Class of 201222Mariah Davis is a strong young woman. She works hard in all that she does. She enjoys singing and writing as well as hanging out with friends. She knows herlimitations as well. She is like many <strong>Marian</strong> girls in this way.<strong>Marian</strong> is committed <strong>to</strong> empowering confident, independent, thinking leaders. Mariah is an excellent example. She shows off her leadership skills as a memberof <strong>Marian</strong>’s Worship Choir, which leads the student body in song at monthly liturgies. She also sings in her church choir on Sundays. Mariah likes <strong>to</strong> show herschool spirit with confidence by cheering on her classmates at <strong>Marian</strong> athletic competitions, where many of her friends are showcasing their individual talents.She is a thinking <strong>Marian</strong> girl in and out of the classroom. In the classroom, she works hard <strong>to</strong> learn new material and keep good grades, and outside of theclassroom, she never forgets that it is important <strong>to</strong> also have time for herself.When asked how she says “YES” <strong>to</strong> God’s plan for her, Mariah explained, “I am 100 percent open <strong>to</strong> new experiences, people and things. I do not judge a bookby its cover. We are all different, and that is what makes us special.”Mariah knows that if she is a good friend, welcomes others, tries her hardest and remembers that even she can’t do it all, she is living out God’s plan for her.“I know that God’s plan for me is simply that I be the best me I can be; that will always be true,” says Mariah. “I know God smiles when he sees me stand upfor my beliefs, branch out and try new things and take some time for myself. As I grow and learn new things, the path I am on might change, but if I am true <strong>to</strong>myself, I am always living in His name.”
Class of 2010 Award recipients (back row, left <strong>to</strong> right): Claire Townley, Lisa Gehring, and Kathleen Borghoff (front row): Samantha Koraleski, Brianna Baca, AmandaSchumacher, Noelle Mapes, and Rachel Witt<strong>Marian</strong> <strong>High</strong> <strong>School</strong>’s staff recognized nine members of the Class of 2010 at <strong>Marian</strong>’s SeniorHonors Day, on Tuesday, May 13, 2010. These students were honored for their tremendous effortsin leadership, service and academics.Noelle MapesService AwardNoelle Mapes is the embodiment of <strong>Marian</strong>’s six Core Values. Asa Service Award recipient, the Core Values Service, Compassion,Community and Spirituality were truly front and center in hereveryday life. Noelle served the <strong>Marian</strong> community as a memberof the Ministry Council, where she planned and led <strong>Marian</strong> classretreats and monthly all-school liturgies. Noelle made a difference inthe Omaha community as a Big Sister, by tu<strong>to</strong>ring elementary schoolstudents and working on Operation Others. She was part of a team ofstudents who coordinated a dance for Haiti Disaster Relief. In all ofthese roles, Noelle’s compassion for others was evident.<strong>Marian</strong>’s other two Core Values, Empowerment and Leadership, alsoeminate from Noelle. She displayed her leadership skills as captain of<strong>Marian</strong>’s Varsity Dance Team and as a senior member of the SpeechTeam. She earned her classmates trust and respect and was electedas Class Officer all four years at <strong>Marian</strong>. In addition, Noelle was avalued member of the Cross Country Team and the 2010 Networkstaff. Noelle was described as a gentle leader, a strong-willed student,a hard worker and a ray of sunshine on a cloudy day.Noelle is studying at Villanova University.Claire TownleyMistress of Ceremonies 2010It takes a special girl <strong>to</strong> be selected as Mistress of Ceremonies for<strong>Marian</strong>’s commencement. The young woman must be well-rounded,organized, grounded, humble, a hard-worker and a born leader.With that said, there was only one girl who was fit for the job: ClaireTownley.Claire was deeply involved in Campus Ministry activities, fromretreat leader <strong>to</strong> alter server <strong>to</strong> Eucharistic Minister of HolyCommunion. She participated in the Institute for Latin AmericanConcern immersion trip <strong>to</strong> the Dominican Republic and was amember of the Operation Others Leadership Team. Both experiencesimpacted her faith-life in meaningful ways. By helping those inneed, Claire grew closer <strong>to</strong> God. She is a humble leader who enjoysgiving back and never asks for anything in return. However, <strong>Marian</strong>recognized Claire’s innate ability <strong>to</strong> lead and serve with the MarieGuyot Leadership Scholarship.Claire was also a member of numerous honor societies and was anaccomplished writer. She is a well-rounded young woman, with interestsin art, running, journalism and volunteering throughout the community.Claire just completed her first semester at Bos<strong>to</strong>n College.23