YOUTH HERO AWARDS

On August 8, 2013, the National Liberty Museum in Philadelphia honored 13 extraordinary young people in the tri-state area forliving their lives as heroes.  Our Benedictine Academy Student Leadership Team, the Benedictine Cor Defenders, were awarded the YOUTH HERO AWARDS at the National Liberty Museum's 13th Annual Youth Hero Award Ceremony sponsored by TD Bank. 

"Each year the National Liberty Museum searches for young people who strive to make a difference in their school, community or beyond. This annual award, sponsored by TD Bank, recognizes young people who have championed liberty through their actions.  Acting on the principle that liberty is a right every person and community should have, the Young Heroes Award recognizes young people who have identified areas where liberty is lacking, and have taken action to make positive social change in their schools and communities.  We are looking for young people who have championed liberty through civic engagement, conflict resolution, promoting diversity and school or community leadership.  All winners receive recognition at an awards ceremony at the Museum; a certificate of recognition, medallion and gifts; and a plaque featuring their story in the Museum’s Young Heroes Exhibit." (National Liberty Museum)

Benedictine Academy's Campus Ministry Leadership Team known s the BCD's, Benedictine's Cor Defenders, were recognized for all their good works, including Hurricane Sandy comfort bags, food drive, MS fundraiser, and most especially as abolitionists against human trafficking, modern day slavery.   They listened with the ear of their hearts to the needs and suffering of the people around them and they responded with care and concern.  

The BCD's partnered with nine other schools across the country and Ken Morris, the great, great, great grandson of Frederick Douglass to write and declare on the historical steps of the Frederick Douglass site a New Proclamation of Freedom to the U.S. Government calling for an end to human trafficking, modern day slavery.  They testified before the New Jersey House Committee, alongside Assemblywoman Huttle, on a new legislation for the Protection and Prevention of Human Trafficking victims that was passed and signed into law by Governor Chris Christie in May, 2013.   They participated in a United Nations International Peace Conference spoke out at Youth Leadership Conferences, and were featured in a new Frederick Douglass Family Initiatives documentary on the importance of "Building Strong Children" through the power of education to prevent human trafficking.  

"The National Liberty Museum honors exceptional leaders in our world, known and unknown, who understand the importance of values and respect underlying a democratic society and live their lives to build peace, reduce violence, and resolve conflict in our world."  They share their stories throughout the Museum, inspiring all visitors to "live their lives as heroes" and make our world a better place.   One cannot help but be filled with both tears and hope as you walk through their three floors of over a hundred heroic tales of people's goodness, courage and love for humankind.  
                                             
Earlier this year, Linda Michalski, our Theology Chair and Teacher, received the National Liberty Museum 2013 Teacher Hero Award sponsored by State Farm.  

Benedictine Academy is truly a high school of academic excellence in both teaching and living the learned values that will make our world a better place. Our students are leaders who become knowledgeable in their field of passion and are empowered to become engaged citizens in their local and global communities.  They join forces and are mentored by both teachers and professional corporate people, gaining the wisdom and experience of their advisors.  This translates into successful graduates who attend top colleges and universities.