Each month Saint Joseph High School celebrates students and faculty alike–one male student, one female student, and one faculty/staff member–through Community Awards presented at All-School Mass. Recipients are nominated by their peers and recognized for serving the Saint Joe community. For January our winners are Reyaan Ansari, Mrs. Darlene Verduzco, and Kenadie Shrock.
Reyaan Ansari is described as respectful, friendly, hard-working, positive, funny, and someone who works hard to make St. Joe an inclusive and supportive community. He takes initiative and can liven up class with his positive energy and can easily work with anyone in the class and make them feel at ease. As a peer mentor, he is active with his mentees and truly cares about each of them. He has been involved in NHS, Peer Mentors, the Unity Council, the Christian Relief Service / SECO Club, Fed Challenge, and the SJ Golf Team.
Kenadie Shrock is described as kind, responsible, forthright, and determined. She is a leader and someone who gives her all in all she does. She is not afraid of facing and overcoming challenges. She is vocal on matters of faith and the world and works to make sure her faith shines through in her actions and words. She was baptized at Saint Joe by Bishop Rhoades in 2023 and then became a mentor in the sacramental preparation program helping other young people learn more about the Catholic faith. She is a leader in the Right to Life Club, involved in Aidan’s Masterpiece, and a captain/member of the varsity basketball and softball teams.
Mrs. Darlene Verduzco is described as positive, joyful, and friendly – exemplifying our core values of building family and serving with joy. She is willing to help others beyond her job responsibilities. She is a cheerleader for the faculty and staff and is a leader in creating community among us by organizing fantastic social events and celebrations. She has taken on the role of Spirit Wear Coordinator this year with enthusiasm and zeal. She contributed to the makeover of the faculty lounge and the amazing coffee bar. She previously worked in schools and business in both Iowa and here in South Bend and has been at Saint Joe for about 3 years, first in the main office and now in the business office as our Business and Accounting Specialist.
