Torch Bearers

On January 21 and 22, we had the honor of presenting the Dominican Torch Award to eight of our students.  The Dominican Torch Award, presented twice a year, recognizes those students who live their daily lives in a way that reflects the Four Pillarsof Study, Prayer, Community and Service. These students uphold our standards of conduct and represent the core values of our school.

“Teachers and peers took the time to nominate these students because they noticed something special about them," said President Tom Hood as he presented the awards. "These students live out the gospel daily, and it is evident to the people around them,” he said.

Congratulations to our deserving Torch Award recipients: Eva Gardner, Miller Dionne, Ava Casey, Duncan Soldan, Adie Butler, Brandon Bardos, Madelyn Wallace, and Celia Watson. Below are excerpts from the nominations recognizing the many ways these students exhibit a loving and faithful life.

Eva Gardner, SAA 1: “Eva is a good sport. She is very smart and honest to my teacher. She listens a lot. Eva is loving to me and my mommy and daddy. She is a good friend. She listens to be good at math, too."

Miller Dionne, SDS 3: “I nominate Miller for many reasons, but first because I just love him as a friend. Whenever I am sad, Miller asks me if I want to play, and I always say, “Yes!” He is a great friend to everyone.“ and “Miller is an exceptional example of what it means to be a St. Dominic Sun. In the classroom he is driven, organized and focused, meeting every learning goal. Outside of the classroom, Miller is a friend to all. He often will compromise during soccer or kickball to keep tensions low and the game peaceful. Miller demonstrates compassion and patience every day.”

Ava Casey, SAA 4: “Ava gets me and understands me. She listens to me and makes me feel better when I am having a hard day. She makes everyone feel like they can just be themselves.Ava has all of the Four Pillars, plus she is so very nice! It is rare for her to get upset and, if she does, it is not for a little reason. That’s why I nominate her. She deserves this award.”

Duncan Soldan, SDS 6: “Duncan is a great student. He is kind to everyone. Every morning he comes into class with a smile on his face and says good morning. Plus, he takes religion very seriously! And “Duncan is a great guy. He exemplifies the Four Pillars every day. He loves to learn and is always willing to help his classmates. Duncan is a very prayerful and faithful person who is never hurtful toward others."

Adie Butler, SAA7: “Adie has a great attitude, no matter what. She is cheerful and happy and brings amazing energy when she walks into a room. She cracks jokes and goofs around to make everyone laugh, but is the true definition of a kind, smart and caring person. I nominate Adie because of her incredible acts of kindness. She has a loving heart and a personality like no other. I never feel like I “have to” hang out with her at school because she makes everyone feel comfortable without drama. She participates in class and is an extremely hard worker. “

Brandon Bardos, SDS 7:  “I think Brandon should receive this award because he is a great friend. He is very respectful and helps people up -- physically and emotionally. He always participates in prayer and is a good Christian boy. He is consistent with his good deeds, so it is hard to name just one.Brandon sticks up for others. He is polite and brightens everyone’s mood. He is a true friend, who works hard and does the right thing. He deserves this special honor.”

Madelyn Wallace, SAA 10:  “Madelyn shows all of the pillars of St. Agnes Academy. But most importantly, she exhibits community. Madelyn is always supporting her classmates and all of their accomplishments. Every time someone wins an award, or even does something so simple as making a good grade on a test, she is congratulating and supporting them through it.  Madelyn truly cares about everyone and everything and would help anyone out she possibly can.“

Celia Watson, SAA 12: “Having been best friends with Celia for the last four years, I believe that she represents the pillars of prayer and study. Celia takes multiple AP and honors classes while playing competitive volleyball and she still makes time to pray every night. She is one of the people that I feel safe with when I talk about God. She spends countless hours doing homework and studying for tests, but no matter how late it is, she stays up later to make sure that she has time to pray and talk to God. Celia shows those around her what it means to be strong in your faith.”