2014 Robert F. Purcell, S.J. Peacemaker Award Recipients Each

2014 Robert F. Purcell, S.J. Peacemaker Award Recipients
Each year Gesu Parish celebrates middle school and high school students from 11 area schools
for their exemplary service in the name of peacemaking and justice. The 18th annual Robert F.
Purcell, S.J. Peacemaker Awards were given on May 4th to these students:
Luis Rojo - Nativity Jesuit Middle School
Luis has been a leader in his class – one who sets an outstanding example by respecting his
teachers and classmates, and in the positive choices he makes daily. An excellent student, Luis is
open to growth, is religious, loving, and committed to justice. His parents have passed along to
Luis that gratitude and service are ways of life.
Paris Coleman – St. Rose / St. Leo Catholic School (8th grader)
Paris has demonstrated leadership and a personal commitment to peacemaking. He has been
active at the Peace Learning Center and attended workshops in non-violent conflict resolutions,
healthy communication and peace-building to bring back to his school and community. Paris has
chosen non-violent alternatives to conflict and has been a role model for peaceful behaviors. His
participation in a project comparing the non-violent strategies of Gandhi and Dr. Martin Luther
King, Jr. was exemplary.
Jacqueline Rodriguez - Notre Dame Middle School
Jackie leads by good example and is a great role model for her peers. She is respectful to youth
and adults and enthusiastic about learning. She lives out Christian values and is willing to help
others whenever needed, encouraging them to make healthy decisions. Jackie is a polite, quiet
and considerate student who is sensitive to the needs of others. She is also as an altar server at
her parish, and as the oldest of five children, she lends a helpful hand at home.
Ruby Ruiz – St. Joan Antida High School
Ruby has a tremendous desire to learn and to help teach others to co-exist peacefully. She is a
peer presenter on the topic of domestic violence and has worked extensively with the United
Migrant Opportunity Services (UMOS) Latina Resource Center which provides domestic
violence support services geared to Hispanic women. Ruby participates in BridesWalk to raise
awareness about dating violence and to promote love, health and peace in relationships.
Heidi Golembiewski – St. Thomas More High School
Heidi has assisted in numerous activities to promote a peace-filled community. Since her
sophomore year, she has been chair of the school Relay for Life Committee, helping to organize,
fundraise, and facilitate the Relay for Life, raising thousands of dollars for cancer research. Heidi
has also been a Campus Ministry Core Team leader, and, through her witness of faith, has helped
to mentor students to overcome past hurts, resolve conflicts, and grow in their own faith.
Sinai Mendoza – Zarate / St. Anthony High School
This year Sinai used her exemplary peacemaking skills to start a group at school for young
women who want to make a difference. They talk about current issues, ways to improve
themselves and be heard, and how to be better Christians. Sinai wanted to make sure girls have
positive role models and develop faith in themselves.
Micheala Dixon – Messmer High School
Micheala is active in “Tablesetters” – a program that explores Catholic Social Teaching and
gives students hands-on activities to help them learn those principles. She has volunteered at the
Women’s Care Center, walked to raise money for breast cancer and served at St. Ben’s
Community Meal. She is not only a leader, but a great student and teacher as well!
Matthew Koszuta – Dominican High School
Matthew is a dynamic leader within Dominican’s campus ministry programs. He organized
students to be involved in a peacemaking organization, taking the lead to make sure Dominican
collects as many sandwiches as possible every week for the House of Peace. He sorts and boxes
the sandwiches and contacts teachers. Matthew also rebuilt a bridge in Seminary Woods,
assembled school supplies and backpacks, and helped to paint at his grade school. He has also
collected and refurbished bicycles for distribution to families in need.
Shannon Salter – Divine Savior Holy Angels High School
Shannon is a caring, compassionate young woman who truly cares about the well-being of
others. She and one of her classmates served as student coordinators for the Senior Retreat,
demonstrating her inclusive and collaborative leadership style. She is the DSHA “Best Buddies”
President and oversees 150 members. Shannon is a peacemaker to her very core as she
volunteers at Easter Seals, helps at her parish, coordinates retreats, and fosters peace in many
ways.
Brian Jordan – Marquette University High School
Brian exemplifies the “men for others” ideal at MUHS, in the broader community, and in his
family. He served as a Christmas Basket Project chairman for two years, visiting homerooms and
talking with students and teachers about the goals of the project and the Jesuit values it honors.
Brian is also one of two retreat captains who lead, manage and oversee the development of a
three-day retreat for 290 freshmen. He was also a participant in the Somos Amigos service trip to
the Dominican Republic.
Antwan Powell – Pius XI High School
Antwan helps to shape the school community and extends his peace-making efforts in the
community amidst young people who don’t live and study in relative peace and safety. He is
deeply involved in Operation-Dream, an organization that strives for a positive path away from
fear, poverty, and violence for young people who grow up amidst these forces. He has served as
a mentor and leader for many students who can see a different journey of life because of the hope
that Antwan’s example offers. He has been a Kairos retreat leader and has contributed to
multiple retreats in which others have seen Christ’s light shine through him.

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