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The Heart of a Crusader Award recognizes students who demonstrate passionate faith, leadership, and dedication to serving others in ways that uplift and encourage. Recognized students embody the Crusader Creed values of respect, honesty, and responsibility and demonstrate a strong sense of mission and purpose.
Nominees are listed in alphabetical order.
When Leo noticed there were no Altar Servers for Sunday's Mass, he volunteered to assist Fr. Nacius at Mass. He even lit the candles on the altar during Mass when Father motioned him to light them during the liturgical readings! He was composed and prepared to assist as needed.
Nicholas is almost always somewhere involved in a service project. He is regularly at the American Legion serving veterans' dinners. He decorates the graves at Ft. Sheridan Cemetery with wreaths for Christmas and flags on Memorial Day. He puts up and takes down wreaths in Lake Forest at Christmastime. He assists at the Memorial Day services in Market Square. Every Lake Forest Days, you can find Nicholas working hard in the August heat roasting corn to benefit the American Legion. Nicholas regularly altar serves, especially at masses he sees have no coverage. He has served at many funerals where his quiet witness was undoubtedly a comfort to families in their time of grief.
He acts as "Student Patrol Leader" for his entire Boy Scout troop, yet he still has time to support the Knights of Columbus and Misericordia through their candy sale. As a protective big brother to a special needs sister, Nicholas has a special place in his heart for the special needs population. Nicholas shares his faith by buying holy cards for his classmates. He supports his school by making treats for the bake sale.
Despite Nicholas's full schedule of school and service, he fits in band, choir, the Talent Show, and the musical, where he recently played the part of the Cowardly Lion. Like the Cowardly Lion, Nicholas downplays all the wonderful things he does, but his actions speak volumes.
At a time when her grade, specifically the girls in her grade, were having difficulties, Lucy stepped up to support both herself and her classmates. She is a woman for others, putting others above herself and always being there for people. Lucy has developed a new passion for learning in the past two years at school, putting in more effort to improve. Not only has she dedicated herself more, but she also takes an active part in the Student Council, showcasing the best of St. Mary’s. Having gone to St. Mary’s since preschool, Lucy knows what it means to be a Crusader, exemplifying that in her everyday life.
She is someone who can always count on and willingly reaches out to help where it is needed.
Caroline is always responsible with her schoolwork while working to her fullest potential. She is very respectful to classmates/teachers and always puts her best self forward each day.
Cosi never accepts less than her best from herself. She is consistently respectful to teachers and reverent in her faith. Additionally, I have witnessed her accept disappointment gracefully and turn that disappointment into support for others. For example, Cosi looked forward to the classroom spelling bee as she had represented her class in the school bee before. However, another student won the classroom bee this year. Cosi's disappointment was clear on her face, but as the students left the room, Cosi walked out with the winner, congratulating her and giving her tips for success in the next round. She exemplifies what a Crusader should be.
Z is always attentive in class, strives to do his best, and when he commits to something, you can be assured that he will follow through. I am inspired by the responsibility he embraces when he is singing in the choir to help lead mass every Tuesday.
Cora displays a positive attitude towards learning daily. She sets high expectations for herself and puts more than 100% into learning. She participates actively in class discussions. She is respectful and considerate towards all her peers. She is a positive role model for all her peers.
CJ Hansen consistently demonstrates respect by treating his peers, teachers, and the school environment with kindness and care, fostering a positive atmosphere in our classroom. As a leader, he proactively encourages his classmates to collaborate and excel, valuing their contributions and inspiring them to be their best selves.
I chose CJ because to me he is an exceptional human being. He is always aware of others. CJ serves by holding doors for his classmates, teachers, and staff EVERY SINGLE DAY! CJ is respectful to everyone in the building. I had the privilege of witnessing his respect towards others and his responsible behavior firsthand during the DC trip. CJ often walked alongside our guide, engaging with him about whatever the topic was at the moment. He was a terrific representative of the School of St. Mary.
She spoke at Catholic Schools Week with such poise and conviction that her faith had developed and grown while a student at St. Mary’s. She loves the religious atmosphere. As a first-grader at another school, she knew something was missing and asked her parents to please send her to the Catholic school where she could learn more about God. She has never looked back and looks forward to attending Woodlands Academy for high school. Her peers admire her kindness and generosity. She truly models what St. Mary’s stands for.
Eloise is the President of our Student Council. She is someone I can always count on and is always willing to help in any way. Along with this, she cares about others and willingly reaches out to those in need.
This year, the 8th grade class took on the responsibility of selling concessions at home basketball games. Although Andy wasn't old enough to play sports for St. Mary's, he wholeheartedly wanted to be part of the experience. During the games, Andy volunteered his time to help with concessions, warmly greeting families from both St. Mary's and visiting schools, and doing whatever he could to improve the experience for everyone. Whether he was fetching snacks, sweeping the stands, or directing guests to the restrooms, Andy consistently stepped up in ways that exceeded expectations for his age. He embodied the spirit of a crusader, demonstrating quiet leadership and selfless service. Andy represented St. Mary's with pride and a deep sense of responsibility.
Earlier this year, all of UGC participated in a Christmas novena for Drew J. When the time for that was over, RJ asked his homeroom teacher, Mrs. Hogan, if they could continue praying the same novena. RJ is very empathetic and is always more worried about others than himself. His request to Mrs. Hogan is a beautiful testimony to his faith, depth of care, and ability to put others first.
I really saw the heart of a Crusader in James during the 8th-grade DC trip. He’s intentional in how he greets people and engages in conversation; you can tell he genuinely cares. He’s thoughtful and self-aware, always reflecting on life, relationships, and how to love others better. He’s honest, mature, and takes responsibility without making excuses. He’s faithful, too, and you can tell he’s striving to grow as a Catholic with strong morals and standards, not just in belief but in how he lives. James has upstanding values and consistently shows respect, honesty, and responsibility.
James is such a respectful and friendly young man who always shows respect to teachers and friends. Between classes, James always says hello and asks how my day is!
Jackson is always helping others around him. He always says hi to me in the hallways. He is respectful toward teachers and cares about his success. On the Washington trip, he made wise decisions when his friends were messing around; he stayed on task. He continues to grow his relationship with God, and he’s respectful and mature for his age. Jackson is a friend to everyone.
He is always ready to assist in any way possible in the classroom, from helping with technical issues on the whiteboard to politely advocating for others. He is an excellent role model for others in the classroom.
Siena always does what is right. She is a wonderful role model for both her classmates and younger siblings. She has a sweet nature, a kind heart, and a warm smile always.
Siena is a kind and generous friend. She has a guiding heart and cares about the feelings of others. She is contentious and responsible as a student of St. Mary, and she exhibits the qualities of someone who should win this award. She makes thoughtful gifts for her friends, classmates, teammates, and Girl Scout troop members. Her ability to uplift others with kindness and empathy is why she deserves this award.
Steven is a true light! Fr. Radley even mentioned him as being a light in his own life during one of his homilies. Steven always actively participates in school Mass, has earned many “hearts” in second grade, and goes out of his way to help his classmates.
Vivian often expresses to me how she has helped other classmates in her class, such as helping a friend carry her backpack because it was too heavy, showing the new student to the bathroom and trash can, and often helping teachers clean up the classroom. Vivian not only shows these characteristics at school, but also at home with her family. We notice that she is the pack leader with her three younger siblings. She often ensures all siblings are included when playing a game, is a strong example of positive behavior in and outside the home, and cares endlessly about her sisters and brother. Vivi also cares for the elderly by often making pictures, cupcakes, or bringing flowers to neighbors.
