gideon is very nice and always thankful. He is humble and kind. He is a friend to anyone who needs one or wants one. I love being his friend.”

Another friend wrote: “I love having Gideon around because he makes things more fun. He knows how to play fair. I like listening to him laugh and making other people laugh. Gideon is great to have as a friend because he is always nice.”

One of his teachers wrote: “I nominate Gideon for the Dominican Torch Award because he exemplifies the Four Pillars. Even when things might be a little rough, he keeps a positive attitude. He is friendly and kind, even when others might not be kind to him. He picks up trash that isn’t his, always pushes in chairs, and helps clean up around the classroom.”

Earlie Gardner, SAA Grade 2

Earlie is a remarkable student and friend, and her classmates have shared many kind words about her. Her kindness, generosity, and positive spirit make her a true standout!

One classmate wrote: “I nominate Earlie because she is always lending a helping hand. When I fall, she helps me up.”

Another friend shared: “Earlie is nice to her friends and makes so many friends, because everyone wants to play with her since she is so nice.”

Yet another friend said: “Earlie shows the Four Pillars, and I mean ALL of them! She is kind, smart, artistic, confident, and competitive. But she is always respectful to her friends and her teachers.”

One of Earlie’s teachers summed it up perfectly, writing: “She is a joy to teach and a true leader in the classroom.”

Another teacher wrote: “Earlie is a kind, dependable friend and a true asset to our classroom community. She is a strong student who regularly seeks additional challenges, demonstrating a genuine love for learning. Earlie consistently goes above and beyond, often staying after class to help clean the room and organize her classmates’ desks.”

Gianna Italiano, SAA Grade 6

Gianna is a kind, caring, and hardworking student who brightens the lives of those around her. Her classmates and teachers have shared many wonderful things about her, highlighting her intelligence, compassion, and strong character.

One classmate wrote: “I nominate Gianna because she is kind, caring, and responsible. I know this because sometimes when I am struggling with math, she helps me. I am very thankful to be her friend.”

Another friend shared: “Gianna is humorous and kind. She is always making my rainy days more sunny. She comforts others when they need it—she just notices things. She is the smartest person I know, and she genuinely cares for her friends.”

Yet another classmate added: “She has the best manners. She is also honest, which everyone wants in a friend. She is one of the few people who has received a JRP shout-out. She definitely deserves this award.”

A teacher wrote: “Her quiet strength aligns perfectly with the Four Pillars. Like St. Terese of Lisieux, Gianna does small things daily with immense love and dedication.”

Jackson Jayroe, SDS Grade 6

Jackson is a kind, respectful, and trustworthy friend who leads by example every day. His classmates and teachers have shared many thoughtful words about him, highlighting his generosity, kindness, and strong character.

One classmate wrote: “I nominate Jackson because he is the nicest person I have met at St. Dominic School. He helps when people need it and treats everyone with respect.”

Another friend shared: “I get to sit by Jackson in class now, and I like it because he helps me to do better. He is nice to all people and is friends with everyone. He is always trying to do the right thing.”

A classmate added: “Jackson and I go fishing, and he will let me borrow anything—whether it is a fishing lure or even his favorite fishing pole. Now that’s a friend.”

A teacher said: “Jackson is a light in the classroom. Always respectful and positive, he sets the example for great behavior and a dedicated view of education. Outside of the classroom, he is a consistent team player, always helpful, and I have never heard an unkind word from him.”

AJ Ongsingco, SDS Grade 7

AJ is a remarkable student whose faith, kindness, and dedication to others make him a true example of what it means to live out the Four Pillars. His classmates and teachers admire him for his strong character and the way he leads by example every day.

One classmate wrote: “In my opinion, AJ covers every one of the pillars. His prayers are so good—he knows exactly what to say and how to say it. When AJ prays, he makes sure it touches everyone’s heart, even without trying. He is a very gifted kid. He is smart and so kind. I think his parents are very lucky to have him as their son because he makes their job easier.”

Another friend shared: “AJ is always there for me when I need a friend. He is kind and helpful, and he truly represents the pillars. He studies a lot, prays a lot, serves others, and works to be friends with anyone who wants to be his friend—that’s every pillar.”

A teacher added, “AJ will hold the door for me, even if it means he must wait. He will not let the door shut before I enter.”

Isabel Jordan, SAA Grade 8

Isabel is a shining example of kindness, positivity, and respect. Her classmates and teachers admire her for the way she treats others, always making sure everyone feels included and valued.

One friend wrote: “I have known Isabel for a very long time, and she is truly one of the sweetest girls I have ever met. She always cares about the feelings of others and includes everyone! Izzy has the purest heart and treats everyone the way she wants to be treated.”

Another friend shared: “Izzy is an optimistic and a positive person. She is nice to everyone and very respectful toward all adults and classmates. She has a smile on her face every time I see her, and in Junior High, that is not always easy to do.”

A classmate added: “I wish everyone would model themselves after Isabel because she lives the Four Pillars, and that is what we all should strive to do.”

One of her teachers wrote: “Izzy is a great representative of our Junior High. She is engaging, friendly, funny, but also a serious student. She takes academics seriously, but, out of class, she can be found laughing and joking with her friends. Izzy is what is best about our Junior High.”

Congratulations to all our Dominican Torch Awards recipients. These students have inspired others with their generosity and kindness, humility, and compassion. They are excellent examples for us all and we appreciate their commitment to the Four Pillars and to living a virtuous life.