2025-05-02-eEdition

THE CATHOLICWEEK I MAY 2, 2025 PAGE 17 º º/Nº3ITEº#REMATOR Y ” :H DUH ERWK KRQRUHG DQG SULYLOHJHG WR KDYH VHUYHG WKH $UFKGLRFHVH RI 0RELOH IRU RYHU \HDUV $V ZH ORRN WR WKH IXWXUH ZH HDJHUO\ DQWLFLSDWH PDQ\ PRUH \HDUV RI GHGLFDWHG VHUYLFH UHPDLQLQJ VWHDGIDVW LQ RXU &DWKROLF 7UDGLWLRQ &AMILYº/WNEDºANDº&AMILYº&OCUSEDº º:EIGLERº#IRCLEº7ESTº-OBILE º!,º ” Are you interested in a volunteer role where you really know you are making a difference for some of the most vulnerable children in our community? CASA volunteers make a life-changing difference for a child. Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) volunteers advocate for the best-interests of children who have experienced abuse or neglect. Volunteers work to ensure that judges have all the information they need to make the most well-informed decisions for each child. More volunteers are desperately needed. There's a child waiting for someone like you. CASA Mobile conducts several new volunteer training courses each year. If you believe you are ready to change a child's story please visit casamobile.org to find out more or call 251-574-5277. HOPE NEEDS A HELPING HAND. Become a CASA volunteer! Submitted by Henry Tamburin DAPHNE —The Bay of the Holy Spirit Assembly 2573, with the assistance of members of the Fourth Degree Color Corps and the South Alabama Exemplification Team, recently hosted an exemplification at Christ the King Parish's As- sumption Hall in Daphne.This ceremony was held for council members aspiring to become Sir Knights in the Fourth Degree, marking an important milestone in their journey of service and dedication. The exemplification event saw the presence of distin- guished guests, including honoree ArchbishopThomas J. Rodi and retired, honored guest Fr. Matthew O'Connor, former pastor at Christ the King Par- ish. Ten candidates completed the exemplification and were elevated to the status of Sir Knights in their local assem- blies.The candidates from Father Ryan Council 2737 who became Sir Knights in Bay of the Holy Spirit Assembly 2573 (Daphne) included: Deacon Mathew Pope, Chris Green, Gregg Akins, Gabriel Cogollo, Daniel Goergen, Kevin Weeks and John Wiggins. Norman Cale from St. Agatha Council 14057 also became a Sir Knight in Assem- bly 2573. Andrew E. Beat will also become a Sir Knight in As- sembly 1432 in Daleville, and Mark W. Laboe will become a Sir Knight in Pope John Paul II Assembly 2818 in Mobile. This exemplification was notably significant as it marked the inaugural instance where family members of the candi- dates were permitted to be pres- ent.This inclusion fostered a sense of unity and shared pride among the candidates and their families, making the event even more special and significant. KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS Assembly hosts fourth degree exemplification Submitted by Henry Tamburin Ten candidates were elevated to the status of Sir Knights during an exemplification ceremony recently at Christ the King Parish in Daphne. Submitted by Jessica Deese FAIRHOPE — St. Michael Catholic High School announced that senior Cooper Kurth has been named the male recipient of the prestigious W. Edgar Welden Scholar- ship, a $5,000 award presented through the Bryant-Jordan Student-Athlete Program. In addition to this statewide honor, Cooper was also recognized as a 4A Regional Achievement Award win- ner, earning a $3,000 scholarship. The Bryant-Jordan Foundation, in partnership with the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame and the Alabama High School Athletic Association, annually honors student- athletes who exemplify excellence in athletics, academics, and character. Cooper is the second consecutive student from St. Michael to earn the scholarship and the 4A Regional Achievement Award winner. Samir Crooker earned the honors last year. Cooper will apply his scholarship funds toward his tuition at Auburn University, where he plans to enroll this fall. His story is particularly inspiring. A childhood cancer survivor, Cooper was diagnosed with leukemia in kinder- garten.While undergoing treatment, he received academic support from his teachers and community at Christ the King Catholic School in Daphne. He re- turned to campus part time in third grade, full time in fourth, with his original class and set his sights on one day becoming a high school athlete—a dream he has since fulfilled with remarkable dedication. During his time at St. Michael, Cooper has been a standout contributor to both the varsity football and basketball teams. “Cooper is the kind of player every coach wants—tough, dependable, and selfless,” said Head Football Coach Phillip Rivers. “He’s over- come adversity with grace and has led our team through his quiet strength and work ethic. I’m incredibly proud of him.” ST. MICHAEL CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL, FAIRHOPE Kurth wins $5,000 scholarship through Bryant-Jordan Program COOPER KURTH Prᴀy fᴏr Vᴏᴄᴀᴛiᴏns