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Saint John Paul the Great Catholic High School 6th Annual Awards Ceremony

May 27, 2014 Welcome by Sr. Mary Jordan Hoover:

Good evening and welcome to our sixth annual Awards Ceremony. This evening, we celebrate outstanding student achievement in academics, service, and leadership.

We acknowledge tonight, in a public way, the hard work of many of our students, while knowing that there are many hidden achievements that we will not be able to acknowledge. We also acknowledge the support of parents, family members and friends – many of you are here tonight. We know that every young person grows and achieves from the joint foundation of family, friends, school and church community.

Before we begin, I would also like to acknowledge the faculty and staff of Saint John Paul the Great Catholic High School. Their efforts, whether in the classroom or outside of the classroom have made a big difference in the lives of our students. Thank you for your dedication to and love for the students at our school. Department Awards presented by Dr. Bigbee, Assistant Principal of Academics:

We begin by honoring students who have excelled in each course in the academic departments. The following students have demonstrated excellence in their academic work and are receiving academic course awards. The awards are given to these outstanding students in alphabetical order.

William Adams French II

Asya Allen Freshman Chorus Award

Blake Allen English Literature and Composition Adv.

Calculus H

Celina Alvarez String Ensemble

Amy Barnes Chemistry II Advanced

Melony Bennis Senior Band Award

Samuel Bettendorf Sophomore Religion Award

Biology Advanced

Jourdan Boutte Latin III Honors

Luke Brunsman Chemistry II

Reniah Carlos Anatomy & Physiology II

Erica Chen AP Calculus

AP Statistics

Jeremy Collier Microbiology

Mary Grace Coltharp Physics I Advanced

Christine Connor AP Music Theory

Joseph Costello Freshman Band Award

Jack Cunningham Geometry Advanced

Samuel Davis Drawing Art Award

Dianna Dominguez Algebra II

Physics II

Matilda Donovan The Human Person in a Biotech Age

Angus Dunlop World History Adv.

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Samantha Escamilla U.S. & Virginia History Advanced

Julia Evans Senior Religion Award

Patrick Frick Acting

Kevin Garster Geometry

Tavia Gatanas Biology

Christian Geigel Algebra II Honors

Spanish III

Aidan Gelbach Algebra I Advanced

Patrick Gelbach AP U.S. Government & Politics

AP Latin: Vergil

Anne-Marie Guelcher Algebra II Advanced.

French III

Miracle Guo AP Studio Art: Drawing Portfolio

Graphic Design / Digital Art

Benjamin Haddock Chemistry I Honors

Lawson Herold Physics I

Angelica Hocter Pre-Calculus / Math Analysis Honors

AP U.S. History

Latin II

John Hocter Latin I

Meredith Hoopes AP English Literature and Composition

Maria Horner Freshman Religion Award

Geometry Honors

Physics I Honors

Spanish II

Ryan Hoskins Digital Media

Wenjia Huang English Language and Composition Adv.

U.S. & Virginia Government Advanced

Spanish I

Sabrina Judy Case Studies and Applications in Bioethics

Emma Koenig Digital Photography

Andrew Lane Guitar Ensemble

Christina Leary College Topics in Mathematics I and II

Ana LeBlanc Anatomy & Physiology I

Epidemiology

French I

Michele LeBlanc Environmental Science

Studio Art Award

Jarrett Littles Sophomore Band Award

Joseph Litzinger The Human Person

Monica Loesel Senior Chorus Award

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Peter Loesel Health: An Ethical Approach

Brian Long Advocacy and Public Policy

Josephine Lyon English II Advanced

Michael Maggio Screenwriting and Film Production

Corrie Michell English II Honors

Biology Honors

Steve Miller AP Human Geography

Web Communication and Social Media

Sabrina Morales Junior Religion Award

Christela Niyungeko Chemistry I

Wyatt Ochs Chemistry II Honors

Physics II Honors

Spanish IV Honors

Adam Paquette Algebra I

Brandon Perroots Principles of Ethics

Adrienne Pritz Bioethical Issues at the End of Life

Julia Ranieri Yearbook - Management in Digital Media

Myles Sherman World History Honors

Emily Smid Pre-Calculus Advanced

Caitlin St. Amour Physics II Advanced

AP Art History

Spanish IV

Julia Stubbs Junior Chorus Award

Harrison Tamke Business Ethics & Social Responsibility

Multiplatform Journalism

Kelly Taylor Junior Band Award

Morgan Taylor Bioethical Issues at the Beginning of Life

AP English Language and Composition

French IV Honors

Catherine Votovich Speech and Debate

Juliana Weber English I Honors

Chemistry I Advanced

Isaac Weeks History of Media

Alexandra Wright Sophomore Chorus Award

Brianna Wylie Junior Chorus Award

Sherry Xu Portfolio Production / Drawing III

Katie Yates English I Advanced

4 We will now recognize seniors from the Class of 2014 that have made the honor roll for all four quarters this year. We will also acknowledge those seniors who have notified us of academic scholarships.

Blake Allen Accepted an academic award to George Mason University

Celina Alvarez

Joseph Andrews

Matthew Babauta

Melony Bennis

Nana Boateng

Reniah Carlos Accepted an academic award to Marymount University

Erica Chen

Garrett Coats Accepted an academic award to Wright State University

Jeremy Collier

Christine Connor

Nicolette Corsi

Michael Coyle

Tessa Croce

Alexander Czechowski

Nicholas Davis

Alyssa DeRaymond

Kenneth Diaz

Matilda Donovan

Natasha Ellis

Andrea Espinosa

Julia Evans

Patrick Frick Accepted an academic award to Loyola University Maryland

Patrick Gelbach Accepted an academic award to University of Virginia

Ryan Goerl Accepted an academic award to James Madison University

Tyler Goerl

India Hagen-Gates Accepted an academic award to James Madison University

Adam Halbert

Patrick Hayes

Meredith Hoopes Accepted an academic award to Virginia Tech

Rachel Hoppe Accepted an academic award to Auburn University

Kyle Horan

Ryan Hoskins

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Nathanial Houlihan Accepted an academic award to University of Central Florida

Sabrina Judy Accepted an academic award to Catholic University of America

John Paul Kelly Accepted an academic award to John Paul the Great Catholic University

Christopher Knox

Emma Koenig

Cameron Kotwicki

Abigail Krauss Accepted an academic award to St. Mary's College

Andrew Lane Accepted an academic award to University of Dallas

Benjamin Lawler Accepted an academic award to George Mason University

Layton Laws

Christina Leary Accepted an academic award to Christopher Newport University

Ana LeBlanc Accepted an academic award to St. John's University

Michele LeBlanc Accepted an academic award to St. John's University

Andres Lizarralde Accepted an academic award to Virginia Tech

Marisa Lockhart

Monica Loesel Accepted an academic award to Christopher Newport University

Brian Long Accepted an academic award to Xavier University

Alexander MacDonald

Abena Mainoo Accepted an academic award to St. Vincent College

Gabriel Maraya

Katlyn Marshall

Isabella Meier

Andre Michell

Steven Miller Accepted an academic award to University of Dayton

Kimberly Millspaugh

Jun Moon

Daniel Moran

Ariel Morrow

Taylor Mortensen

Natasha Nevel

Caitlin Oder Accepted an academic award to Randolph College

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Mary Padberg

Kiara Pavon Accepted an academic award to Bridgewater University

Iris Pei

Blake Pincus

Michelle Planchak

Grant Primeau

Adrienne Pritz

Michael Ranasinghe

Julia Ranieri

Matthew Rayhel

Samantha Scott

Mikayla Sherman

Jack Shofi Accepted an academic award to Virginia Tech

Robert Sirks

Cynthia Sivick

Maggie Somerville

Sydney Stryker Accepted an academic award to Marymount University

Matthew Style

Christina Suarez

Harrison Tamke

Kelsey Tetreault

Lillian Thongsavanh

Victoria Tillotson

Marisa Torres Accepted an academic award to St. Joseph's University

John Treanor Accepted an academic award to Mount St. Mary's University

Christopher Turner

Kevin Villagomez

Savannah Walck

Sean Walk

Abigail Williams Accepted an academic award to Gonzaga University

Kelly Wilson

John Yates

Kyra Zoubek

7 Outstanding Peer Tutor Award presented by Mr. Natalicchio, Director of Guidance:

Our peer tutoring program exists to provide academic tutoring peer - to - peer. Peer tutors volunteer after school to assist students in a variety of academic subjects. Two students have been chosen for outstanding service as peer tutors. The criteria for this award are: the number of hours of service, and commitment to service. The recipients of this year’s Outstanding Peer Tutor Award are: Abigail Williams and Andre Michell.

Our Work-Study-Contribute program exists to give students the opportunity to contribute to the

school by working in a department or with a teacher. The program is open to all students who are in grades 10, 11, and 12. Students who participate in the program are scheduled for one of the eight class periods, usually for one semester. This year’s Outstanding Work-Study-Contribute Award goes to Tina Leary. Chaplain and Ambassador Awards presented by Fr. Lundberg, Chaplain:

For outstanding service at the altar in the school community Mass, the Outstanding Altar Server Award is being given to Samantha Scott and Blake Allen.

For outstanding service to the Word of God in the school community Mass the Outstanding

Reader Award is being given to Julie Leist. Student Ambassadors work year-round to help spread the good news about Saint John Paul the

Great Catholic High School to prospective students. They visit elementary schools and give presentations; help with Open Houses and other recruiting events; give tours of the school, and serve as Shadow Hosts. Student Ambassadors are good role models and reliable volunteers. The school is grateful to every one of its student ambassadors. From this group, six seniors have been selected by Ms. Cole to receive Ambassador Awards in recognition of exemplary service as an Ambassador. These students have attended nearly every admissions and marketing event over the past 4 years, serving as effective speakers, greeters, and organizers.

1. Melony Bennis 2. Tessa Croce 3. Matilda Donovan

4. Meredith Hoopes 5. Monica Loesel 6. Steve Miller

7. T.J. White.

JP Pride Awards presented by Sr. Mary Grace, Assistant Principal:

JP Pride Scholarships are awarded to students who actively contributed to building the culture at Saint John Paul the Great Catholic High School. Each of the scholarship winners submitted scholarship essays to compete for this honor. They are actively involved in school life and have shown commitment to JP. The winners of the JP Scholarships receive $1,000 toward next year’s tuition.

Jack Cunningham

Denise Gallant

Rachel Jakielski

Victoria Lizarralde

Annemarie Long

Roan McLean

Fiona Miller

Dominic Olivera

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Kinsey Schwab

Caroline Strickland

Scholarship Awards presented by Dr. Bigbee, Assistant Principal of Academics: Randolph College Classics Book Award

The Randolph College Classics Book Award is presented to an outstanding junior student for his or her achievements in Classics. The winner of the award is enrolled in Latin III Honors. She will receive a Latin Grammar book and will be eligible for a renewable merit scholarship valued up to $20,000 per year for attending Randolph College. It is my pleasure to announce that the recipient is Jourdan Boutte. Northern Virginia Electric Cooperative (NOVEC)

Northern Virginia Electric Cooperative has always been a strong supporter of students, education and schools. NOVEC awards $1,500 to high school students in five counties where NOVEC provides electric service – Fairfax, Fauquier, Loudoun, Prince William, Stafford, and the City of Manassas Park. The scholarships are awarded to students who have demonstrated a wide range of participation and leadership in extracurricular activities, community service and/or work experience. NOVEC Selected one of our seniors to receive this honor, Kevin Villagomez. University of Dayton Scholarship Award and Leadership in Service Scholarship

The University of Dayton’s merit scholarship award program recognizes students who have achieved academic success, as well as providing leadership and service in their school, community or church. This year one of our students has been selected to receive two awards from the University of Dayton: The Scholarship Award and the Leadership in Service Award. The award winner will receive renewable scholarships totaling over $77, 000 over four years. Steve Miller is the recipient of these awards. Virginia Tech Scholarship Awards presented by Mr. Jim Little of the Virginia Tech Alumni Association-Prince William Chapter Virginia Tech Pamplin College of Business

One of our students is a recipient of a merit scholarship award from the Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University. Meredith Hoopes will receive $5,000 from the The Pamplin College of Business Freshman Merit Scholarship. She has also been selected to receive an award by the Prince William Chapter of the Virginia Tech Alumni Association. The Prince William Chapter based its decision on the recipient’s community service record. The John F Kane Scholarship award presented by Mr. John Berry

The Ancient Order of Hibernians (AOH) is the oldest and largest Irish-Catholic organization in the United States. Dedicated to preserving Irish culture and religious tradition, which collectively place great value on higher education and acts of charity, the Ancient Order of Hibernians provides scholarships to American college students. Locally, the Lieutenant Colonel John A Dowd, United States Marine Corps, Divisions of the AOH and Ladies AOH administer the John F. Kane Scholarship fund. Over the past 16 years, local Hibernians have awarded approximately $150,000 to scholarship winners. Today, Mr. Berry presents a $1,000 Kane Scholarship to a John Paul Senior: Julia Ranieri. The Quantico-Potomac Chapter of the Armed Forces Communications Electronics Association Scholarship Award presented by Mr. Jim Longi

The Quantico-Potomac Chapter of the Armed Forces Communications Electronics Association (AFCEA) has selected one of our seniors from a highly competitive pool of students from public and private schools throughout the chapter’s area of responsibility. The Scholarship is awarded to a student

9 enrolled for the 2014-15 academic year (full-time ) in at a four-year university that leads to a Bachelor’s degree in one of the Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics disciplines that will prepare the student for a professional career supporting AFCEA’s focus on military communications, electronics, and intelligence systems. The Quantico-Potomac Chapter of AFCEA has awarded a $2000 scholarship to Steve Miller. Achiever Scholarship Award presented by Mr. Booker Wheeler

The First Mount Zion Baptist Church of Dumfries honors students who are actively engaged in church and community service. This year, one of our seniors has been selected to receive this award, Natasha Ellis. Along with this honor, she will receive a $1,300 Achiever Scholarship Award. 2014 Memorial Scholarship presented by Mr. Mike Quinlan

The Lake Ridge Lion Club is an organization devoted to community service. Especially concerned with providing assistance to the sight and hearing impaired and to those with diabetes, the Lions have recognized students who reside in Lake Ridge with scholarships in memory of several of the Lions who passed away while serving in the Lake Ridge Lion Club. The Lake Ridge Lions Scholarships are awarded not only for academic excellence, but for demonstrated service to the community. This year The Lake Ridge Lions take great pride in awarding Tessa Croce the 2014 Memorial Scholarship. Davis and Davis Award

The Washington DC Chapter of National Naval Officers Association, Inc is committed to improving its members, our youth, the community, and the Sea Services. The DC Chapter works with numerous schools in the Washington, DC Metropolitan Area to provide role models to address job and career opportunities in the Sea Services and to enhance the education of local youth. Each year, the Chapter recognizes minority students from the Washington, DC Metropolitan Area who have demonstrated academic achievement, financial need, and positive involvement in their community. Allana Dye, one of our seniors has been selected for the Davis and Davis Award, which includes a $1000 scholarship.

Army ROTC Scholarships presented by Will Second Lieutenant McCarthy, Army ROTC at George Mason University

Four of our seniors have been selected for an Army ROTC scholarship that will be presented by Second Lieutenant McCarthy. On behalf of Brigadier General Combs, Commander of the US Army Cadet Command, these students will be presented with Army ROTC National Scholarships.

They have all excelled academically and physically, as well as demonstrated exceptional leadership potential over the past few years. They are part of the select 10% of all applicants across the nation to receive this scholarship and will apply it to cover full tuition and additional allowances for books and fees at the University of their choice as they pursue a commission as a Second Lieutenant in the United States Army.

Ryan Goerl – who will be attending James Madison University

Stephen Krakie- who will be attending Virginia Military Institute

Jack Shofi- who will be attending Virginia Tech

Harrison Tamke- who will be attending The College of William and Mary

Air Force ROTC Scholarships presented by Will Lieutenant Colonel Cathy Jumper and Lieutenant Colonel Eric Everts

Two of our seniors have been selected for Air Force ROTC scholarships. The competition for Air Force ROTC scholarships was especially tough this year. Approximately 9,000 high school seniors from across the United States applied for the Air Force ROTC scholarship. The Air Force is extremely selective

10 in awarding scholarships and two or our seniors have been chosen to join this select group of young adults.

The Air Force ROTC scholarship is a 4 year scholarship that will cover full tuition, provides a textbook allowance and pays most laboratory and incidental fees. In addition to this, the ROTC Scholarship winners will receive a $300 tax-free monthly allowance during the academic year. This amount will increase to $500 by the senior year. The estimated value of a scholarship may exceed $100,000, depending on the student’s choice of school and the type of scholarship offered. This Air Force ROTC scholarship culminates with an officer’s commission in the United States Air Force. Lieutenant Colonel Cathy Jumper, representing the United States Air Force, is presenting Marisa Lockhart with an Air Force ROTC scholarship. Marisa Lockhart will attend the University of Virginia. Colonel Eric Everts, US Army, on behalf of BRIGADIER General, Robert D. THOMAS, Commander, United States Air Force presents the Air force ROTC scholarship to Steve Miller. The United States Merchant Marine Academy Appointment presented by Mr. Mark Bonatucci

The United States Merchant Marine Academy, located at K ings Point , New York is one of the five Federal Academies. Nominated by Congressman Jim Moran, Jeremy Collier is one of 13 A p p o i n te es f rom Vi r g i n i a s e le ct e d to a t t e n d t h e A ca d emy f rom around the nat ion and the world, out of over 2 , 200 appl icants .

Complet ion of the intensive four year regimental and academic curriculum, which includes three trimesters at sea on U.S. F lag Merchant vessels and U.S. Navy ships , as wel l as an internship leads to a Bachelor of Science Degree, a U.S. Merchant Marine Officer’s License as either a Deck Officer or Engineering Officer, and an Ensign’s commission in the U.S. Naval Reserve.

An appointment to the Academy is the equivalent of a scholarship worth approximately $225,000 over the 4 -year per iod. This remarkable achievement reflects great credit on Jeremy and demonstrates that he is already living up to the Academy’s motto “Acta non Verba” – Deeds, not Words.

Mr. Bonatucci , on behalf of Rear Admiral James Helis , the United States Merchant Marine Academy recognizes the Appointment of J e re m y Co l l ie r to the United States Merchant Marine Academy Class of 2018. Offer of Appointment into the West Point Class of 2018 presented by Lieutenant Colonel Susan Robertson, United States Military Academy Class of 1984

The United States Military Academy was founded in 1802 by President Thomas Jefferson, and over the past 200-plus years has become the world's premier institution for leader development.

Out of over 13,000 applicants, approximately 1,200 young men and women are selected to attend West Point each year. These students are challenged intellectually, physically, and militarily in a stimulating environment that embraces the highest ethical and moral standards. Andre Michell received nominations from Virginia State Senators, Senators Warner and Kaine. Offers are made based on Academic Proficiency, Demonstrated Leadership, Athletic Participation and a Physical Fitness Test.

Today the Long Gray Line is pleased to announce that Andre Michell has received, and has accepted, an Offer of Appointment into the West Point Class of 2018. Andre Michell's four year, tuition-free undergraduate academic education will be one of the best in the country, and is valued at $288,000.

But for Andre, the lifelong friendships he will make, the leadership training he will receive, and the opportunity to serve his country when he graduates and is commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the United States Army, will make his West Point experience priceless.

11 College Board and National Merit Awards:

Several members of the class of 2014 have received honors from the College Board and National Merit Scholarship Corporation. Although the certificates have already been awarded, these students will receive recognition for their outstanding achievements.

College Board National Hispanic Scholar Recognition was established in 1983 to identify outstanding Hispanic/Latino High School students. Students who took the 2012 PSAT identified themselves as at least one quarter Hispanic/Latino were eligible for this recognition. Caitlin Oder and Cameron Kotwicki were recognized as High scorers and named Scholars by College Board. Caitlin will be attending Randolph College and Cameron will be attending James Madison University. National Merit:

Seven of our seniors were named Commended students in the 2014 National Merit Scholarship Program based on their achievement on the PSAT. According to the National Merit Scholarship Corporation (NMSC), 34,000 high performers were names Commended Students based on a national selection index core without regard to state-be-state distribution. The students recognized as Commended Students represent some of the best and brightest minds in the country as demonstrated by their outstanding performance in a highly competitive program. The young men and women named as commended students demonstrated outstanding potential for academic success and represented the top three percent of more than 1.5 million students nation-wide.

1. Nicholas Davis will be attending Virginia Tech 2. Patrick Gelbach will be attending University of Virginia 3. Brian Long will be attending Xavier University 4. Gabriel Maraya will be attending College of William and Mary 5. Steven Miller will be attending University of Dayton and Received the National Merit

Scholarship Corporation’s Lockheed Martin Merit Scholarship. 6. Caitlin Oder will be attending Randolph College 7. Harrison Tamke will be attending College of William and Mary

In April of this year, three of our current juniors were invited to participate in the National Merit Scholarship Program for 2015. Those who are invited to participate in National Merit are selected based on their achievement on the Preliminary SAT taken in October of their junior year. Each of these students is among the 50,000 highest-scoring participants who will be recognized in the fall of their senior year.

1. Becky Boak 2. Dominic Olivera 3. Isaac Weeks

Special Recognition Awards presented by Dr. Bigbee, Assistant Principal of Academics:

St. Martin de Porres, was born in Lima Peru in the sixteenth century. Martin possessed many intellectual and spiritual gifts. He became a Dominican lay brother and spent his life serving the needs of his brothers and townspeople. Having learned the art of medicine, he frequently took care of the sick and suffering, showing compassion to all he met. The Martin de Porres award is given to two freshman and two sophomores who have demonstrated excellence in academics, personal conduct, and concern for human dignity. The recipients are:

1. Joseph Litzinger 2. Grace Stanton 3. Xander LaVille 4. Caitlin Magro

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St. Thomas Aquinas, the son of a nobleman, was a member of the Dominican order and a priest. He is the greatest theologian of the Dominican order and a Doctor of the Church. His writings in theology, philosophy, the defense of the Catholic faith, and the sacraments result from his accurate thought and clarity. Unlike many saints, Saint Thomas Aquinas worked no miracles. The witnesses at the canonization trial testified unanimously that Thomas had been a humble, simple, pure and peace-loving person. He was a lover of Truth and virtue. Our St. Thomas Aquinas Award is given to two juniors, who exhibit a willingness to pursue truth and integrate ethics into all aspects of life.

This year’s recipients are Rebecca Boak and Dominic Olivera. Spirit of Service Award presented by Sr. Mary Grace:

The Spirit of Service Award recognizes a small number of students who have demonstrated excellence in service to the School community. These seniors have been actively engaged in planning service projects for the school through their participation in the Student Leadership Association. Elected by their peers for three consecutive years, seven members of the senior class played an active role in building the house system organizing service projects, house competitions, and social activities.

1. Matilda Donovan 2. Meredith Hoopes 3. Andrew Lane 4. Marisa Lockhart 5. Steve Miller 6. Michelle Planchak 7. Jack Shofi

The Servant Leadership Award recognizes students who have demonstrated excellence in servant

leadership according the principles of the Servant Leadership Association and the Gospel. As elected officers of the SLA for the past year, these three students have given generously of their time and talent to build teamwork among SLA members, to provide opportunities for school service and socialization, and to make recommendations for continuous improvement. The Servant Leadership Award is presented to the following members of the senior class. Please come forward to accept your awards.

1. Monica Loesel 2. Alex MacDonald 3. Andre Michell

St. Gianna Molla and Saint Thomas More Awards presented by Mr. McNulty, Assistant Principal of Student Life:

In previous years, the St. Gianna Molla and Saint Thomas More Awards were presented on Graduation day. This year, all academic and service awards are being presented during this awards ceremony. St. Gianna Beretta Molla is a model of heroic virtue. As a wife, mother, and doctor, St. Gianna dedicated her life to embracing God’s will. As a young mother she sacrificed her life so that her daughter might live. She was canonized on May 16, 2004, by our patron Saint John Paul the Great. During the canonization, he said:

“The extreme sacrifice she sealed with her life testifies that only those who have the courage to give of themselves totally to God and to others are able to fulfill themselves.” Each year the Saint Gianna Molla Award is presented to a senior who has demonstrated virtuous leadership, moral courage, and promotes the culture of life. This year’s recipient is Monica Loesel.

The St. Thomas More Award is named for the patron of the Diocese of Arlington, who died a martyr’s death. He served King Henry VIII as Lord Chancellor of England, but resigned his post to defend the rights of the Catholic Church. He, with Bishop John Fisher, refused to take the Oath of Supremacy

13 that declared the king and not the pope the head of the Church in England. He was beheaded for his refusal. St. Thomas More was a scholar who put honor and virtue above compromise. Each year, The St. Thomas More Award is given to one senior who has demonstrated academic scholarship, moral courage and personal integrity.

This year’s recipient is Brian Long. Christ the Teacher Award presented by Sr. Mary Jordan:

The final award is given to an educator at Saint John Paul the Great. This award, Christ the Teacher Award was established to recognize and affirm the high quality of instruction and witness provided by educators at Saint John Paul the Great.

Recipient of the award must be a witness and full supporter of the Faith and the School’s Mission who has served a minimum of 3 years at the school. The recipient must have exceptional impact on student learning and contributes to building a sense of community, in the classroom and beyond. The recipient will address the senior class following the Baccalaureate Mass. This year’s selection committee reviewed nominations made by student members of the class of 2014, teachers, staff members and parents.

I will share a few quotes from the nominations before asking this year’s recipient to come forward. First from staff members and parents:

- Having all the criteria for receiving this award, Sister Mary Brigid is a positive role model for the students, parents and faculty

- She engages her students creatively, and encourages them to strive for the greatest good. - A demanding educator, Sister displays her love of Christ through the love she shows toward each of her

students - She exudes Christ to those she meets and to whom she ministers. She has often been Christ to me. - She has been generous to assist me and her fellow teachers to become better educators - She reaches out to the students who are suffering - At the end and beginning of every year, she engages me in dialogue on how we can make the classes better - She works hard to include faculty in her may endeavors - I find her often praying in the chapel for a brief time - I have never seen a more energetic, happy and loving person

From members of the Class of 2014: - Sister Mary Brigid emulates Christ in her words and actions. - She has always been very energetic and inspirational. - She respects every student and teacher and loves all of us - Sister Mary Brigid is the epitome of a warrior for Christ - She relates to her students and genuinely loves and cares for each and every one of them. She takes the time

to get to know her students on a personal level and she makes them believe that they can be better people. - I have never had a teacher who cares about my spiritual growth so much. - Her energy about the Church pushes me to continue growing in my faith. - Her devotion to the Lord and dedication to virtue are contagious. She has taught me a lot in Catholic Social

Teaching, but what I value most from her is how she sees every experience as an opportunity to grow in holiness and encounter Christ.

- Her stories make us laugh, and show us that it is okay to make mistakes. - Sister has shown me a different way to look at Christ, she has opened my eyes to something new and I’m

never looking back. The recipient of the Christ the Teacher Award is Sister Mary Brigid Burnham.

14 Closing Remarks from Sr. Mary Jordan:

Saint John Paul the Great spent his papacy spreading the Kingdom of God. He traveled extensively, visiting over 100 countries. As part of his special emphasis on the universal call to holiness, he canonized a great number of people. In facing a culture of death, he encouraged all, “Do not be afraid. Do not be satisfied with mediocrity. Put out into the depths and lower your nets for a catch.”

The students who have been recognized this evening have not settled for mediocrity in academics. Many have stellar behavior records as well. I urge you, students of JP, to keep striving for truth. As Saint John Paul said, continue to cast your net into new areas to grow in wisdom and grace. Respect the dignity of all human persons as you pass through the upcoming events of exams and summer vacation.

May you keep aiming high – to strive for high academic achievement, personal virtue and ultimately – heaven.

I want to thank hands that worked together to bring this event into being. Members of our Academic Team, especially: Miss Brock, Miss Vay, and Ms. Strickland. This program has been checked and rechecked and I am grateful for all that you have done to manage the many details that were needed to make this a success. Closing prayer: An old Dominican Blessing

AN OLD DOMINICAN BLESSING

May God the Father bless us.

May God the Son heal us.

May God the Holy Spirit enlighten us, and give us eyes to see with,

ears to hear with,

hands to do the work of God with,

feet to walk with, a mouth to preach the word of salvation with,

and the angel of peace to watch over us and lead us at last,

by our Lord's gift,

to the Kingdom. Amen