Monthly Newspaper • DIOCESE OF BRIDGEPORT

BRIDGEPORT—“This is one of my favorite events,” said Dr. Steve Cheeseman at the recent Breakfast of Champions.

(See list of award winners and photos below)

Hundreds of invited guests—including pastors, administrators and parents—gathered for this annual event, held at St. Catherine of Siena in Trumbull to honor the awardees who received either the St. Thomas Aquinas award.

“Today, we recognize these young people who represent the very best of our Catholic Schools.  Given that we have over 7,000 kids in our school system, I hope you realize what an honor it is that YOU have been chosen to be here,” Dr. Cheeseman addressed the award winners.

After breakfast, students came forward to receive a medal from Mrs. Steuber, deputy superintendent, and a certificate from Dr. Cheeseman. Dr. Cheeseman explained that the St. Thomas Aquinas Award is given to those students who demonstrate academic excellence and a commitment to living as role models of faith.

“St. Thomas is widely considered to have been the most influential thinker of the medieval period,” Dr. Cheeseman said. “His writings teach us that all knowledge is of God and that by studying all that surrounds us we can come to a better understanding of God’s Truth. But St. Thomas was more than just a scholar, his legacy challenges us to use our knowledge to improve our world, and he implores us to make good choices and to act with virtue.”

“The word champion is both a noun and a verb,” explained Dr. Cheeseman. “As a noun, it refers to someone who worked hard and came out on top. You have done that by navigating the obstacle course we call school and by coming out on top as demonstrated by your excellent academic achievement.  As a verb, it means to stand up for something, to lead others in a worthy cause. By being a leader in our schools, by modeling goodness, you are indeed a champion,” said Dr. Cheeseman to the awardees.

He assured the awardees gathered that they are a shining example of all that is good in the Diocese of Bridgeport Catholic Schools and that he has no doubt they will represent the diocese well as they go on to high school or to college as champions of Catholic education.

(To learn more about Diocese of Bridgeport Catholic Schools visit www.dioceseofbridgeportcatholicschools.com)

Photos by Amy Mortensen

Award Presentations

Other Photos