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2024 Spirit of Mary Award Nominees and Winner
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June 13, 2024Every year, the NCCW recognizes an outstanding young woman of the parish who demonstrates faith, humility, generosity, and kindness through her school, parish, and community involvement.
Current high school seniors may apply or be nominated, and there is no GPA requirement. The award is a cash prize designated for her educational needs as well as a charity of her choice.The nominees and winner are recognized at the NCCW Madonna Mass and Reception held annually in May. Special thanks to the Turner/Christy family who underwrite this award each year in memory of Irene Turner Christy. For more information, please contact Peggy Stang at peggykstang@gmail.com.
Please join us in congratulating these outstanding young women and, in particular, our 2024 Spirit of Mary Award winner, Alexandra Kappenman!
Ella BergeronElla participates in Tennis, Curling, Eucharistic Ministry, Life Club, Peer Mentoring, and was selected by her peers as this year’s Super Fan at Visitation School. She regularly volunteers at the Visitation Monastery in North Minneapolis and at Dorothy Day. She is also active with the Pass Down the Gown non-profit.
Ella’s nominator noted, “Ella models the spirit of Our Mother exemplifying joy, kindness, humility, and gentle strength all while encouraging others to do the same. Her joy and strong faith draw others to her.”
Clare HedmanClare has been an altar server at Nativity of Our Lord since the 6th grade. She volunteers with Courage Kenny and went on two service trips to Zambia. She is a four year three-sport athlete at Visitation School (Soccer, Basketball, and Track) and was captain of the varsity Basketball team. She was also a member of Visitation Leadership her junior and senior years.
Clare’s nominator said, “Clare shows others how perseverance and hard work result in success and confidence. She is kind, humble, respectful, and joyful and she expresses gentle strength in all she does.”
Sarah Clyde
Sarah is a four year participant and senior captain of Volleyball, Basketball, and Track & Field at St. Agnes School. She also participates in Musical Theater, Spanish Club, Militia Immaculata, and Pro-Life Club, and has volunteered with Totus Tuus, Birthright, and leading youth groups.
Her nominator said, “The faith that Sara lives out daily is truly inspiring and encouraging. Through prayer and devotion to the cross, this young woman has not only grown in her own faith, but has also helped inspire many others in their spiritual growth.”
Grace Nilsson
Grace is captain of the varsity Swim team, a four year Mock Trial participant (captain for two years), Yearbook editor-in-chief, a peer mentor, and has held class leadership positions including Senior Class Vice President. She volunteers with the Jeremiah Program, Second Stork, and Visitation Monastery in North Minneapolis. She also serves as a Salesian Leader for the fourth grade class at Visitation School.
Her nominator wrote, “Grace is dedicated to leadership and service, never missing an opportunity to serve as a leader on retreats for younger students. In this role, her energy and enthusiasm are contagious and she makes strong connections with those whom she serves.”
Olivia Evans
Olivia serves at Dorothy Day and assists the elderly at Marvella. She’s also volunteered at Habitat for Humanity and coached Volleyball to teens. She swam for Cretin-Derham Hall High School for four years and is a member of the JROTC Regulation Drill squad in addition to Mock Trial and Archery.
Her nominator noted, “Olivia quietly and gently serves others, often without being asked. Others are made better by being around her gentle disposition. She serves others with a smile and energetic work ethic.”
Eileen Dobie
Eileen is President of the Student Council at St. Agnes School and has participated in Cheerleading for four years (two as captain), is editor of the Yearbook, manager of the Wrestling team, and is a Militia Immaculata and Pro-Life Club participant. She participates in Nativity of Our Lord’s Peer Ministry, and volunteers with Vacation Bible School and Totus Tuus in addition to leading blood drives and food drives at school. She is also a Chemistry tutor and counselor for the Service Club for school-aged girls.
Her nominator wrote, “’Eileen is a servant leader, and through her faith, generosity, and leadership has made a tremendous impact on our school community. Her dedicated faith is an example to many — classmates, underclassmen, and teachers.”
Grace Keeley
Grace volunteers at The Neighborhood House and Visitation Sisters of North Minneapolis. She is editor of the Visitation School paper and Yearbook and is captain of the Tennis, Alpine Skiing, and Curling Teams. She has also participated in the Investment Club, Golf team, Math team, and is head of Communion Ministry and the Visitation Service club.
Her nominator wrote, “Grace proves her faith is important to her because of how she chooses to spend her time. In addition to the many organizations she works with at school, she is involved in service organizations locally and abroad showing her love of Jesus to the world. She is one of the most gifted young women and yet would never call attention to herself but would rather look for ways to shine a light on others.”
2024 Spirit of Mary Award Winner
Alexandra Kappenman
Alexandra tutors at Dakota Woodlands Homeless Shelter and has organized numerous toy and blanket drives for Children’s Hospitals, in addition to founding and leading the Visitation chapter of the Never Ever Give Up Club for kids fighting cancer. She is a Diver, Nordic Skier, and works as a lifeguard and swim instructor in the summer.
Her nominator wrote, “Alexandra’s gentle and nurturing spirit leaves a lasting impact on all those she encounters. Her selfless dedication to the well-being and happiness of children reflects her deep commitment to serving others and living out the values of compassion and kindness.” Alexandra is directing the service portion of her award to the Dakota Woodlands Homeless Shelter, where she volunteers.
