Badin High School has earned the Emerald Award from the United Nations Association of the USA and InnerView, organizations devoted to the value of community service and sustainable world goals. Badin received the award for the 2019-20 school year after its students participated in some 3,000 service activities and earned more than 12,000 hours of service to the community.

“As a Catholic school, service and faith life are critical to our mission,” said Mrs. Megan Halverson, the Christian Service director at Badin. “Our students care about the community and are proud to step up and make a difference in the world around them.”

Individually, 194 Badin High students received various National Service awards for their service efforts, including 20 students who earned at least 100 service hours and participated in at least 12 different activities.

Those 20 included seniors Katie DeSerisy, Maddie Mills and Hannah Werner; juniors Kailynn Berger, Tracy Fields, Logan Hage, Audrey Hood, Meghan Huff, Grace Meehan, Chloe Niesen, Tatum Oliver, Sean Pendergest, Aidan Saylor, Caitlin Smith, Emma Trusock and Bella Williams; and sophomores Liz Feltner, Olivia Grammel, Kaitlyn Hiernaux and Lexi VonBargen.
Eleven Badin seniors received National Service awards all three years that they have been available: DeSerisy and Werner, along with Lauren Barnhorn, Andrea Clark, Jack Feenstra, Lizzie Middendorf, Elise Noelker, Ella Pohlen, Jenna Ritchie, Kaitlyn Robinson and Adam Salek.

In addition to important individual service honors, Badin also recognizes students with prestigious annual awards for living out the faith tenants of a Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur learning community.

“These students truly embody the hallmarks of the Sisters of Notre Dame, which highlight the values we all aspire to,” said Mrs. Gina Helms, Badin’s director of Campus Ministry. “Our affiliation with the Sisters of Notre Dame has enhanced our emphasis on faith and spirituality. We are inspired by their goodness.”

Senior Adam Salek received the Sister Dorothy Stang award for service; and senior Emily Sauer received the Spirit of St. Julie Billiart award for faith leadership.

Junior Jessica Rosteutscher received the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur award for academic excellence.

The annual Service Learning book award also recognizes juniors who exemplify Badin’s commitment to service to the community. Two junior girls stood out – Logan Hage and Elaina Jackson.
“We understand that students don’t live their faith or serve their community in order to receive awards,” Halverson said. “At the same time, when students are out making a difference, they’re not just helping but serving as role models for others. They’re doing good in the world around them, and that’s certainly worth celebrating.”