The SANTA MARIA FRANCESCA OUTSTANDING YOUNG LADY AWARD has been established to recognize a high school graduate who most significantly embraces the Christian values of Santa Maria Francesca, a Franciscan bride of Christ. The young lady recognized would be the last to draw attention to themselves. But we must!
Santa Maria Francesca is a saint, admittedly not one that comes immediately to mind. Yet, do we rank our saints? Of course not. Each is called by God to fulfill his plan for them. St. Therese of Lisieux died at age 24 (1773-1797), her plan set by God accomplished early, while Santa Maria Francesca lived to age 76 (1715-1791). The connection is made here between the two contemporaries in historical time, because each lived a life, short or long, in avoidance of personal acclaim. Only a simple life with no pretense!
It is written of Santa Maria Francesca that she was a “goody” which today would be translated, “a square.” Yet, many young ladies today live an active life, simply, and with no pretense, as did Santa Maria Francesca, going about their daily work in charity and love for others, morally decent, of sound mind and body.
The Santa Maria Francesca Award is an unrestricted award of $750. It may be used for higher education, or something as earthy as purchasing an off-the-rack wedding dress. Selection of the award recipient is controlled by the school’s faculty.
2019 Award (Sara Lavastida)
2019 Santa Maria Francesca
Distinguished Young Lady Award
Sara Lavastida
2018 Award (Maddie Dowling)
2018 Santa Maria Francesca
Distinguished Young Lady Award
In memory of Fred Bahlinger, Jr.
Maddie Dowling
2017 Award (Kaitlyn Doyle)
2017 Santa Maria Francesca
Distinguished Young Lady Award
Kaitlyn Doyle
2016 Award (Rachel Armstrong)
Rachel Armstrong was chosen by the St. Michael faculty and staff to receive the Santa Maria Francesca Award. The picture is at the Senior Baccalaureate Mass where Principal Ellen Lee presented Rachel with the award. Rachel plans to attend Louisiana State University in the fall. Rachel tells us she plans to buy a notebook computer to help with school work.
2015 AWARD (Lindsey Ellis)
The 2015 award was made to senior Lindsey Ellis shown receiving the Santa Maria Francesca Award from Principal Ellen Lee at the St. Michael Baccalaureate Mass and Senior Honors Convocation. Lindsey in thanking the foundation noted that she plans to use the prize money to buy a notebook for college.
2016 Update: Studying at LSU and is a member of the Tiger Band.
2014 AWARD (Sarah Major)
The 2014 award was made to Sarah Major, a recent graduate at St. Michael the Archangel High School, Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Miss Major will be attending Nicholls State University in the fall majoring in Sociology. Miss Major is very involved with her home Parish, St. Patrick Catholic Church in Baton Rouge, serving as Reader, Eucharistic Minister, and Youth Leader, to name a few..
2016 Update: Studying at Nicholls State University. She is active with a Catholic student group and with Phi Mu sorority.
2013 AWARD (Clare Fletcher)
The 2013 award was made by St. Michael the Archangel High School, Baton Rouge, Louisiana to a 2013 graduating senior. The faculty voted to award Clare Fletcher the honor of the Santa Maria Francesca Distinguished Young Lady Award. She was thrilled to receive the award at the ST. Michael Honor’s Convocation, which followed a Baccalaureate Mass on Wednesday, May 15, 2013.
2016 Update: Studying at Christendom University in Virginia. She has been in Europe, mostly Rome, with a study program from the past several months.
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Future, or multiple, awards are anticipated. We appreciate any support you can give the Santa Maria Francesca Society for these awards. If you would like to fund an award for a particular school, please email us at:
