Mr. Donnie Midkiff '03 presented this year's Judy Stewart and Bro. Collin Dugas Justice Awards:

"Our first award is named in honor of Ms. Judy Stewart, who passed away ten years ago and worked in a Brothers of the Sacred Heart school for over 30 years. Having adopted two children with special needs, Ms. Stewart truly lived the call to embrace those in most need of support and love. The value of Ms. Stewart’s time with Brother Martin was measured by her love for all students who walked the halls of this community. As Campus Minister, she initiated the retreat and service hour programs and was a tireless advocate for social justice and the Church’s social teaching. She challenged students, faculty, and staff to see injustice and to respond to it. She always pointed to the saying attributed to St. Francis: “Preach the Gospel always. If necessary, use words.” Ms. Stewart’s dedication to loving all people unconditionally was truly an example we should not hesitate to follow.

Seniors, faculty, and staff members were invited to nominate individuals for these awards, and a faculty selection committee made the final decisions. The people who receive these awards are those who demonstrate respect for all people, work for peace and justice, answer the call to serve others, and commit themselves to equality and fairness for all. They are, in the simplest of terms, ones who bring hope to the hopeless and bring the love of God to all those they meet.

The first recipient of the Judy Stewart Social Justice Award exemplifies a life of service and care for others. As one of his classmates said, “Besides having consistently volunteered with organizations that he truly believes in, he has been one of the most inclusive people I know through his respect for others and willingness to put others before himself.” He has volunteered his time through a variety of service organizations that provide aid to many parts of our community, but more importantly, he models true respect for all people and life. The first recipient of the Judy Stewart Social Justice Award is Andre Sun '24.

Our next award recipient promotes solidarity both on and off campus. This senior embodies St. Francis’s call to preach the gospel through his work with the Crusaders for Life and Justice and the Student Ministry Team. One classmate said, “He is an inspiration to me and pushes his peers to get out into the community to help those in need.” Another said, “I was struck when he told me that he slept outside for a night to raise money for and be in solidarity with the homeless in our community.” From the homeless to unborn babies, he is a true advocate for others. The second recipient of the Judy Stewart Social Justice Award is Jack Walker '24.

The next award is named after Brother Collin Dugas, who joined the Brothers of the Sacred Heart when he was 17 years old and remained a faithful servant until he passed away at the age of 64. After twenty years as a dynamic teacher of math and English, he felt the call to serve the poor and began to work full-time at Hope House while living in the St. Thomas Project in New Orleans where he promoted social justice and racial harmony. Brother Collin was instrumental in leading the integration of Brother Martin High School, and he played a prophetic role in the Brothers of the Sacred Heart community by urging them to work for racial justice.

This year’s first recipient of the Brother Collin Dugas Social Justice Award has been described as energetic, passionate, and a living example of how to love others. Never short on invitations, he reaches out to all faculty and students alike. From helping to restart our prison ministry program to organizing the Black History Month campaign, he has enriched our community and has been pivotal in raising social justice awareness. In fact, this recipient has made his work promoting social justice a lifelong commitment as he is the first person to receive this award as both a senior and a faculty member. This year’s Brother Collin Dugas Social Justice Award goes to Mr. Thomas Nash '12.

Another inspiring recipient of the Brother Collin Dugas Social Justice Award embodies the definition of a master teacher. He has worked to make sure that social justice teachings permeate his classroom discussions and the curriculum of the entire Social Studies department. By spearheading schoolwide lunchtime discussions, he brings awareness to events happening around the world and encourages students to explore the moral and ethical ramifications of these events. His volunteer work with “Hogs For The Cause” consumes much of his free time as he works to ensure that sick and marginalized children receive the emotional, spiritual, and financial support they need. The recipient of the Brother Collin Dugas Social Justice Award is Mr. Chris Vicknair."

We would like to congratulate and thank Andre, Jack, Mr. Nash, and Mr. Vicknair for modeling the virtue of justice for all of the Brother Martin community.

Afterward, Mr. Christopher McCabe and members of the Crusaders for Life and Justice challenged our Crusaders to join in a Solidarity Sleep Out, which you can learn more about via the link below.