Spirit of St. Joseph Award Winners Announced

The Spirit of St. Joseph Award was developed by the Sisters of St. Joseph in Wheeling to be given annually to a student who best exemplifies generous, loving service to others, in the manner of St. Joseph. This award is given to a student in schools where the Sisters of St. Joseph have had a long-time presence. We are happy to highlight the 2008-2009 award winning students and their schools.

Alyssa Blake – 5th grade - St. Francis Xavier School, Moundsville

Alyssa, according to her Principal Cathy Frame, “is one of those students that can be called on to serve at any time for anything, and she will do it with a smile.”

At left, Alyssa Blake and Cathy Frame, Principal (retired)

Alex Canfield – 5th grade - St. Agnes School, Charleston

Alex attended St. Agnes School since pre-school and now attends Charleston Catholic Middle School. Alex received the Arrow of Light Award from Cub Scout Webelos Pack 30 and is a member of Boy Scout Troop31 in Charleston. He is a parishioner at St. John’s Episcopal Church in Charleston, where he serves as an acolyte. He is the son of John and Dianna Canfield of Charleston.

At right, Alex Canfield and Sister Judith Ann Teufel, CSJ, Principal (retired)

Emily Fedders – 6th grade – St. Frances de Sales School, Beckley

Emily was selected for the Spirit of St. Joseph for her commitment to volunteerism. She volunteers at the school by helping teachers and students and volunteers in her parish with church dinners and other activities. Emily is especially active in her parish mission trips to poor areas of southern WV each summer. She is greatly admired by both the staff and her fellow students.

At left, Emily Fedder

Samuel Martino – 6th grade – Sr. Mary Central School, Clarksburg

Samuel attended St. Mary’s from preschool-6th grade. He was on student council, was science and social studies fairs first place winner and poetry café poster contest winner, earned distinguished honors each grading period, had perfect attendance, was a member of the Notre Dame Jr. High soccer and basketball teams, played baseball for Clarksburg PONY Leagues, and was also part of the D.A.R.E. program. He has a personal connection with the Sisters of St. Joseph. Two great aunts, the late Sister Mary Francis Cabrini Colombo and Sister Mary Jean Colombo are members of the Sisters of St. Joseph. He is the son of David and Mary Beth Martino of Clarksburg. He is the 3rd generation to graduate from St Mary’s. He attends Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church, where he is an altar server.

At right, Samuel Colombo Martino

Dominique Saporito – 6th grade - Wheeling Catholic Elementary School

“Dominique is a member of the Cathedral of St. Joseph. She participated in cheering and was a representative to Student Council. She achieved the Principal’s List for all four quarters. No matter what was asked of her she was “Dominique on the Spot!”- always willing to help out. She is so very quiet and always wears a beautiful smile. Dominique is a quiet leader.”

                                                                          Dr. Judy Stechly, former Principal

At left, Dominique Saporito and Sister Mary Palmer, CSJ

Amanda Young – 6th grade – St. Patrick School, Weston

Amanda was the recipient of the St. Joseph Award at St. Patrick School. Sister Theresa Metz presented the award at the children’s Mass on March 20, 2009.

At right, Amanda Young and Sister Theresa Metz, CSJ

Ali Jamison –7th grade - St. Vincent de Paul Parish School, Wheeling

At left, Ali Jamison and Sister Diane McCauley, CSJ of Baden, PA

Alexa Tweedlie – 7th grade - Ss. James & John School, Benwood

Alyson Hehr – 8th grade - Corpus Christi School, Wheeling

Alyson is the daughter of John Hehr and Renee Marchese. She has attended Corpus Christi School since preschool. She participated in pep club in grade 4, was on the Safety Patrol in grades 5 and 6, attended both the Regional Science and Social Studies fairs in grades 5-8, attended the Regional State Social Studies fair in grade 8, was on the Tennis team in junior high, and became an Altar server in the 5th grade. Alyson was on the Honor Roll or Principal’s list each nine weeks since grade 5.

At right, Dick Taylor, Principal, Sister Mary Palmer, CSJ, Alyson Hehr, and Monsignor Eugene Ostrowski, Pastor

Paul Henry –11th grade - Central Catholic High School, Wheeling

“Paul is a great example of a solid, wholesome, kind, studious, diligent, altruistic, and well-rounded Christian young man. He is a model Wheeling Central student.”

Dr. Joseph Viglietta, Principal

At left, Dr. Joseph Viglietta, Principal, and Paul Henry

Wade Keith –12th grade - Notre Dame High School, Clarksburg

“Wade is an excellent selection for the Spirit of St. Joseph Award. Throughout his years at Notre Dame, Wade has provided unselfish service to the administration, faculty and staff. He is an outstanding young man who personifies the qualities of St. Joseph that we treasure. Wade will truly be missed by all at Notre Dame.”
Dr. Carroll Morrison, Principal

At right, Dr. Carroll Morrison, Principal, and Wade Keith