Award Winners 2017

Reprinted from Traditions, Spring 2017-2018
July 25, 2017

Every year, Cretin-Derham Hall proudly honors students for their achievements in academic, co-curricular, leadership or faith and character. This year’s Honors Assembly was held May 19, 2017.

There are two special awards below which honor students who show exceptional character traits that are highly valued at CDH. On behalf of the CDH community, we especially congratulate these two graduates of the Class of 2017 as well as all the accomplished young men and women recognized for achievements this year.

MOTHER SERAPHINE IRELAND AWARD 2017

Given to a senior female student in recognition of living the Gospel values of compassion, generosity, understanding, and service.

Ellen Ireland was the oldest daughter in the Ireland family. She immigrated with her family, including her brother, John, to the United States. The family permanently settled in Saint Paul in 1852.

Blessed with a combination of intelligence, warmth, humility, wit and common sense, she was a leader from a very early age. At the age of 16, she joined the Sisters of Saint Joseph of Carondelet and was given the name, Sister Seraphine. Upon graduating from Saint Joseph’s Academy, she began teaching there at age 17. She then became the Directress of the Academy at 19!

When she was 30, Mother Seraphine was appointed Superior and served the province for 39 years. Guided by the insight that education truly leads to social transformation, she traveled around the U.S., Canada, and Europe and established 30 parochial schools, five hospitals, and forty-eight (48) institutions, including Saint Catherine’s University and Derham Hall.

Honoring the contributions of Mother Seraphine Ireland, Cretin-Derham Hall recognizes one outstanding senior female for her faith (zeal), leadership, integrity, and commitment to service and social justice. She is nominated and selected by her peers, the senior class, for this distinction.

CDH presents the 2017 Mother Seraphine Ireland Award to Molly Johnson.

Johnson has been described as humble, caring, compassionate and honorable. She is the embodiment of faith and integrity.

She lives her faith by serving in so many ways: School Blood Drive, Link Crew, Lasallian Youth, Empty Bowls, Food to Hogs Program, Fall Clean Up and, especially, as co-chair for the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life.

She represents the passion and leadership of Mother Seraphine.

ARCHBISHOP JOHN IRELAND AWARD 2017

Given to a senior male student in recognition of living the Gospel values of compassion, generosity, understanding, and service.

Archbishop John Ireland was the first archbishop of Saint Paul. He immigrated with his family to the United States in 1849 and settled here in the Minnesota Territory of Saint Paul.

Ordained a priest in 1861, he became the chaplain for the 5th Minnesota Volunteer Infantry during the Civil War in 1862.

Returning to Saint Paul, he was rector of the Cathedral of Saint Paul and was appointed archbishop in 1888. His ideas on social reform and the relation of the church to society were prophetic. His vision for education led to establishing the Saint Paul Seminary, the University of Saint Thomas and Saint Thomas Academy.

Honoring the contributions of Archbishop Ireland, Cretin-Derham Hall recognizes one outstanding senior male for his faith (zeal), leadership, integrity, and commitment to service and social justice. He is nominated and selected by his peers, the senior class, for this distinction.

CDH presents the 2017 Archbishop John Ireland Award to John Modl.

Modl has served meals at the Ramsey Family Center and Dorothy Day, provided child care during Project Home, helped with home construction through Habitat for Humanity, cantored at mass, and offered programming sessions during homeroom.

With his passion for taking on challenges and his concern for others, he is currently designing an app that will help young diabetics.

Beyond these things, his humility and kindness have profoundly affected his classmates for this recognition today.

Sister Mary Aloysius Award

Chosen by the Math Department, this award provided financial assistance to a young woman entering her senior year at CDH who has demonstrated significant achievement in Math.

Alanna Carlson, Junior

Derham Hall Carondelet Leadership Award

Is presented to two junior female students who have demonstrated exceptional leadership skills and academic excellence and who reflect the charisms of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet.

Kandeija Bagurusi, Junior

Madelynn Morrison, Junior

Lepsche Family Memorial Award & Scholarship

Provides financial assistance to a young man entering his senior year at CDH who has demonstrated significant achievement in Religion.

Michael Montalbano, Junior

Greg Marzolf, Jr. Scholarship Award

Is given to a student who, through dedication and disciplined application, has exercised talents and overcome significant obstacles to achieve excellence in academics, extracurricular activities, and community pursuits.

Thomas Knops, Junior

Len Horyza Memorial Scholarship

Are given to two students based on the following:

Demonstrated leadership, perseverance, and commitment: Alexis Feist, Junior

Member of the boys varsity basketball team: Ryan Larson, Junior

Harvey Buron Spirit Award

Recognizes the male athlete that best exemplifies dedication, hard work, and positive attitude.

Joshua Goldberg, Senior

McDonough Spirit Award

Recognizes the female athlete that best exemplifies dedication, hard work, and positive attitude.

Molly Ploetz, Senior

Raider Awards

Presented to one female and one male who exemplify the ideals of the positive spirit of sport and the core mission of athletics at Cretin-Derham Hall.

Althea Gutzmann, Senior and Hailey Auran, Senior (tie)

Frank Kimlinger, Senior

Hugh Derham Award

The award is given to a female recipient who has demonstrated excellence in three areas: athletics, attitude, and academics.

Katherine Lokowich-Kohler, Senior

Padden Award

Is given to a male recipient who has demonstrated excellence in athletics, attitude, and academics.

Nicholas Neumann, Senior

Courage of the Raider Award

Presented to a student who has overcome extraordinary odds to return to high competition in sports and activities. This award honors the courage and resiliency that exemplifies a Raider.

Casey O'Brien, Senior

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This article and more are featured in the Spring 2017-2018 issue of the CDH Magazine, Traditions.