Area youths receive Eagle of Cross award from Diocese
Six area youths received the 2003 Eagle of the Cross award from the Roman Catholic Diocese of Greensburg. “This is the highest award that a teen-ager can receive in the Church for youth ministry,’ explained Elisa Kent, a representative of the diocesan newspaper, The Catholic Accent.
The Eagle of the Cross is a national youth ministry award presented by the local diocesan director of youth ministry, who is an affiliated representative of the National Federation for Catholic Youth Ministry. It is presented to teen-agers who best exemplify the vision and purpose of the diocesan and national offices of youth ministry.
Area youths, according to the Catholic Accent, who received the award include:
Robert Urban of Uniontown is the son of Robert and Donna Urban. He is a graduate of Laurel Highlands Senior High School and a member of St. Mary Nativity Parish in Uniontown. He is an altar server, member of youth ministry, football, wrestling, Students Against Drunk Driers, choir, marching band, regional youth ministry and NCYC.
Jason Taft, of Everson, is the son of Frank and Shirley Taft. He is a graduate of Geibel Catholic High School in Connellsville and a member of St. Joseph Parish in Everson. He is an altar server, a member of youth ministry and peer ministry, writer for Geibel Gazette, participated in World Youth Day and Diocesan Youth Ministry Council.
Michael Kopacko of Uniontown is the son of J. William and Cynthia Kopacko. He is a graduate of Laurel Highlands Senior High School and a member of St. Therese, Little Flower of Jesus Parish in Uniontown. He is an altar server, involved in youth ministry, wresting, Students Against Drunk Drivers, Interact, region retreat, science club and regional Super Sunday.
Steven Krzanowski, of Connellsville, is the son of Stanley and Catherine Krzanowski. He is a junior, Connellsville Area High School and member of St. Rita Parish in Connellsville. He is involved in youth ministry, Vacation Bible School, is an Eagle Scout, member of student council, Diocesan Youth Ministry Council and participated in World Youth Day.
Christopher Manderino of Monessen is the son of Anthony and Tara Manderino. He is a senior at Geibel Catholic High School and a member of Epiphany of Our Lord Parish in Monessen. He is involved in youth ministry, is an altar server, lector and member of prayer group, football, CYO basketball, and participated in World Youth Day.
Nichole Huygens of Scottdale is the daughter of Richard and Clare Huygens. He is a graduate of Southmoreland High School and a member of St. John the Baptist Parish in Scottdale. She is involved in youth ministry, is a lector, member of marching, jazz, concert and pep bands; and the Catholic Youth Connection.
In addition, Huygens and Krista Galloway, both of St. John Parish in Scottdale, received the Companion on a Journey award. Galloway of Scottdale is the daughter of Jonathan and Deidre Galloway of Scottdale.
Youths are nominated for award, established by the Diocesan Youth Ministry Council, by other teens. It is given to ninth through 12th graders who have been a companion through good times and difficult times. It is an opportunity for Catholic teens to recognize a peer who has been a living example of “being Jesus for one another.’
Huygens was nominated for the Companion award by Galloway, who was in turn nominated by Krzanowski.
Criteria for the Eagle of the Cross includes: being a student in ninth through 12th grade, being a practicing Catholic, having completed at least two years in a youth ministry program on a local level, having attended at least one retreat, teen leadership or peer ministry training or having been a regular participant in spiritual opportunities (such as days of recollection or Living Stations). Recipients must have an adequate and ongoing knowledge of the Catholic faith, be a Christ-like example in their school setting whether public or non-public, and have participated in an experience beyond their parish boundaries, including but not limited to regional or diocesan youth ministry, National Catholic Youth Conference or World Youth Day.
Altogether, 19 youths received Eagle of the Cross awards at a ceremony June 23 at St. Joseph Center Chapel in Greensburg. The award is an American eagle imposed on a cross, hanging from a blue and gold ribbon that’s attached to a lapel pin.