2020-21 Msgr. Spiers Awards Announced
Four students have been honored with the Monsignor Spiers Service Award for the 2020-21 school year, announced as a highlight of Catholic Schools Week. Congratulations to Kate Drab, Madalyn Moore, Krishna Patel and Leo Pavell!
The Monsignor Spiers Service Awards are named after Monsignor Edward Spiers, the founding principal when Bishop Watterson opened its doors in 1954. Monsignor Spiers served as principal at Bishop Watterson from 1953-1971. A homecoming week tradition that goes back to 1996, these awards are presented by Student Council to honor students who have performed outstanding service in both the school and the community. The Msgr. Spiers Awards honor individuals who have upheld his commitment to the Christian values of service and education.
Katherine Drab, St. Brigid
When the COVID-19 pandemic closed many doors for service in our community, Kate looked at it as an opportunity to explore new service options outside her comfort zone.
“In an ever changing, fast-paced world, service brings me clarity,” she said. “It gives me one job: to improve the lives of the people I am serving the best I can.”
Prior to the pandemic, Kate actively continued serving at her Sophomore Service site, Whetstone Library Homework Help Center. When the center shut down, Kate began tutoring a sixth-grade student in Maryland twice a week in math and English Language Arts through Interns-4-Good, an online volunteering organization. With no curriculum provided to her, Kate had to create her own course of study. This opportunity led her to another online organization, Strive2Thrive, where Kate is teaching English to children in Ghana.
These experiences encouraged Kate to apply for the Ohio Attorney General’s Teen Ambassador Board. Kate now has the opportunity to voice opinions and influence public policy for the betterment of the state of Ohio on behalf of the students she works with who struggle with English Language Learning. In addition to these service opportunities, Kate coaches a youth soccer program, is a member of the St. Brigid Teen Choir, helped design and paint the set for St. Brigid’s production of Annie Jr. and volunteers at the Ohio Historical Society. These service opportunities are in addition to her incredible involvement at Bishop Watterson. Kate is a Student Ambassador and a member of Student Council, Worship Band, the Cross Country Team, Spring Musical, Swim Team, Triathlon Club, and the In the Know team. During the summer she holds down a part time job as a nanny.
Madelyn Moore, St. Brigid
Service has played an essential role in Madelyn’s life.
“Service is the purest form of love,” she said. “It is about sharing time and talent with others giving a piece of yourself to elevate the lives of those in your community.”
Since middle school Madelyn has been an active volunteer in her home parish of St. Brigid of Kildare. At St. Brigid Madelyn can be found participating in the Youth Ensemble, volunteering with the S.P.I.C.E program, leading hospitality events, and preparing the school for upcoming academic year.
In addition to serving at St. Brigid, Madelyn has accumulated a wide-range of service hours throughout various community organizations including with the Delaware County Human Society. With the Adaptive Sports Connection she supports individuals with special needs at “Get Out and Kayak” events, and is a frequent friendly face at The Grand Retirement Home in Dublin. Madelyn has also participated in two summer Gospel Road mission trips sponsored by the Diocese of Columbus. Throughout her time at BWHS she has accumulated over 400 hours of community service.
In addition, Madelyn is a member of the Swim Team, Cross-Country Team, Gold Standard Choir, Concert Choir and Worship Band, participates in the Spring Musical, and is a member of the Best Buddies Club.
Krishna Patel, St. Michael
“To me, service is more than just doing it for the hours. It is about the beatitudes and helping others however I can.”
Krishna has taken that service mentality and applied it to more than 330 hours of community service to the Central Ohio Community. One of Krishna’s favorite places to serve is Riverside Hospital because she brightens the day of patients – delivering flowers, small gifts, or just taking a moment to chat or share a laugh. Krishna began volunteering at Riverside Hospital as a part of her Sophomore Service project and continued serving throughout her sophomore, junior and senior years.
Krishna has also brought her academics to service, volunteering at Kumon where she tutors various-aged students in math and reading skills. She also volunteers with US Together, an organization that aids immigrant children in reading and English Learning Language programs.
Finally, Krishna dedicates a large portion of her summer to volunteering with the Worthington Public Library, volunteering as a member of the Volunteen Reading Program. At school, Krishna stays busy as a member of the Business Club, St. Vincent DePaul Club, and Lacrosse Team. Krishna also plays club volleyball, and works a part time job.
Leo Pavell, St. Brigid
Since the 6th grade, Leo has been an active volunteer at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium.
“I found myself in my own Eden: the zoo,” he said. “I was given the same responsibilities of nurturing and caring for the environment which God gave Adam, and I was gladdened because the service I did at the Zoo became the gateway for God to speak to me on a personal level.”
Through his time at Bishop Watterson, Leo, a junior, has accumulated more than 500 hours of community service as a zoo volunteer. This passion to serve God’s creation has spilled over into other aspects of his service. Through Boy Scout of America he has served as a chaplain’s aide, led morning and evening prayer services, assisted with Sunday Socials, built activity courses for Columbus City Schools, and supplies American flags to veterans as well as retires flags no longer in service.
At Bishop Watterson Leo is a Student Ambassador, Wrestling Team Captain, member of the Mock Trial Team, Business Club, and the Investment Club. Leo also holds a summer job with a landscaping company.
