Two Little Rock teens were honored with St. Timothy Awards during the annual Catholic Youth Ministry convention May 8-10 in Little Rock. It is the highest award given to a Catholic youth in the diocese.
Teens receiving the award must live as disciples of Christ and set a positive example. This year’s winners were Liz Beadle of Our Lady of the Holy Souls Church and Joseph de Orbegozo of Christ the King Church.
Beadle assists with the children’s choir and teaches at Vacation Bible School and participates in CYM service projects and work camps. She has spent her high school years dedicated to building up her parish’s youth program.
“Liz has accomplished so much in the last three years. Knowing her, I have no doubt, through her acknowledgement of God’s grace and the gifts he has given to her, she will honor Christ her whole life,” youth director Denise Morbit wrote.
De Orbegozo served as a member of the diocesan Search team and has been a four-year member of his parish’s teen band. He will begin his seminary studies this fall to become a diocesan priest.
“I am uniquely blessed to be his pastor and humbled by his life and his faith,” pastor Msgr. Francis I. Malone wrote.
Other nominees were Danielle Kelker, St. Stephen, Bentonville; Colton Kordsmeier, Sacred Heart, Morrilton; Jason Kramer, St. Raphael, Springdale; Phillip Smith, St. Jude, Jacksonville; Veronica Super, St. Agnes, Mena; and Brandi Willett, St. Vincent de Paul, Rogers.
The nominees must be recommended by a parish adult youth leader as well as their pastor. An independent committee appointed by the diocese meets to choose the top two candidates.
The highest adult award is called Companions on the Journey. It is awarded to those who have worked at least five years in youth ministry and have showed leadership on the parish and diocesan level. This year’s winners are Amy Bray, St. Stephen, Bentonville; Vince Maniace, Christ the King, Little Rock; and Sherry Pianalto, St. Joseph, Tontitown. Ten volunteers from St. Vincent de Paul Church in Rogers were also given the award. They are Larry Grelle, Kevin Necessary, Gayle DiCicco, Lisa Heffron, Marylou Kilgore, Mark DiCicco, Tom Glave, Mark Rothmeyer, Cindy Maas and Melanie Alecusan.
