Upper School Dominican Torch Award Winners

We are proud to present the Upper School students who were presented the fall semester Dominican Torch Award after Mass on December 8.  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.

Here are the excerpts from their heartfelt nominations, written by classmates and teachers!

Virginia Maness, SAA 9

A classmate wrote: I nominated Virginia because she is a friend to everyone she meets and makes sure no one ever feels left out. She includes everyone no matter what. She is so optimistic and always has a positive attitude, she is caring, helpful, and respectful to teachers and her classmates.

One teacher said:  To know Virginia is to love her. Her smile and kind spirit follow her wherever she goes, and it is apparent in all that she does. Virginia is a phenomenal example of what SAA represents.

Another teacher wrote: Virginia is as good as gold. I love to see her every morning walking her younger sister into school. She is so kind to her and makes sure she is all set to have a great day. Virginia greets me each morning with a smile and a friendly hello. She starts my morning off on the right foot! 

And another teacher added: Virginia Maness lives the values of the four pillars.  She exemplifies truthfulness in her daily life and is always willing to help others.  Virginia is inclusive of others and maintains a positive attitude to lift others around her.

Lilliana Vescovo, SAA 10

In her nomination of Lilliana, one student wrote: Lilliana exhibits all four pillars, she goes to church and youth group every week, studies for every test and quiz, is kind to her friends, and gets an hour and a half of service every Sunday at her church. Lilliana exhibits a love of learning, partnership, and friendship. She is always working on schoolwork and gets amazing grades. Whenever someone does not understand what we are learning she is always there to help if they need it. She has been an amazing friend, and she lives up to the promises she makes. 

One teacher said: Lilliana is such a delight to teach. Her excitement for learning, her prayerful heart, and her kindness toward all make her stand out in the Sophomore class. She is a model of the pillars and of what it means to live our faith. She is so well deserving of this award.

Another teacher wrote: Lilliana Vescovo exemplifies the Dominican Pillars.  She is caring, kind, and thoughtful.  Lilliana is generous and friendly to everyone she meets.  She always has a smile on her face to welcome others.  

Mirriam Okafor, SAA 11

One of her friends had this to say: Mirriam is a kind soul. She strives to be nice to everyone. I have not known a time when Mirriam didn’t try to find a way to make someone else feel better. She wants to see others happy. I think that is what brings joy to Mirriam, seeing others happy!

One of her teachers shared:  Mirriam demonstrates dedication to her Catholic faith by her faithful participation in the liturgical choir. Mirriam is a conscientious and dedicated student who has a genuine thirst for knowledge.  She asks questions frequently and seeks to understand her studies, rather than just simply memorize facts.  She is also always ready to assist her peers with their schoolwork. Mirriam is actively involved in community service projects, including the Hoop School Camp, St. James Parish Carnival, St. Louis Parish Food Pantry, and retreat leader for the Upper and Lower Schools.  She is always willing and eager to serve.

Ava Podnar, SAA 12

A classmate wrote: Ava is our wonderful class chaplain. She exhibits the four pillars every day. She truly is a wonderful person who brings a smile to my face consistently. Ava is a loyal and valuable friend who is great to be around.

Another friend said: Ava is always making sure all of her friends know how much they are loved and how much they mean to her. She is a true friend. She really is one of the most supportive and selfless people I know.

One of Ava’s teachers shared:  Ava embodies the spirit of the pillars of prayer and community.  She makes everyone around her feel loved and included.  She looks not only to connect with people, but also to build them up.  Ava leads by example in growing her faith through active participation in her parish, Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church.  As Senior Class Chaplain, she helps to organize our Masses, and get her classmates involved in ministry, as well.  She is truly deserving of the Torch Award.

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.