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, Moundsville

Alyssa, according to 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

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

Alex has attended St. Agnes School since pre-school. He will enter the 6th grade at Charleston Catholic Middle School this fall. 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

Emily Fedders – 6th grade – St. Frances de Sales, 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. She volunteers in our parish with church dinners and other activities. Emily is especially active in our 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’s Grade School, Clarksburg

He has attended St. Mary’s from preschool-6th grade. He has been involved in student council, science and social studies fairs first place winner, poetry café poster contest winner, and distinguished honors each grading period, perfect attendance, and member of the Notre Dame Jr. High soccer and basketball teams and plays baseball for Clarksburg PONY Leagues. He was also the D.A.R.E. program. He has a personal connection with the Sisters of St. Joseph. Two great aunts, the late Sr. Mary Francis Cabrini Colombo and Sr. Mary Jean Colombo are members of the Sisters of St. Joseph. He is the son of David and Mary Beth Martino of Clarksburg, and the grandson of Josephine Colombo Quinn and late John Quinn and Margaret and the late David V. Martino. He has three siblings, David, John and Maria. He is the 3rd generation to graduate from St Mary’s. His grandmother Josephine, his mother Mary Beth and his siblings are all graduates. 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

Dominique is a member of the Cathedral of St. Joseph. She participated in cheering this year and was a representative to Student Council. She achieved the Principal’s List for all four quarters this year. According to Dr. Judy Stechly, her Principal, "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.”

At left, Dominique Saporito and Sister Mary Palmer, CSJ

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

Amanda Young, 6th grade student 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 20th.

At right, Amanda Young and Sister Theresa Metz, CSJ

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

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

Alyson Hehr – 8th grade -Corpus Christi, Wheeling

Alyson Hehr is the daughter of John Hehr and Renee Marchese. Alyson 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 and attended the Regional State Social Studies fair in grade 8, she was on the Tennis team in junior high and an Altar server since grade 5. 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 - Wheeling Central Catholic HS, Wheeling

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

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

Wade Keith –12th grade - NDHS, Clarksburg

“Wade Keith is an excellent selection for the Spirit of St. Joseph Award," said Dr. Carroll Morrison, Principal. "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.”

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

Not pictured:
Alexa Tweedlie – 7th grade – SS James and John, Benwood