Living Their Faith: Teens Celebrated for Leadership and Witness

This year, we received an incredible number of nominations; a true gift to witness. Each submission told a story of faith, service, and leadership lived out in parishes across our diocese. After carefully reviewing every packet and spending time in prayer, we are honored to present this year’s award recipients. We invite you to read their bios below and be inspired by these young leaders and youth ministry adult volunteers who are boldly living their faith and making a difference in their communities.

The Bragg Moore Award is named in memoriam to Bragg Moore, our first Diocesan Director of Youth Ministry. The Bragg Moore Award is presented to a male youth for being a backbone to his Parish and youth group. This young man serves in the trenches accomplishing what needs to be done with a servant’s heart and willing spirit. His hard work and dedication continues to serve as an example to his peers and his parish.

Cobie Martino – Blessed Seelos, Biloxi

The recipient of this year’s Bragg Moore Award is Cobie Martino. Cobie is a senior at St. Patrick Catholic High School and an active member of his youth group and parish. As a vital member of his parish he has been a lector and altar server taking on the role of lead altar server where we trains new altar servers. Whether at Blessed Seelos or Nativity, Cobie has always enjoyed serving for East Biloxi parishes. He is always seeking to grow in his faith and in our Catholic traditions and teachings. Between Bible studies, volunteering at VBS, growing in discernment of his vocation, his faith is the foundation of the decisions he makes every day.

Involved in FCA, honor society, and a member of the varsity soccer team, he is able to balance his school responsibilities with his faith and family. Cobie is a member of Campus Ministry at St. Patrick’s, Spirit movers and was on the Diocesan SEARCH Team.

His pastor says, “He embodies the qualities of leadership, service, and faithful discipleship with a deeply rooted faith and trust in God.”

Often described as willing and kind what really stands out to people is the way Cobie truly lives his faith not just talking about it.  His DRE stated, “Cobie is determined and has a big heart to serve in any capacity.”  

His campus minister describes him as a model student. “He is confident in who He is as a young man of God and is not afraid to speak about matters of faith.”

The Brenda Sargent Award is named in memoriam to Brenda D. Sargent, who worked tirelessly in the youth office as an advocate for all youth programs. This award is presented to a female youth for being a backbone to her Parish and youth group. She serves in the trenches to accomplish what needs to be done with a servant’s heart and willing spirit.  Her hard work and dedication continue to serve as an example to her peers and her parish.

Khloe Logos – Our Lady of Fatima, Biloxi

This year’s Brenda Sargent Award is presented to Khloe Logos. She is a faithful member of Spirit Movers and a dedicated member of her youth group. This year she served on the Diocesan SEARCH Team. The church is her second home, and she uses social media to engage her peers—working to cultivate community. At Mass she can be found in the Choir, lectoring, or as a Eucharistic Minister. Khloe brings a calm presence that people are naturally drawn to as she is a steady and trustworthy leader. Her example of living the faith encourages others to step up and serve more generously, and live with intention and kindness.

Khloe is homeschooled and that has allowed her to give generous time to her parish and her community. She volunteers at her dance studio giving her time and energy to help others without being asked.

Her parish priest writes, “that Khloe has a phenomenal personality and approaches all she does with zeal, passion, and commitment.” Khloe has a heart of hospitality making sure that her peers feel physically and spiritually welcome in the youth group. She is on the pursuit of intentional discipleship and desires for everyone to encounter Christ.

A SEARCH adult member stated, “Khloe carries herself with great grace because she knows who she is—beloved. She goes out of her way to ensure others feel loved, no matter who they are.”

The Ann Rivera Faith Through Service Award, sponsored and presented by Catholic Charities of South Mississippi, seeks to recognize someone who is a quiet servant of Christ, who shares their faith through kindness and service to others, and who believes that service to others is our Christian responsibility.

Nicholas Arguelles – Nativity BVM, Biloxi

This award is presented to Nicholas Arguelles. Written by Jennifer Williams Director of Catholic Charities “When I was a student at OLA, a few years ago, we often sang the song “Service” at Mass. It is my favorite church song and though I haven’t heard it in many, many years I often find myself singing in throughout my day. I will not be performing today, you’re welcome. And to those who know the song, you’re welcome because it will be stuck in your head for the next week.

The lyrics remind us that “we are made for service, to care for each other…we are made to love each sister and brother. “ Those words capture the heart of what it means to live our faith—not only in what we say, but in what we do for others each day.

For some people, service is not an obligation or something they do to check a box—it is simply part of who they are. Their kindness flows so naturally that we might even notice the quiet ways they show Christ’s love through their actions but we would notice if they didn’t. They don’t serve to receive recognition or credit. They serve because compassion is part of their DNA—part of how God created them—to love others as Christ loves us.

It is in that spirit that Catholic Charities of South Mississippi established the Ann Rivera Faith Through Service Award to recognize a high school senior who lives as a quiet servant of Christ and shares their faith through kindness and service to others. This recognition was created to honor the memory and service of our friend, Ann Rivera, who spent 18 years helping people from all walks of life through her work at Morning Star.

Like the hymn reminds us, “life can be so lonely when nobody cares… but if we give ourselves time and again the happiness of Christ will live within.” Ann lived these words. She was a passionate advocate for the unborn, but just as passionate about helping those already living outside the womb. Her mission, never preached, but shown through her actions, was to unsure that everyone she encountered knew the love of Christ and knew they were worthy of that love.

Through simple acts of compassion, she saved countless lives simply by loving others as Christ loves us. She was a true example of living our faith through service until the Lord called her home unexpectedly in 2014. There is no doubt that she has encountered so many people in Heaven that she helped lead there.

It is my honor today to present the 2026 Ann Rivera Faith Through Service Award and Scholarship to Nicholas Arguelles from Nativity BVM Cathedral. Nicholas had 10 recommendation letters written by people across his life. They all described him as a “servant leader” and one described him as a “Doer of the Word”. They described how he gently brings others to Christ through dedication, compassion, humility, reliability, and simple love for neighbors of all ages. He lives the Gospel out loud and would probably be shocked to know that so many people take notice. His JR ROTC instructor summed it up by saying that Nicholas lives the words of St. Peter “Be shepherds of God’s flock that is under your care, watching over them-not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be, not pursuing

dishonest gain, but eager to serve; not lording it over those entrusted to you, but being examples of the flock.” Congratulations Nicholas.”

The Saint Timothy Award is presented to youth who are actively seeking to develop a deeper relationship with Jesus Christ and His Church. These youth have given of their time, talents, and spiritual gifts in making their parish youth group strong in faith and their community. This year, we have seven outstanding teens being recognized for this award.

Ashlyn Johnson – St. Thomas the Apostle, Long Beach

Our first St. Timothy Award Recipient is Ashlyn Johnson. Ashlyn is a senior at Long Beach High School. She has been a member of Spirit Movers, was on this year’s Search Team, served on the LIFT retreat team in the kitchen, and consistently part of her youth program since middle school. Ashlyn has participated in the life of the parish well beyond the youth ministry program.

At school, she is involved in Student Council, National Honor Society, Bearcat Buddies, FCA, Beta Club, and a member of the Long Beach dance team. Ashlyn was recently inducted into the Long Beach High School Hall of Fame. Outside of academics and the Diocese she is an outstanding member of society belonging to the Mayors Youth Council and volunteering at Camp Awesome, Blood Drives, and Relay for Life.

Her Youth Minister says “ Ashlyn models true discipleship not only through her words but her actions. She consistently demonstrates compassion, humility, and a desire to uplift those around her.”

Her dance teachers talk about her work ethic and her example of what it means to give one’s time talents and spiritual gifts for the glory of God.

A core team member remarks that Ashlyn, “genuinely seeks the face of Christ and desires a deep relationship with Him, and in doing so, she gently and authentically invites others to journey with her.”

Dale Smith – Our Lady of Fatima, Biloxi

Our next St. Timothy Award Recipient is Dale Smith. Dale is a senior at Biloxi High School and has served faithfully in his youth group and parish. He is a member of the Spirit Movers and also served on the Search team. He is a commentator, lector, and usher, and often gives his time to help distribute meals, assisting Ladies Auxiliary and volunteers with Knights of Colombus. In addition, Dale loves to share the love of God as a small group leader for 6^th grade boys and being on leadership team for Teen ACTS. Dale has a natural ability to lead with both maturity and humility, creating space for meaningful encounters.

Outside of his youth group activities, he has been a dedicated student. He is captain of the soccer team, a member of national honor society, key club, and many other school clubs and activities. Dale was recently inducted into the Biloxi High School Hall of Fame.

One youth director remarks the ways in which he lives like his confirmation saint St. Aloysius saying “Dale lives with his eyes fixed on Jesus and strives to share that love with everyone.” He does not shy away from the depths of faith, and is always ready to share his encounters with Jesus.

His parish priest shares, “that Dale is endowed with so many gifts that greatly contribute to the growth of evangelization mission of the Church.”

Dale builds genuine relationships rooted in trust, prayer, and honest conversation. After attending Franciscan LEAD he returned to his parish with renewed confidence and commitment to discipleship.

Laila Ladner – Sacred Heart, Dedeaux

Our next St. Timothy Award Recipient is Laila Ladner, a senior at Hancock High School. She has been a consistent member of Life Teen and goes above and beyond to serve her youth group. She has held several leadership roles in her parish youth group and she is also a member of the Diocesan Spirit Movers and Search Team.

She is involved in many extracurriculars both in school and in her community. Laila serves as student body vice president, a member of beta club, Spanish honors society, and Hancock youth Leadership academy.

About 6 months ago Laila was in a very serious car accident and it is a true gift to have her here with us today. Many have noted that through that tragedy she faced it with grit, perseverance, faith, and determination.

The DRE at her parish says, “she has a way of making others feel comfortable. She is attentive to the needs of others around her.”

Her principal stated that, “she leads not for recognition but from conviction. Laila consistently demonstrates a deep and genuine faith, a servants heart, and a respect for others that reflects the very virtues Saint Timothy embodied.

Laila has taken the example and witness of her family and grown in discipleship even accompanying friends as they enter the Church. The impact she has had at such a young age only speaks volumes as to what she will do in the future.

Addison Ladner – St. James, Gulfport

The next St. Timothy Award Recipient is Addison Ladner a senior from St. Patrick High School. She has participated in the life and ministry of her parish since she was young and has grown in her leadership serving as a lector, usher, and gift bearer, for the Life Teen Mass. She is selfless and courageous in sharing her faith.

Through her high school career, she has taken a rigorous schedule of advanced classes and will graduate with high honors. She is involved in National Honor Society, Catholic Athletes for Christ, Student Council, Students for Life, an Emerald Ambassador, the ONLY senior on the Lady Irish Basketball team, and a member of campus ministry. Outside of school she is a member of Gulfport Mayors Council and Cotillion Club.

A core member says, “when he thinks of service and commitment Addy always comes to mind. Her kind, consistent approach to service has been a source of inspiration to many. Addy has a unique, gentle, and very intentional spirit as she carries out her ministry.

Many have made the note that despite Addison have celiac disease her desire to receive Jesus in the Eucharist has been a witness to many around her. She brings Jesus with her to Mass so she can enter more deeply the prayer and sacrifice of the Mass.

Addy approaches every opportunity with humility, compassion, and a genuine desire to help others. Her campus minister says that Addy’s relationship with Christ is beautiful and is a witness to her faith by her actions.

Vince Vorrath – Our Lady of the Gulf, Bay St. Louis

The next recipient of the St. Timothy Award is Vince Vorrath, a senior at St. Stanislaus. He is an active member of her youth group and parish. He is always the first to volunteer, the one inviting others in, or the one with the ideas. Vince is a lead altar server, helping to train new altar servers, and serves on the parish cleaning team. He is a leader amongst his peers, he sets the tone for an event or life night—he brings a joy and lightheartedness while also maintaining a desire to go to the depths of faith.

He is part of the Rock band, member of swim team, honor society, and a decorated scout earning the rank of Eagle Scout. This year Vince served on the diocesan SEARCH team.

His Pastor says, “what most distinguishes Vince is the authenticity of his faith. He lives the Gospel in his daily life, treating others with kindness and respect, and encouraging fellow young people to grow in their relationship with Christ.

His campus minister notes that, “Vince is extremely faithful, intelligent, responsible, generous with his time and talents, and a silent leader through his actions.”

Mentioned by many is his quiet leadership and his strength to fight back against the culture in his everyday life. His perseverance in running the race is inspiring to his peers, teachers, and fellow parishioners. As said my his youth minister, “Like St. Timothy, he is dependable, teachable, and opent o guidance, yet bold when called to step forward.”

Joseph Morgan – Holy Spirit, Vancleave

Our next St. Timothy Award Recipient is Joseph Morgan. Joseph is a senior at Vancleave High School and has served faithfully, since childhood, in his youth group and parish. He has been in the choir since he was a kid, served as an altar server and lector and was recently inducted into the Knights of Columbus. Joseph has also led his parish first communion retreat the last 4 years and is a consistent volunteer and his parish’s Lenten fish fry. On a diocesan level Joseph has been a spirit mover for the past 3 years and has attended many retreats.

Outside of his youth group activities, he has been a dedicated student. He is a member of national honor society, student council, DECA, Mississippi Tech Masters, and the basketball team.

A teacher of his remarks that in planning a school mission trip, Joseph, immediately came to mind because, “He has a genuine faith that shines through in whatever he does, especially through his servant ministry mindset.” His faith is not merely something he practices—it is the foundation from which he lives.

A parishioner shares she, “has watched him mentor younger members with a great joy and an abundance of patience.” And it is a witness to all members of the Church.

From freshman year at boys retreat to senior year attending SEARCH, Joseph has an excitement to be fully involved in his faith.

William Wright – St. Peter the Apostle, Pascagoula

Our final St. Timothy Award Recipient is William Wright, a senior at Resurrection High School. Will has been a member of the Spirit Movers for 3 years, was on Search Team, and a vital part of his parish. He has served as CYO president, Captain of the Saints Praise Team, Vice President of Jr. Knights of Peter Claver, a lector, server, usher, and a member of the choir.

At school, his involvement is just as extensive as his parish. Will is a member of Key Club, National honor society, choir, track, soccer, football, and the campus ministry team. He gives back to his community with disaster clean ups, backpack buddies, and giving of his time at St. Vincent de Paul and St. Peters community closet.

His Saints sponsor says, “He consistently demonstrates a high level of responsibility, integrity, and willingness to go the extra mile in everything he does.

Serving his parish since he was 5 years old, Will has showed that you are never too young to show your love for God and his confirmation sponsor remarks he has only grown stronger in that love and the desire to share it with others.

A peer of Wills says, “He is the person everyone in our youth group looks up to. Always ready to help and make sure everyone feels included and valued…he creates a welcoming environment” just by the way he lives his faith.  

The Companion on the Journey Award is presented to adults who have accompanied our youth on their path to discipleship. This annual diocesan award is given to select adults for their long term commitment to youth ministry in their parish or diocese. These adults have given more than their time. They have been consistent examples of their Catholic faith, as well as shown leadership and service both to and with the young people they serve.

Linda Hebert – St. James, Gulfport

Our Companion on the Journey recipient is Linda Hebert. She has given 17 years of service to the young people of the church. She lives out her mission to “make heaven crowded” with unwavering dedication and conviction, approaching her ministry with purpose and perseverance. Through her “seal the deal” meetings she truly cares for each teen, especially those receiving confirmation, to accompany them to enter into the sacrament and understand the depths of the graces received. Apart from being Director Religious Education she serves as a church liaison, extraordinary minister of the Holy Eucharist, Cantor, Diocesan school advisory board, and the building committee at St. James, to name a few. 

The youth director from her parish stated, “She recognizes the vital importance of catechizing both young people and their parents and has a genuine passion for teaching the Catholic faith.”

A fellow Core Member writes, “she mentors, encourages, guides, and often quietly carries the burdens that come with caring deeply about the faith of the next generation. The work she does and the care in which she does it goes far beyond a title or job description and truly comes from the heart.  

Her pastor stated, “Linda has a servants heart. She is a disciple of Jesus Christ and I have been inspirited by her dedication to ministry.”

A member of her youth group commented, “Her words are always filled with encouragement, love, joy, and so much support and she has helped me strengthen my faith tremendously.” She and I immediately connected and her love for the lord was tangible. Some of my favorite memories come from simply sitting next to her on a bus traveling across the country talking about life, faith, and what it means to be a daughter of God. She was always there.”

Because of her service members of the church, young, old, families and everyone in between have a stronger foundation for a life that is destined for heaven and Linda works to make heaven crowded.