The sixth annual Dominican Way awards occurred on February 19, 2025. To live the ‘Dominican Way’ means to represent the mission of St. Dominic through daily actions or encounters. These students have demonstrated what it is like to live out one or more of the four foundational pillars, which are prayer, study, community, and service. Each staff member is eligible to choose a student they see fitting for this award, whether they have them in class or not.
“To get nominated means a lot, because it was such a surprise and it really opened my eyes to how much I can make an impact on a teacher’s day,” junior Sophia Wolf said.
This award ceremony is a special honor given to students who think that they just blend in with the crowd at school, but they actually make a difference. The teachers select students who reflect the foundational pillars in their everyday lives, not just when people are watching. These recipients demonstrate a commitment to faith, leadership, and service, as well as academics. By living out these pillars, students’ everyday lives will change, even well after high school.
“Mr. Hogan has really inspired me in a lot of ways, as he used to be my aftercare teacher when I was a kid and he taught me how to act, then he was my religion teacher junior year and he taught me so much about religion and he has helped me grow in my faith and he strives for me to be the best version of myself, as well as inspiring me to be a leader,” senior Landon Wright said.
During the ceremony, students are recognized in front of family members, teachers, and their peers. Something special about this ceremony is how the honorees learn the name of the faculty member who selected them at the time of the ceremony. These faculty members write special letters that highlight the personal impact that a certain student has made within the school community. This evening showed how other students’ can affect the whole school community. These efforts from the students aren’t just inside the classroom, but during little things outside of the classroom as well.
“My favorite part of the ceremony was hearing who nominated me and what they had to say about me, as well as hearing how I inspired her and having that feeling right back,” junior Sophia Wolf said.
The Dominican Way Awards Ceremony is a continued and cherished tradition at St. Dominic High School. Honoring the students who truly live out what it means to be a part of St. Dominic shows that no effort goes unnoticed. This honor continues to help showcase certain students who implemented the values of prayer, study, community, and service into their lives. This ceremony isn’t only for upperclassmen; it is for any student in the school community. By starting out strong and helping others from the beginning, it will help establish the four pillars of St. Dominic in students’ life and helps them become a disciple of Jesus. The mission of St. Dominic High School is to instill these four foundational pillars into these students’ lives and help make an impact way beyond their time here at St. Dominic.
