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Piper Trust garners Seton award for work in Catholic education
By Ambria Hammel, ahammel@catholicsun.org
November 6, 2008
The Virginia G. Piper Charitable Trust, known throughout the state for its philanthropic commitments to health care, the arts, religious organizations and education, was recognized last month for its impact on Catholic education.
The National Catholic Educational Association presented the charitable trust with one of five St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Awards in Washington, D.C., Oct. 6 for its support and service.
“Just to hear the work that they’ve done for Catholic education was a thrill,” said Sr. Mary McGreevy, SSND, principal of Bourgade Catholic High School and former member of the NCEA board.
Sr. Mary was on hand at the awards presentation alongside Bishop Thomas J. Olmsted and Marybeth Mueller, superintendent of public schools.
Lauren Rodiles, a senior at Bourgade, was also recognized at the gala.
Part of the award included a $1,000 scholarship presented to a student in the local community in the recipient’s honor; the charitable trust selected Rodiles.
“She’s probably one of our most outstanding students as far as character is concerned,” said Carol Caruso, a counselor at Bourgade. “She leads her life by the highest Catholic morals.”
Rodiles called it a “major honor” to be accepted for the scholarship. She said the money would undoubtedly take some of the burden off of her parents who are supporting both Rodiles and her younger brother at Bourgade.
Sr. Mary said Rodiles is very deserving of the scholarship because she has a hard work ethic across the board.
Rodiles excels in class including physics, pre-calculus and morality, and is involved in campus life.
“If the job is there to get done, she’ll get it done,” Sr. Mary said.
That’s especially true when it comes to student council. Rodiles is a senior class senator who helps class officers finish projects.
She is also in the bell choir and has lettered in varsity cheerleading, softball and volleyball. Rodiles is taking time off from sports, however, to work part-time at a local animal hospital.
“I’m saving up for college,” said Rodiles, who wants to go into dentistry.
The young Catholic spends time in the greater community whenever she can. Rodiles goes to Mexico three times a year for missionary work, including a spring break trip with fellow students.
They built an 11-feet-by-22-feet home for a family in Tijuana with inadequate housing.
“I feel I’m called to help others since I am able,” Rodiles said. “In a way it’s almost my responsibility to go help others and spread goodness throughout their communities and hopefully instill hope.”
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