PRESS RELEASE
April 21, 2023
CONTACT: Rev. Ryan Furlong, Director of Youth and Young Adult Ministry
(330) 744-8451, ext. 237; rfurlong@youngstowndiocese.org (For information on awardees)
ADDITIONAL CONTACT: Justin Huyck, Director of Communications, (330) 744-8451, ext. 320, jhuyck@youngstowndiocese.org (For coverage of ceremony)
The Office of Youth and Young Adult Ministry of the Catholic Diocese of Youngstown is pleased to announce the 27 recipients of the 2023 Eagle of the Cross Award. The Eagle of the Cross was created by the National Federation for Catholic Youth Ministry (NFCYM), and the yearly award was introduced to the Diocese of Youngstown in 1999.
The award is presented to extraordinary upperclassmen in the six counties of the Diocese of Youngstown who model Christian discipleship and exemplify the qualities of moral integrity, prayer, good works and Christian leadership in their school and parish communities. While a limited number of recipients are chosen for the Eagle of the Cross Award, they represent many admirable young people around the diocese.
The Most Rev. David J. Bonnar, Bishop of the Diocese of Youngstown, will present the awards at a ceremony on Monday, May 1, 2023 at Saint Columba Cathedral in Youngstown. The evening will begin with Evening Prayer at 6pm in the Cathedral, with Bishop Bonnar presiding, with the awards ceremony to follow. The evening will conclude with dinner in Saint Columba Hall. The names of each of the 27 award recipients follows.
ASHTABULA COUNTY:
Recipients demonstrating outstanding involvement in a diocesan Catholic school:
Eva Oster – Saint John School, Ashtabula; Our Lady of Peace Parish, Ashtabula
James Severino III – Saint John School, Ashtabula; Our Lady of Peace Parish, Ashtabula
COLUMBIANA COUNTY:
Recipients demonstrating outstanding involvement in the parish and larger community:
Nathan Marhefka – St. John the Evangelist Parish, Summitville
Elizabeth Moran – St. Paul Parish, Salem
Abigail C. Wolfgang – St. John the Evangelist Parish, Summitville
MAHONING COUNTY:
Recipients demonstrating outstanding involvement in the parish and larger community:
Dominic Cross – Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Basilica and St. Anthony Parish, Youngstown
Chloe Puhl – St. Charles Borromeo Parish, Boardman
Mary Elizabeth Warren – St. Christine Parish, Youngstown
Recipients demonstrating outstanding involvement in a diocesan Catholic school:
Antonio D’Alesio – Cardinal Mooney High School, Youngstown; Holy Family Parish, Poland
Maria Fire – Cardinal Mooney High School, Youngstown; Holy Family Parish, Poland
Abigail Gerchak — Ursuline High School, Youngstown; St. Christine Parish, Youngstown
Gabriella Howe – Ursuline High School, Youngstown; Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Basilica and St. Anthony Parish, Youngstown
Gianna Maria Howe – Ursuline High School, Youngstown; Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Basilica and St. Anthony Parish, Youngstown
PORTAGE COUNTY:
Recipients demonstrating outstanding involvement in the parish and larger community:
Michaelene Blados – Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish, Aurora
Raul Gamez – Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish, Aurora
STARK COUNTY:
Recipients demonstrating outstanding involvement in the parish and larger community:
Kylie McIntire – Divine Mercy Parish, Massillon
Christian Icaza – St. Michael the Archangel Parish, Canton
Michael Woodward – St. Michael the Archangel Parish, Canton
Recipients demonstrating outstanding involvement in a diocesan Catholic school:
Alexandria Drlik – Canton Central Catholic High School; St. Paul Parish, North Canton
Marcus David Miller – St. Thomas Aquinas High School, Louisville; Christ the Servant Parish, Canton
Christian Vannan – Canton Central Catholic High School; St. Michael the Archangel Parish, Canton
Maria Walsh – St. Thomas Aquinas High School, Louisville; St. Paul Parish, North Canton
TRUMBULL COUNTY:
Recipients demonstrating outstanding involvement in the parish and larger community:
Emma Garon – St. Patrick Parish, Hubbard
Caidan Morris – Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish, McDonald
Matthew Seikel – Blessed Sacrament Parish, Warren
Recipients demonstrating outstanding involvement in a diocesan Catholic school:
Nico Ciminero – John F. Kennedy School, Warren; Our Lady of Mount Carmel Parish, Niles
Ambrose Hoso – John F. Kennedy School, Warren; Blessed Sacrament Parish, Warren