Office of Youth and Young Adult Ministry - The Eagle of the Cross 2002 Eagle of the Cross Awards Recipients The following high school juniors and seniors were honored at a Mass, dinner and ceremony by Bishop Tobin and the Office of Youth and Young Adult Ministry on April 18th at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Parish in Youngstown. We congratulate these young people who have been fine Christian Witnesses in their communities. We also thank the adults who took the time to nominate them, and the judges for selecting this year's Eagle of the Cross Awardees. Maria Beatty Immaculate Conception Parish, Wellsville Junior, Wellsville High School Maria lost her mother at 10 years of age. She honors the memory of her mother by helping the American Cancer Society. An honor student, she was chosen to lay the wreath on the Tomb of the Unknown. She is involved in community service and school projects. She has overcome great challenges and reaches out to help others. Adam Buzzacco St. Christine Parish, Youngstown Senior, Ursuline High School Adam is of the highest caliber in his approach to tasks, in his attitudes, and in his maturity and integrity. After a mission trip to Mexico, he came away with an empathetic observation of Third World countries. He often quotes Mother Teresa saying "When you do something good, you'll be criticized-Do it anyway." He is his own man. Victoria Cerrezuela Our Lady of Peace Parish, Canton Senior, Glenoak High School A dedicated member of OLOP, Victoria is in the choir, cantors, is a CCD teacher, and possesses a very strong faith. She helps with fund raisers, is a volunteer for church functions and helps in service projects and social activities. Volunteer work may be hard and dirty, but Victoria makes the experience, with her smile, fun. Matthew Critell St. Luke Parish, Boardman Senior, Cardinal Mooney High School A remarkable student, Matthew is deeply committed to his God and his church. Matt is an intelligent, motivated, and disciplined, student who brings a sense of compassion and Christian witness to all he meets. He also brings a strong sense of vision and enthusiasm to the many extra-curricular activities in which he is involved. Kristen Dunbar St. Patrick Parish, Kent Junior, Kent Roosevelt High School Kristen is a leader, a volunteer, a good listener, excited about her faith, and eager to share it. She's a great evangelizer who invites friends to events, even if they are not Catholic! Comfortable with the elderly, she listens and laughs with nursing home residents, where she visits. During difficulties, prayer is Kristen's comfort. Elizabeth Ewing St. Paul Parish, Salem Senior, St. Thomas Aquinas High School Elizabeth Ewing is a remarkable young woman, living in mature understanding of her Baptismal call. She is poised and confident in both personal and group situations. She leads by example when hard work needs to be done. Ellie lives in constant witness to her love of God and neighbor and is an outstanding Christian. Anne Feczko St. Michael Parish, Canton Junior, Central Catholic High School Coming from a loving, caring family, Anne has been taught values by which to live. Anne is active in the Right to Life, helps weekly at Habitat House and helps tutor inner city children. She is a Eucharistic minister, lector, greeter and a youth group board member. She lives out the gospel message and is a role model for her peers. Maggie Hazboun Blessed Sacrament Parish, Warren Senior, John F. Kennedy High School Maggie is one of those visible teens at our church, with a true spirit of giving and being involved. She is admired because she adheres to her values, encouraging her friends and family to make good decisions. Maggie speaks lovingly of the people she has helped because she cares for them and knows she is richer for knowing them. James Hunter Sacred Heart Parish, Rock Creek Junior, Grand Valley High School With a healthy attitude and mature respect for people of all ages, Jim's words are always of praise, comfort and encouragement toward all. Weekend liturgy and nightly Bible reading are his constant companions. Holding a respected leadership role in his parish, he invites young people to join church and his peers respect him. Chad Johnson Mother of Sorrows Parish, Ashtabula Junior, Ss. John & Paul Catholic School Chad Johnson is an excellent student, always giving more than what is asked of him. Involved in Youth Ministry, he is currently a member of the Diocesan Youth Council, is a lector and was instrumental in planning activities during the Lenten season. He is a good example of "letting a light shine for all to see." Melanie Johnson St. Christine Parish, Canton Senior, Ursuline High School Melanie embraces the philosophy of ministerial leadership that is a hallmark of our Catholic school identity. Melanie and a partner work with a child with severe learning disabilities. As a very visible public figure with many "ambassadorial" duties, Melanie exhibits moral virtues in a very natural, unassuming way. Allison Kacmar Christ Our King Parish, Warren Senior, Lordstown High School "God has guided my life thus far, and I know He will continue to do so as I embark upon the wonderful adventures of my life. I believe that the career I have chosen to pursue will also be of great service to God's people. I intend to graduate with a master's degree in social work. I plan to deal directly with the elderly." In her own words. Crystal King All Saints Parish, Canton Senior, Perry High School Crystal possesses a quiet, confident dignity that evidences her faith in God. She is ever faithful in her duties as altar server, demonstrating true reverence and awe in the Presence of Eucharist. She is very active in high school activities, such as band. A volunteer for service activities she is a fine example of the apostolate of youth. Robert Kotel Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish, McDonald Senior, McDonald High School Putting the accomplishments of a person such as Robert in a "list" does no justice to the person he is. The way to appreciate this young man is to know him, watch him and enjoy him. Robert has the potential to become a fine adult willing to share his life with the people he meets and trying to make a small part of this world better. Emilie Lape St. Patrick Parish, Youngstown Senior, Poland High School "Terrified" at her first youth meeting, Emilie as grown into a gifted musician, a committed volunteer, and a capable leader. Now she is calling with new ideas for our Youth group, making her one of our best Youth Council Presidents yet. She has shown me that our young people really do have a desire to be God's hands in the world. Paul Lepro St. Mary Parish, Warren Senior, John F. Kennedy High School Paul is a serious, gentle and concerned person who portrays Christ's teaching of loving thy neighbor. He has given numerous hours to preparing the gym for events. An accomplished athlete, he was given the prestigious Coaches award. His talents, both academic and athletic has portrayed him a true Christian. Roberta Muoio St. Anthony Parish, Canton Senior, Central Catholic High School Roberta embodies the vibrant, compassionate spirit of a true Christian. She organized a drive for socks and underwear for children before going on a mission trip to Central America. She is a person of integrity and has strong values and convictions by which she lives and is very deserving of this award. Katharine Piccari Our Lady of Peace Parish, Canton Senior, St. Thomas Aquinas High School The strength of Katharine's faith appears in how hard she works when she believes something is important. She finishes any project she begins and keeps her commitments. Katharine's church and school activities require patience, trust, skill, and leadership capabilities making her very special and even stronger in her faith. Ryan Rockhill St. Joseph Parish, Ashtabula Senior, Ss. John & Paul Catholic School Ryan has a gentle demeanor and the utmost respect for everyone, young and old. He can be compared to the "Gentle Giant" especially when working with our young people. Ryan is at Mass on weekends wearing his Letterman's jacket. Hard working and dedicated to his studies, Ryan is a student that the teachers count on. Laura Russo St. Anthony Parish, Canton Senior, St. Thomas Aquinas High School Laura is a peacemaker, a leader and a people person. She is very active in many school activities, all having a service dimension. Laura has a strong relationship with God and is a Eucharistic Minister. In service and living the Gospel is her hallmark. She represents her faith, family and school in a manner befitting the Gospel. Daniel Schuler St. Paul the Apostle Parish, New Middletown Junior, Springfield Local High School Of high moral integrity, Dan is not one to give in to peer pressure. He advocates an alcohol free/drug free lifestyle. He is inclusive, attending to a special needs youth who adores Dan. Active in athletics he maintains high grades. Dan has inspired many to be true to Jesus' Word, and it is fitting he be a recipient of this award. Christin Schmidt St. Ambrose Parish, Garrettsville Senior, Crestwood High School Christin shines among her peers because of her firm choice to make God the main focus in her life. Involved in Youth Ministry and church activities, she is the die-hard teen who stays and helps until a job is totally finished. Her zeal to perform good works only affirms that she truly understands WWJD. Carl Stoltz Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Parish, Geneva Junior, Geneva High School Carl's good nature inspires and exemplifies the qualities of moral integrity, prayer, good works and Christian leadership. He leads prayer, reads from the Bible and shares his struggles as a teen. He helps his parents with the countless duties of maintaining a family farm. All who meet him feel Carl is a good example of an outstanding Christian. Katherine Toth St. Charles Borromeo Parish, Boardman Senior, Cardinal Mooney High School Self-motivated and self-disciplined, Katherine assumes leadership in class projects and discussions. A National Honor Society member, she is involved in many school activities. The Lord is at the center of her life. Katherine's sense of love and commitment to Jesus Christ has left a mark in the hearts of all who know her. Cheryl Tunison Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish, Austintown Junior, Fitch High School Always a willing helper, Cheryl was instrumental in beginning a Bible School Program and was well prepared for each group. She is part of a group that gives talks on the importance of abstinence from sexual activity, drugs and alcohol, and works tirelessly in the Soup Kitchen. Faithful in attending Mass and receiving the Sacraments, she is very deserving of this special honor. Dayna Vivacqua St. Brendan Parish, Youngstown Junior, Canfield High School Dayna has an instant willingness to be of service. She has volunteered as a CCD teacher, a tutor, altar server, clothing and food drives and a festival worker. She has received the Silver and Gold Girl Scout Awards. Well informed and articulate in teaching CCD, her life witnesses to high moral standards and gospel values. Nick Young Immaculate Conception Parish, Wellsville Junior, Beaver Local High School An honest person, Nick volunteered to be the 'voice of youth' at the National Forum parish discussions. He has earned the Eagle Scout and religious scout awards, Parvuli Dei and Ad Altare Dei. Nick is a well-rounded Catholic who will continue to grow in faith and to be a witness to those around him of his commitment to God. Return to Office of Youth and Young Adult Ministry