Youth

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Celebrating Our 2026 Youth Vincentian Excellence Award Winners
Celebrating Our 2026 Youth Vincentian Excellence Award Winners 2000 2500 SVDP USA

By Zoie Roghair, Vice President of the SVdP USA YYAEL Committee

The 2026 Young Vincentian Excellence Awards were an amazing opportunity to find Youth and Young Adults across the United States committed to the Vincentian charism, and I was blessed to help interview the nominees and write their bios. The awards were created to recognize and encourage outstanding leadership, service and commitment to the values of St. Vincent de Paul among young members. By shining a light on these dedicated individuals, the awards aim to inspire others to embrace and advance the Vincentian mission in their communities. Although I was unable to attend the National Assembly due to my college volleyball season, it was great to get to know the nominees virtually, beginning in June, and help select our 2026 Young Vincentian Excellence Award Winners.

Emerging Leader Award: Alex Moynihan is from Redmond, Washington. She is the founder of the beginnings of a Youth Conference at St. Jude’s in Washington. The spirituality of the personal encounter captivated Alex and was one of the many reasons she wanted to become a Vincentian. However, she noticed one thing about her Conference life — there were no other Youth or Young Adults at the table. This observation led her to recruit and reach out to many of her peers, inviting them to join the mission of St. Vincent de Paul. She said, “I love getting my friends involved, whether they are from my church or not. I think it’s a great opportunity for them to really make meaningful change.”

Youth Award: Sisters Julep and Iris Rasmussen are from Biloxi, Mississippi. The girls began volunteering at the food pantry in 2023. Now 10 and 9 years old, the girls continue to find joy and fulfillment in serving friends in need in their community. Over the past three years, the sisters have diligently served at the food pantry every Tuesday they could and encouraged their classmates and friends to join them. With their commitment to showing up and serving at the food pantry, Julep and Iris have also encouraged other members to bring their grandchildren to help.

As we celebrate these young leaders, I encourage all members to look for ways to support and mentor Youth and Young Adults within your own Conferences and communities. Your encouragement can make a lasting difference in nurturing the next generation of Vincentians. Whether by inviting young people to participate, sharing your experience or helping foster Youth-led initiatives, everyone can help strengthen the Vincentian mission for years to come.

 

 

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06-26-25 A Letter From Our Servant Leaders
06-26-25 A Letter From Our Servant Leaders 1200 1200 SVDP USA

Mentoring

When I think of mentoring, several people come to mind depending on the stage of life I am reflecting on. Did I recognize at the time their impact on my life? Not often. Did I ever see myself moving into the role of mentor? No, and “What would I have to offer?” was typically the response I had. Little did I know the plans God had for me. Do you find yourself thinking something similar when you see the word mentor or when you are asked to take on a leadership role in SVdP?

To begin, I ask you to reflect on shared experiences.

Growing up, did you willingly enter into acts of service? Like me, it may have depended on the type of service. In my youth, I somewhat willingly took on tasks like making meals and canning vegetables. These tasks, much like mentorship, were significant and integral to the functioning of our household. On the contrary, I strategically stacked dishes on the counter with no intent to wash them, understanding the importance of my duty but purposely prolonging the process of actually washing the dishes. Whether mentorship to you is more like reluctantly washing dishes to me, I hope you can relate and understand the significance of your role in it.

I continue to ask you to reflect on shared experiences. How do your words line up with your actions and how does that affect your role as a mentor? I tend to hurry and quickly want results, yet I tell my children to take a peaceful approach to life. How have I tried to mitigate this somewhat reckless approach in my actions vs my words that seem to have the opposite meaning? My approach — intentionally reflecting on scripture before the rest of the household comes alive. I love mornings and the joy that comes with a new day, like unlimited potential, anticipation for what God has planned for me, and the peace of God-centered direction that comes from this routine. Intentionality is vital and that relief of busyness comes in service to others and the providential relationships I encounter daily. How well you know your talents or needed areas of improvement may determine your ability to provide mentorship.

We look to Youth, Young Adults and Emerging Leaders (YYAEL) to embrace this humble servant leadership vocation we live as Vincentians, but how to make that a reality is the burning question. We all have a place for this need, even if youth are already active in your local SVdP. We all want authentic and humble leaders to effectively guide our efforts locally and must work to achieve that desired outcome. Sound familiar?

This is where the last part of YYAEL provides a workable solution — the Emerging Leaders Team (ELT). Vincentian experiences and opportunities in leadership at a national level. ELT allows for growth in spirituality and friendship through service designed for our YYA members. I think a few things will help us connect YYA with our existing, more familiar Conference Life. Ultimately, we want to kindle the Vincentian flame rooted in Catholic ethos and the love of putting others first and ourselves last, or what I consider a lifelong Vincentian mentality.

With this in mind, here are three things to consider:

  1. The first consideration in aiding YYA (Youth and Young Adults) is to assess yourself and be honest with what you discover. Be willing to explore the tough topics and uncomfortable parts of life. If you can openly share your areas of improvement, YYA will see your authentic approach and guidance as something worth considering. I learned quickly to be who I am, and God will handle the rest. I am not in control, so why try to hide all my frailties? YYA need an honest approach to being a Vincentian, which can be achieved through authentic mentorship. 
  2. Second, surround yourself with “good” people. Who are your people, your circle, or those closest to you regularly — daily, weekly, monthly? When I step back and see through a providential lens, I can see how people may fit into my life. I know the relationship with this person is a means of growing closer to who God has called me to be through service to others. I process the challenges and find ways to continue or mend the relationship. At times, I need as much guidance as I feel called to provide under the label mentor. Again, receiving the ebb and flow of the relationship with this person directly seen as an angel from God, I can See the face of Christ and Be the face of Christ through mentorship.
  3. Third, schedule a time to connect. Again, ask yourself a series of questions to gauge your commitment. What amount of time do you want to invest in a potential relationship? Are you willing to allow for flexibility in scheduling? Will you tolerate or address the possible frustration of last-minute cancellations, delayed responses, or meetings on the fly? When we start any relationship, time is needed to establish a routine that allows for flexibility and honesty. This approach can make me uncomfortable, but the reward outweighs the uneasiness if I let God lead.

With YYA, the same approach can lead to a lasting relationship. It may be a longer or shorter time of discernment. What happens in that space of time? Hopefully, mentorship ignites, and a desire to walk with this person is kindling. You allow for the ups and downs of interacting, assessing the demands of life, and ultimately working through these distractions that impede our relationship with God. I find myself sharing the dos and don’ts of life with my children in hopes of them avoiding some of the same pitfalls of selfishness, loneliness, and an overall lack of faith I experience when I am not in alignment with God’s will.

That is our directive for being a member of the Society — growing in holiness. What better way to do it than walking with our YYA as they embark on the changes in these life stages. I am guessing most of us have a few pointers worth sharing. The wisdom of our fellow Vincentians is not tied to age or other demographics. It is tied to our encounters. Conversations that involve both parties listening and hearing one another that make a lasting impact. I learn many things when I take my motives out of the equation, in turn providing a service to others and tending to the spiritual aspects of that relationship. Intentionality, self-awareness, and honesty surface as the means to friendship through mentorship.

These are not hard and fast things to follow when considering a mentorship role with someone. Instead, I see these ideas as a way to start the process and allow God to develop that exact path as you encounter one another as Vincentians. Like our friends in need, when I focus on the encounter offered with mentorship vs. the material help, desired outcome, or number “helped,” I find myself enjoying and adapting to the journey instead of wanting to finish the ride.

May you, too, see value in mentorship with those you have been called to serve in this way. Listen, hear, reflect, and stay the course. Are we not already mentoring someone in one way or another? We are Vincentians, and it seems to be a key to our growing in holiness. I know I have much to learn and continue to receive the fruits of being an unlabeled mentee to some pretty great Vincentians who might not identify as mentors, but you are to me. So thank you, S, C, M, J, K, D, A, R, Z, C…and now you have “The Rest of the Story. Good day!”

 

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In the Spotlight: Young Vincentians John Paul and Francis Brissette
In the Spotlight: Young Vincentians John Paul and Francis Brissette 500 500 SVDP USA

JOHN PAUL AND FRANCIS BRISSETTE GREW UP IN RHODE ISLAND WATCHING THEIR MOM WORK WITH HER LOCAL SVDP COUNCIL. Learning about Blessed Frédéric Ozanam was an inspiration for the brothers.

“Frédéric founded the Society of St. Vincent de Paul when he was just a student,” Francis says. “He and his friends ignored people who said young people couldn’t make a difference and they got to work serving the poor.” Motivated by Ozanam’s example, John Paul and Francis helped start “Necessities for Neighbors” through the SVdP Rhode Island Council. Youth volunteers fill bags with essential items like soap and shampoo, and a handwritten note of encouragement. These bags are distributed by Vincentians on their Home Visits to individuals and families in need.

“We saw how SVdP Vincentians throughout America share the same heart for service.”

But the brothers wanted to do more. “We had a unique set of skills to offer SVdP,” John Paul says. “We could help spread their message
more effectively on social media, especially to people of our generation.”

The brothers’ @Franchismo10 account was already well-established on TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube, and their creative videos regularly garnered millions of views. “We partnered with SVdP USA to highlight their work on social media,” Francis explains. “We pretty much lived on a plane for a year and a half, visiting Councils around the country and telling their stories to an online audience.”

The brothers knew they could help SVdP, but they had no idea how much they would learn along the way. “We saw how SVdP Vincentians throughout America share the same heart for service,” John Paul says. “But communities are unique, and it was incredible to see each Council tailoring its activities to meet the specific needs of their neighbors.”

“In Arizona, we helped Vincentians hand out water, something our Conference in Rhode Island doesn’t do,” Francis continues. “But that was a pressing need for that community. In Baltimore, they offer culinary lessons to help people build skills for employment. We saw firsthand how SVdP Councils have the flexibility to do what is necessary for the people they serve.”

Though they’re relatively young, John Paul and Francis are long-time Vincentians — “It was our dream!”— and are working to connect
young people to the organization. John Paul was recently given the SVdP Youth Service award and is Vice Chair of his Conference.

“There is a misconception that today’s youth won’t get involved,” Francis says, “but our generation is passionate about developing creative solutions to meet the needs of those around us. People our age need to be invited to share their time and talents. We can’t write big donation checks, but we can carry boxes of supplies up three flights of stairs!”

“SVdP gave us a reason to serve,” John Paul says. “We saw the face of Christ in all the Vincentians we worked with, and we want to share that opportunity with our peers. Christ calls people of every age to put their faith into action by serving their neighbors in need.”

YOU CAN SEE THE BROTHERS’ VIDEOS ON INSTAGRAM, TIKTOK, AND FACEBOOK AT @SVDPUSA AND @SVDPRI.

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Youth from Around the World Gather in Lisbon for World Youth Day 2023
Youth from Around the World Gather in Lisbon for World Youth Day 2023 640 480 SVDP USA

Once every three years, youth and young adult Catholics from around the world come together to celebrate World Youth Day, a worldwide encounter with the Pope. WYD is open to all young people who want to take part in a festive encounter centered on Jesus Christ together with their peers. It is an opportunity to personally experience the universality of the Catholic Church, and to share with the whole world the hope of many young people who are committing their lives to Christ and His Church.

This year’s World Youth Day was held in Lisbon, Portugal.

“WYD 2023 with Pope Francis truly showed how universal the Catholic Church is. People from around the world, speaking different languages, different nationalities, and cultures came to WYD with one commonality — God being our Father,” said John Paul Brissette, a member of the National Youth Committee. “Just being in the city with millions of young Catholics praying, praising, and signing was a sight and a feeling I will never forget. Although we may be speaking different languages, we are all saying the same thing.”

“My favorite part of the World Youth Day experience was being able to visit the Basilica of Our Lady of the Rosary of Fatima in Fatima, Portugal,” said Luna Mata, Development and Communications Coordinator for SVdP Dallas. “Visiting the place where our Blessed Mother stood and taught us so much was incredibly humbling and beautiful.”

In collaboration with World Youth Day, the International Society of St. Vincent de Paul took the opportunity to gather its young people together in celebration of the Vincentian Charism. This gathering was called The International Vincentian Youth Meeting (ICYM) and the theme was “I am neither from here nor from there, but from wherever God wants me to be.” The theme was inspired by a sentence from St. Vincent de Paul to the Daughters of Charity in 1634. 

As part of these celebrations, the U.S. Council sponsored a number of Youth and Young Adults to travel to Portugal and participate in these special events.

“Before we attended World Youth Day, we had the privilege of attending the Vincentian Family Gathering where we had the opportunity to share our Vincentian Charism with other Vincentians from around the world,” said John Paul. “We discussed common struggles Vincentians face and tried to work toward solutions together. The weekend was filled with friendship, services, and spirituality.”

“We followed in Mary’s footsteps with ‘haste’ throughout World Youth Day, so ending with this spiritual blessing and joy from our Mother was incredible,” said Luna.

We are so blessed that the SVdP U.S. National Council was able to be a part of this experience. It was a transformative experience for all the young people who participated. They returned with renewed zeal for their Catholic faith and those that attended on behalf of SVdP have a renewed dedication to the Vincentian mission. God bless all who participated!

The next World Youth Day will be held in Seoul, South Korea in 2027.

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Final Winner of Youth Award Announced!
Final Winner of Youth Award Announced! 470 640 SVDP USA

This year, the National Youth Committee hosted a Society-wide search for young people doing amazing work in their community. Vincentians from around the Country nominated youth from their Councils for the new Alice Garvey Excellence in Youth Award which will be presented at the National Assembly in Baltimore.

The committee would now like to spotlight the winners of this prestigious award. “Each and every single one of our nominees we have shared with you over the last few weeks displayed hope for the future of the Society. Youth from all over the country are doing amazing acts of charity on behalf of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul,” said John Paul Brissette, National Youth Committee Member.  “Although they were all deserving of this award, two nominations stood out. The winners of this award showed how they are embodying the Vincentian charism of faith, friendship, and service in their daily lives through the works they do. The Youth Committee is proud to introduce you to the first of our two winners.”

The Youth Committee hopes the stories of each youth spotlighted over the last few weeks has encouraged and motivated you to inspire youth to get involved in your local Diocese.

Brandon Patrick Davis — San Antonio Southwest Texas Council

In the middle of the pandemic (2020), Brandon Patrick Davis, began a campaign called Find Five Friends for the Society of St. Vincent de Paul. When Brandon learned about the Society of St. Vincent de Paul. He was moved by the story of Frédéric Ozanam and how he started SVdP with the help of his friends. In the spirit of Frédéric Ozanam, he felt called to do something. Brandon called five of his friends from different Catholic schools and asked them to join him on a Zoom call to see how they could help people in need. It was during the call that Brandon created the campaign Find Five Friends. The campaign formally launched in June of 2020. This group of Catholic freshmen began asking other Catholic youth in San Antonio to each find five friends that could give $5, 5 cans of food, and recruit 5 more friends to help the SVdP. Brandon felt that even if he and his friends couldn’t be together in person, they could use the power of social media and “going viral” to support people suffering. The campaign is still going today. It has even caught the attention of two local universities and they are planning to meet with Brandon to see if they can bring Find Five Friends to their college campuses.

Brandon’s hope is that Find Five Friends will become a national movement (with the help of the national office) and more young people will learn about the great works of SVdP in their community and in communities across the world. Brandon is now a sophomore at Antonian College Preparatory. He has become the campus spokesperson for SVdP and even presented on the works SVdP. Brandon has also shared the story of Frédéric Ozanam to ten local Catholic elementary, middle, and high schools in an effort to recruit students to serve. It is our Council’s recommendation that Brandon Patrick Davis be considered for the Alice Garvey Excellence in Youth Award. He not only embodies the Vincentian charisms of spirituality, friendship, and service…he is calling others his age to live out these charisms as well.

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First Winner of Alice Garvey Excellence in Youth Award Announced
First Winner of Alice Garvey Excellence in Youth Award Announced 640 320 SVDP USA

This year, the National Youth Committee hosted a Society-wide search for young people doing amazing work in their community. Vincentians from around the Country nominated youth from their Councils for the new Alice Garvey Excellence in Youth Award which will be presented at the National Assembly in Baltimore.

The committee would now like to spotlight the winners of this prestigious award. “Each and every single one of our nominees we have shared with you over the last few weeks displayed hope for the future of the Society. Youth from all over the country are doing amazing acts of charity on behalf of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul,” said John Paul Brissette, National Youth Committee Member.  “Although they were all deserving of this award, two nominations stood out. The winners of this award showed how they are embodying the Vincentian charism of faith, friendship, and service in their daily lives through the works they do. The Youth Committee is proud to introduce you to the first of our two winners.”

The Youth Committee hopes the stories of each youth spotlighted over the last few weeks has encouraged and motivated you to inspire youth to get involved in your local Diocese.

Mia Humphrey – San Diego Diocesan Council

Mia Humphrey served her Conference, St. John Mini Vinnies, as the president two out of the five years the Conference has existed. I heard that the “aging Society” needs to provide opportunities for our youth, and let them stand on our shoulders to see what more can be done. With Vincentians like Mia, I see that we can provide them with spiritual guidance, and allow them to do the great things God is calling them to do.

In 2018, Mia began her service by attending the SVdP National Assembly in San Diego and she went all in from there. During this time, her father had just passed away. Mia was strong in supporting her mother and brother. Mia’s energy, positive attitude, and passion are testament to her strength. Mia is stronger than many many adults I know. In the midst of this personal struggle, she supported and nourished her Mini Vinnies to grow. Mia was responsible for her Conference’s “Yarn Hearts” project. The Mini Vinnies created hearts out of yarn to provide to adults to give out on Home Visits. Each heart came with a handwritten message of love attached.

Mia is an excellent role model and has been instrumental in bringing youth to the Conference and keeping them engaged. During the Covid months, when face-to-face meetings were limited, Mia led her Conference through these challenging times and continued to meet each first Friday on Zoom in spirituality, friendship, and service. When the Society was informed of a pregnant woman in need, Mia jumped at the opportunity to help plan a baby shower for the mother over Zoom and provide beautiful gifts for the new baby. In addition to keeping our parish’s Mini Vinnies together, Mia has welcomed the challenge of inviting other youth from nearby parishes to open similar groups.

Mia graduated high school this spring and is excited to start college in the fall, she looks to carry on her Vincentian passion at the University of Portland. She embraces all the Vincentian qualities. She is positive, generous, humble, gentle, zealous, loving, and fun. She has strong leadership skills, and happily serves anyone in need. The Vincentian charisms of spirituality, friendship, and service are an integral part of her daily life and this is why I nominated Mia Humphrey for the Alice Garvey Excellence in Youth Award.

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Next Nominee for Youth Award Announced
Next Nominee for Youth Award Announced 2560 1280 SVDP USA

This year, the National Youth Committee hosted a Society-wide search for young people doing amazing work in their community. Vincentians from around the country nominated youth from their Councils for the new Alice Garvey Excellence in Youth Award which will be presented at the National Assembly in Baltimore.

“As a committee, we were blown away by the number of submissions and the incredible projects these youth were doing on behalf of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul,” said John Paul Brissette, National Youth Committee Member. “Each week leading up to the National Assembly, we will be shining the spotlight on the nominees and their stories. Our goal is to encourage and celebrate our youth involvement in SVdP with excerpts directly written by those who nominated them.

This week, we would like to introduce our next nominee:

Amy Lee – Los Angeles

Amy started volunteering near the end of elementary school because her parents were already Vincentians. She began delivering food to homeless shelters. When Amy entered high school she became more engaged with the Society of St. Vincent de Paul. She began to encourage her friends to join and volunteer with her, she succeeded. Amy and her friends began collecting and delivering socks, shirts, pants, and daily necessities as well as serving the homeless at meal sites. In 2019, Amy attended a Vincentian retreat to grow in spirituality with her fellow Vincentians. Her service earned her the 2019 President’s Service Award. In 2021 she attended another Vincentian retreat as well as the San Pedro district annual meeting. I know she will be a member that will continue to volunteer in the future to the best of her ability that is why I nominate Amy Lee for the Alex Garvey Excellence in Youth Award.

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Another Round of Nominees Announced for Youth Award
Another Round of Nominees Announced for Youth Award 1728 864 SVDP USA

This year, the National Youth Committee hosted a Society-wide search for young people doing amazing work in their community. Vincentians from around the country nominated youth from their Councils for the new Alice Garvey Excellence in Youth Award which will be presented at the National Assembly in Baltimore.

“As a committee, we were blown away by the number of submissions and the incredible projects these youth were doing on behalf of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul,” said John Paul Brissette, National Youth Committee Member. “Each week leading up to the National Assembly, we will be shining the spotlight on the nominees and their stories. Our goal is to encourage and celebrate our youth involvement in SVdP with excerpts directly written by those who nominated them.

This week, we would like to introduce our first two nominees:

Kaitlyn Leder – St. Peter Conference Macomb, MI

In 2015, ten-year-old Kaitlyn Leder declared she wanted to join St. Vincent de Paul at St. Peter’s Church so she could help other people. So began her seven-year journey with us. Kaitlyn became an activist among her peers to build a poverty informed community. She approached the state representative for our district and convinced him to visit our pantry to witness our outreach initiatives to reduce the isolation of our neighbors and to help them find the tools to regain their financial and social comfort levels. Now a junior in high school, Kaitlyn continues to involve other students in our activities including organizing a Christmas food drive to benefit the pantry. We are proud of Kaitlyn for who she is and how she is selfless with her time and energy to serve the less fortunate. Kaitlyn embodies one of the goals of our ministry – to see the face of Jesus in those we serve.

Scotty Leonard – San Bernardino Needles SVdP

Scotty is a Freshman in Needles High School and is currently attending Special Education classes. Scotty understands that giving his love, his talent, and his time is more important than giving money. Scotty started volunteering in October 2021 and began working about 20 hours a month. Since and including January 2022, Scotty has worked between 80 and 100 hours every month, to date. In 2021, Needles St. Vincent’s provided a Thanksgiving Dinner and Christmas Dinner, to the entire community of Needles. We served over 600 meals on those two days with Scotty’s help. Young members keep St. Vincent’s young. Scotty sees with new eyes and is always looking ahead. A good leader must first learn how to follow, then he/she can lead. Scotty work experience with St. Vincent’s in the Needles, has exposed his true spirituality and respect for the poor. This has helped Scotty to grow as a leader.

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Next Round of Nominees Announced for Alice Garvey Excellence in Youth Award
Next Round of Nominees Announced for Alice Garvey Excellence in Youth Award 1728 864 SVDP USA

This year, the National Youth Committee hosted a Society-wide search for young people doing amazing work in their community. Vincentians from around the country nominated youth from their Councils for the new Alice Garvey Excellence in Youth Award which will be presented at the National Assembly in Baltimore.

“As a committee, we were blown away by the number of submissions and the incredible projects these youth were doing on behalf of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul,” said John Paul Brissette, National Youth Committee Member. “Each week leading up to the National Assembly, we will be shining the spotlight on the nominees and their stories. Our goal is to encourage and celebrate our youth involvement in SVdP with excerpts directly written by those who nominated them.

This week, we would like to introduce our first two nominees:

Aaron Wohlberg – SVdP St Charles Borromeo

Aaron has been a member of the St. Charles Borromeo St. Vincent de Paul Conference as a Mini Vinnie for two years. As a Mini Vinnie, Aaron has dedicated himself in service to the St. Vincent de Paul Society. As a Mini Vinnie Aaron has served our Conference in many ways. He has helped with the Backpack Program for two years. The Backpack Program provides weekend meals for 50 children in the Orchard

Farm School District. The Assistant Principal of Aaron’s school described Aaron as, “Willing to help wherever needed without being asked.” His Troop Leader describes him as, “Respectful and helpful to the older scouts and adult leaders.”

Kate Polakowski- SVdP St Andrew Conference of Sierra Vista, AZ

She has been involved in our St Vincent de Paul Council’s food drives, walks for the poor, Thanksgiving food basket distributions, and community food bank monthly commodities distributions. She serves the needs of the poor for 17 hours per week while completing her Associates Degree as a Certified Nursing Assistant. She puts into action in very many ways the Vincentian charisms of spirituality, friendship, and service.

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First Round of Nominees Announced for Alice Garvey Excellence in Youth Award
First Round of Nominees Announced for Alice Garvey Excellence in Youth Award 2560 1280 SVDP USA

This year, the National Youth Committee hosted a Society-wide search for young people doing amazing work in their community. Vincentians from around the country nominated youth from their Councils for the new Alice Garvey Excellence in Youth Award which will be presented at the National Assembly in Baltimore.

“As a committee, we were blown away by the number of submissions and the incredible projects these youth were doing on behalf of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul,” said John Paul Brissette, National Youth Committee Chairperson. “Each week leading up to the National Assembly, we will be shining the spotlight on the nominees and their stories. Our goal is to encourage and celebrate our youth involvement in SVdP with excerpts directly written by those who nominated them.

This week, we would like to introduce our first two nominees:

River Vogelsang — Diocesan Council of Phoenix

River Vogelsang is currently a freshman in high school. He first joined the Mini-Vinnies in fifth grade at his middle school and served as his Conference’s president for two terms. Under his leadership, his Conference doubled in size and expanded service projects and activities. They participated in food serving, ministering to the homeless, food drives, and much more. River was the featured speaker at two Phoenix Diocesan Council board leadership retreats. Last year, River represented his District Council at the National Assembly in Houston. His dedication and commitment to serving the poor has touched the hearts of many long-time Vincentians. Few people his age have so fully and ardently embraced the mission and works of the Society. In the endearing spirit of our youth, he quietly emulates the essential virtues of St. Vincent de Paul. You only need to meet River to know that he is a true Vincentian, and to believe that, because of his efforts, and those of his youthful compatriots likewise infused with Frederic’s zeal, the future of our Society will be in good hands.

Madeline McMillen — Columbia River District Council Southwest Washington

Madeline and her mother, Wendy, reached out to the Society when she was just 13. Since age 11, she had been collecting toys at Christmas to provide to non-profits for distribution. In 2018, she chose to collect toys for SVdP. In 2018, she collected 725 toys, but that number has grown each and every year. In 2021, she collected 972 toys, a record number. In the past four years, she’s collected a total of 3,319 toys to give away to 4,513 children in 1,657 families through the SVdP Christmas gift program. Madeline has a helpful heart and shows leadership, dedication and perseverance. She has brought so much joy to families during the Christmas season.

Be sure to see the e-Gazette each week leading up to the National Assembly for more nominee highlights!

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