Montini Catholic proudly congratulated this year's Pax Christi Instrument of Peace Award recipient from their Class of 2023. The prestigious award was announced on Friday, May 19th, during the Lasallian college preparatory high school's Founder's Day ceremony.

This year's Pax Christi Instrument of Peace Award went to senior Sara Severin. "Each year, this esteemed award recognizes a Bronco student who has devoted themselves to God by working in the Lasallian tradition to serve others and to build a heritage of faith in the community," said Montini Catholic President Jim Segredo. 

“Sara is one of kindest and most intelligent students that I have had the pleasure of working with," said Ms. Alexxis Johnson, Student Government moderator. "She is a true leader, not only in Student Government, but in our Montini community. Sara works hard to make sure that everyone's voice is heard and all opinions are shared. She leads our Executive Board meetings each week, attends all of the Student Government sponsored events, and is conscious to collaborate with our underclassmen to get them involved in Student Government."

Sara, Valedictorian of Montini's Class of 2023, is headed to the University of Illinois (Urbana Champaign) this fall to pursue a career in Biology. She was also honored as a St. Pope Paul VI Award recipient at Founder's Day. It is her dedication to service to Montini students and the Montini Catholic family as a whole that earned Sara the Pax Christi Award. 

She most recently earned Bronco Student of the Month accolades for May (her second during her time as a Bronco) for being a very enthusiastic, involved and inspiring Bronco. She served as Student Government President her senior year and devoted her time as a Peer Minister (core team member) her junior and senior years. She was a member of Yearbook and Mental Health Clubs as well as a member of the Montini Maniacs (spirit team). She was also a member of the Volleyball Team and kept the Bronco community updated and informed as their Social Media Manager.

Academically, Sara is a member of Montini's Spanish Club and Honor Society and was inducted into the National Honor Society during her junior year. She was most recently named a Bronco Academic All Star - which involves attaining a 3.95+ GPA throughout her high school career. She has earned the President’s Gold Award for Academic Excellence and is an Illinois State Scholar, a prestigious recognition, given annually by the Illinois Student Assistance Commission, honoring the academic achievements of high school students from across the state. 

"We are so honored to present this award to Sara," said President Segredo. "She truly exemplifies the Christ-centered leadership qualities we need here at Montini and in the world."

Image above:  Sara with Montini's Assistant Principal Sara Lhotka on Founder's Day