The Eagle of the Cross award is given annually to outstanding juniors and seniors in high school within the Diocese of Youngstown who show particular zeal in the improvement of their own parish ministry programs, high school ministry teams, or youth work in general within the Diocese.
Nominees must be Catholic, and must exemplify the qualities of moral integrity, prayer, good works, and Catholic-Christian leadership. This award was created by the National Federation for Catholic Youth Ministry, and is the highest honor presented to the youth by the Diocese of Youngstown. Up to 3 awards per county for parish involvement, and up to 2 awards per diocesan Catholic high school are awarded each year.
Updated: Jan. 17, 2025
Nominations are now being accepted for 2025!
It’s that time of year again… already! Eagle of the Cross is 27 years old in the Diocese of Youngstown this year! Nominations for Eagle of the Cross 2025 are now being accepted until Friday, February 28 at 3:00 P.M.* Please be sure to review the entire packet before nominating, as some instructions have been revised since 2024. Winners will be announced around the end of March* and the Mass and banquet are on Monday, April 28, 2025. Please click HERE to access and download the Nomination Form. (Please note that nominations submitted in an alternative format will NOT be accepted.)
Official Nomination Form (PDF)
Official Nomination Form (Word)
Questions? Please do not hesitate to contact Maddie Francisco at mfrancisco@youngstowndiocese.org or (330) 744-8451 x 310.
*Please note that these dates/times are slightly different than what was previously posted earlier in January.
