This Mass also concluded Father Chris’ first year as the chaplain of Catholic Noles. When asked about his thoughts on this year’s senior class, he offered praises saying “they have a lot of passion and a lot of drive, a good sense of humor, deep love of the Lord, and they want to serve the Lord and do well and bring faith to others.”

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A welcome change occurred at the end of the Baccalaureate Mass this year.

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For the first time, the Catholic Noles community chose to present its annual awards following Baccalaureate Mass — and the pairing felt natural from the start. Baccalaureate Mass is itself a moment of gratitude and sending forth — a chance to thank God for His grace in carrying these students through another academic year, to celebrate what they've accomplished, and to commend them to whatever comes next. Recognizing the students who gave so much to the community in that same sacred context gave the awards a weight and meaning they might not have carried anywhere else.

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Six students were honored this year. The awards titles themselves tell the story. Named for saints and spiritual virtues — humility, service, joy, small acts of great love — they reflect the kind of formation Catholic Noles quietly works toward all year long. Not résumé builders. Not popularity contests. Recognition of the students who showed up, gave of themselves, and made the community better simply by being part of it.

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The selection process reflects that same spirit. Award descriptions are entrusted to the ambassador board, who come to a consensus choice for each recipient — peers recognizing peers, in the same community they've built together.

This year's recipients were announced by Catholic Noles' executive ambassadors — Provisioner Meredith Gelston, Vice President William Coey, and President Joseph Arias — following Baccalaureate Mass. For the students who received them, and for the families and friends gathered to celebrate, it was a moment worth marking. 

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Awards and their recipients are listed below:

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1. St. Joseph Award - For Humble Service

Honors the student who quietly supports the ministry in countless ways behind the scenes, embodying humility and dedication like St. Joseph.

 

Recipient:

Miles Rittenhouse, Second-year Statistics student from St. Louis, MO.

 

2. Servant’s Heart Award

For the student who consistently shows up with a willing spirit, ready to serve wherever needed, embodying Christ’s call to serve others.

 

Recipient:

Joao Nogueira, Senior Business Administration student from Tallahassee, FL.

 

3. Holy Spirit Leadership Award

Recognizes a student whose leadership has been guided by wisdom, courage, and spiritual discernment, uplifting the group as a whole.

 

Recipient:

Molly Reeder, Senior Communication Science and Disorders student from Panama City, FL.

 

4. St. Thérèse of Lisieux Award - For Small Acts with Great Love

Celebrates someone whose small, everyday acts of kindness and faith have had a big impact on the community.

 

Recipient:

Paola Pomareda, Third-year Nursing student from Miami, FL.

 

5. Joyful Witness Award

For the student whose joyful presence, faith, and enthusiasm radiate Christ’s love and inspire others to get involved.

 

Recipient:

Isabella Dama-Duarte, Second-year Entrepreneurship & Italian student from Sarasota, FL.

 

6. Faith in Action Award

Acknowledges someone who lives out their faith boldly, both within and outside of the CSU, making a tangible difference in others’ lives.

 

Recipient:

Liam Shields, Senior Management and Finance student from Southborough, MA.