Diocesan Awards Granted to Three Mount Students

The Diocese of Metuchen’s Office of Youth & Young Adult Ministry presented special awards to three Mount Saint Mary Academy students during a ceremony on Saturday, March 7, at the Cathedral of St. Francis of Assisi in Metuchen. Diocesan Administrator, the Very Reverend Jonathan S. Toborowsky, congratulated Sarah Algier ’26, Kelsey Quane ’26 and Abigail Hanifin ‘27 on being recognized for their extraordinary spiritual and outreach endeavors.

 

Sarah, Kelsey, and Abby received the St. Timothy Award, which is given annually to high school youth who live as disciples of Christ, set a positive example for other youth, witness to their faith by exhibiting Catholic morals and integrity, demonstrate Gospel values through service to others, and exhibit Christian leadership in parish, school, and/or community settings.

 

In addition to the St. Timothy Award, Sarah was presented with the St. Teresa of Calcutta Award. Father Toborowsky congratulated Sarah on being one of a select group of students in the diocese to receive the award. This distinction is given to a student who follows St. Mother Teresa's example by their "witness to the faith and fervor in prayer and love" and "demonstration of Christian Charity in service to the poor, lonely, sick, and homeless."

 

At Mount Saint Mary Academy, Sarah is a Peer Minister, a Kairos Retreat leader, a member of the Student Council Executive Board, and a leader of the H.O.P.E. (Helping Other People Everywhere) Club. Sarah was nominated for this honor by the Mount.

 

As a Peer Minister, Sarah leads our community of faith in morning prayer, and at liturgies and retreats. She is part of the leadership team responsible for planning and implementing all grade-level retreats. This past summer, she volunteered at the NJ Veterans Memorial Home at Menlo Park where she assisted with recreational activities and transportation for residents to Catholic Masses. As a member of the H.O.P.E. Club, she has coordinated donation drives and spends time with the retired Sisters of Mercy. As a leader of the Women’s Empowerment Club, Sarah organized a donation drive that produced 25 bags of professional clothing to be donated to the Rutgers Career Center.

 

Kelsey, who was also nominated by the Mount for this honor, has served as a Junior Scoutmaster. She is also a Sacristan at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church in Short Hills where she prepares for the liturgies, guides the altar servers, and occasionally steps in as a lector. Kelsey has been involved in scouting since kindergarten during which she has participated in service projects such as cleaning public spaces, fundraising, collecting items for drives, and refurbishing furniture. As a Junior Scoutmaster, she has taken on leadership responsibilities and helps younger scouts with their Eagle Projects and applications. Additionally, she serves as a chaplain’s aide, acting as a liaison between her troop and her parish. Kelsey volunteers as an EMT, providing medical attention, as well as comfort and support to those in need.

 

Abigail was nominated for the St. Timothy Award through her parish, St. Bernards of Clairvaux Roman Catholic Church in Bridgewater where is an altar server every weekend and trains new altar servers. She also attends meetings and retreats organized by her church’s youth group, which is called BOLD.