By: Cruz Perez, '21
Holy Cross’ awards ceremony is held every year within the first 2 weeks of school. The award ceremony’s purpose is to give recognition for students who work diligently throughout the previous school year. Awards are also given for students who had perfect attendance. Students grades 6-12 receive awards in their own separate ceremonies split between middle school and high school. 4 different awards were showcased at the ceremony: Perfect Attendance, Honors (3.0 GPA or higher), High Honors (3.5 GPA or higher), and the Bronze Medallion (an award given to students who receive the highest-class average in an individual course).
The gratification felt by students who are publicly praised for their hard work helps to build a mindset of healthy competition to excel in the academic field. Awards also work to help build confidence among those who receive them and drive those who don’t to reach for the higher bar. A statement from 11th grader Jason Mulvihill, a member of the Brother James McDonald Scholars Program, explains, “By receiving this award it exemplifies what is expected of being a Holy Cross Man, and outstanding recognition at Holy Cross achieved through open-mindedness: the will to understand the subject matter of the class and the matters of the world; and to care for what is being taught, with teachers recognizing you for your adherence to these ideals and your hardworking ethic.”
The Holy Cross awards ceremony greatly benefits students on the academic and psychological field. It strives to build a student’s will power to succeed and to help gratify their success as a Holy Cross Man.