It was a most awe-inspiring, humbling experience for BENEDICTINE ACADEMY to be awarded the NATIONAL GOLD MEDAL for PUBLIC SERVICE. Known as the Nobel Prize for Service, Benedictine Academy was awarded the Jefferson Gold Medal for the Greatest Public Service by a High School in the entire nation!
Sam Beard, President and Co-Founder of the Jefferson Awards
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The preliminary Gala Events began Monday evening with the presentation of the Jefferson Gold Awards for the 13 Regional High Schools across the United States of America. Benedictine Academy was presented with an autographed lithograph by famed artist Peter Max of the White House for the Jefferson Awards Students In Action 2012 Outstanding Service by New Jersey High School. This was only the beginning...
BENEDICTINE ACADEMY also was awarded The National Jefferson Gold Award for Greatest Public Service by a High School. The National Jefferson Gold Award was announced Tuesday afternoon and presented to Benedictine Academy at the evening gala. SIA Moderators, Mrs. Linda Michalski, Sr. Donna Jo Repetti, and Ms. Ashley Powell, attended the various events with Senior Graduates Ariana Taveras, Andrea Mendoza, and Dannah Laguitan.
(Robert Sakowitz, Board Member of the Jefferson Awards)
L to R: (Dannah Laguitan, Andrea Mendoza, Ariana Taveras)
BENEDICTINE ACADEMY SIA Globe Changers Leaders, Class of 2012
At the historic Constitution Hall in Washington D.C., we were in the company of great humanitarians such as David H. Petraeus, the Director of the Central Intelligence Agency. Four Star General David H. Petraeus led the United States Forces in Iraq and Afghanistan and was also the recipient of the U.S. Senator John Heinz Award. He received the Jefferson Gold Medal for Greatest Public Service by an Elected or Appointed Official.
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Jim Kelly, Hall Of Fame Quarterback of the Buffalo Bills, received the Jefferson Gold Medal for Greatest Public Service by a Professional Athlete. After the death of his son, Hunter, he formed Hunter's Hope Foundation to help promote new born screening for genetic or metabolic disorders. 
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Hall of Fame Hockey Player, Pat LaFontane formed a group for creating game rooms for children in hospitals around the country. Race car driver, Charlie Kimball, was recognized for his unceasing work as spokesperson for Diabetes.Harry Connick, Jr. and Branford Marsalis, two most amazing performers, won the Jefferson Gold Medal for Greatest Public Service by Private Citizens. They are Creator's of the Musicians' Village in New Orleans in an effort to help bring healing through the Arts and Music after the devastation of Hurricane Katrina. Harry Connick, Jr. is a well known singer/actor and Branford Marsalis, an awesome jazz saxaphonist.
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Jourdan Urbach, a violin virtuoso, was trained at Julliard and Yale University, and has performed at Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center and the United Nations. As founder of Concerts for a Cure, Jourdan has raised over 10 million dollars to fight children's neurological diseases. He is the recipient of the Tribecca Film Festival Innovator Award, World of Children Award, and now the Jefferson Gold Medal Globe Changer Award for his work in Global Child Advocacy.
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Benedictine Academy attended the breath-taking events with graduating seniors, Dannah Laguitan, Andrea Mendoza, and Ariana Taveras, Class of 2012. On behalf of the Students In Action Senior Globe Changers (Ariana Taveras (President), Caroline Antonio, Dannah Laguitan, Andrea Mendoza, Cinthya Pizarro), the SIA Leadership Team and the entire Benedictine Academy School Community, we received the Jefferson Gold Medal Award for Greatest Public Service by a High School. Benedictine Academy competed against over 350 other Students In Action Service Leadership Schools across the country. The thirteen Regional State High School winners were evaluated by the Jefferson Awards Board of Selectors in Washington DC. Benedictine Academy's accomplishments were scored based on Seven Directives. We received a scoring of 99.5 (out of 100)!
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Lesley Stahl, Correspondent 60 Minutes
Jack Russi, Management Partner Deloitte & Touche,
Lesley Stahl, Correspondent 60 Minutes
Jack Russi, Management Partner Deloitte & Touche,
Jefferson Award Board Member
At the personal invitation of Sam Beard, President and Co-Founder of Jefferson Awards, Ariana Taveras, President of the Benedictine Academy SIA Globe Changers, received the honor to speak to the assembly of over 500 dignitaries, honorees, and invited guests regarding the significance of the Jefferson Award to young people's lives at Benedictine Academy. She received an overwhelming standing ovation. Bravo Ariana and Benedictine Academy!
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The Jefferson Gold Medal is known as the NOBEL PRIZE for Public Service. This year was 40th Anniversary Celebration of the Jefferson Awards. Co-founders, Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, U.S. Senator Robert Taft, Jr. and Sam Beard, established the Jefferson Awards for Public Service "to recognize and honor individuals whose community volunteer efforts best exemplify dedication to enhancing the quality of life in their local and global communities".
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To celebrate this history making event, were the world champion renowned "wall of sound" performers, the Alexandria Harmonizers, joined by Rev. Dr. Bernard Richardson, Dean of Howard University.The charming and delightful Lesley Stahl, CBS Anchor, was Mistress of Ceremonies.
Throughout the evening, we enjoyed the show stopper entertainment orchestrated by Producer/Director Rupert Hitzig (Left: Receiving Award ) including Top Cabaret Broadway Star, Jason Graae and Tony Award winner Faith Prince( below).
It was an amazing evening.
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Thank you Lord, for the honor and privilege
of being part of such a momentous experience.
A special thanks to Sam Beard, Maryann Younger, Robert Provost and Karen Hatcher.
We are deeply grateful for your support, encouragement and guidance.
Special Prayers and Blessings for our Benedictine Sisters,
Franciscan Sisters,
Benefactors, Families and Friends.
The Jefferson Gold Medal belongs to all of you!
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The Jefferson Award SIA Team at Benedictine Academy- Senior Globe Changers:, Ariana Taveras(President), Caroline Antonio, Dannah Laguitan, Andrea Mendoza, Cinthya Pizarro, and the SIA Leadership Team:(Class of 2012) Caroline Antonio, Cheila Cardosa, Cassandra Francois, Brittany Henderson, Dannah Laguitan, Andrea Mendoza, Maryann Nwako, Cinthya Pizarro, Ariana Taveras, (Class of 2011) Kai Alexander, Krystal Burns, Samantha Frejuste, Samantha Herrejon, Milagros Lema, (Class of 2010) Leila Fragiacomo, Imani Greene, Harpreet Kaur, Ewa Kowalski, Joyce Mendoza, Sydney Sigue, Jada Yarbough, (Class of 2010) Eileen Conaty, Toni-Wilson Davis, and the entire Benedictine Staff and Student Community.
(Photos Courtesy of Jefferson Awards)
(Videos by Michalski)
