Two St. Bede School students were recent winners in the Father Lawrence Essay Award Program. Kailey Cullen and Lisa Urquiza were among seventh and eighth grade students who submitted essays about the value of their Catholic education and provided evidence of extensive community service. The award is named after the late, very popular, young associate pastor Father Lawrence Signey who resonated with students at the local Catholic elementary (K-8) school. He died prematurely of cancer several years ago after serving as pastor of St. Robert Bellamine in Burbank. Each year the Italian Catholic Federation branch at St. Bede the Venerable Roman Catholic Church in La Cañada Flintridge conducts the competition at the school. Mark Mannarelli is the branch chairman for scholarships and awards.
Cullen is a very active student who aspires to attend the United States Air Force Academy after she graduates from Flintridge Sacred Heart Academy where she will attend in the fall. She is an avid softball player, runs cross-country, and loves to read the classics with her favorite being “The Catcher in the Rye.” Cullen also volunteers at Children’s Hospital LA.
Lisa Urquiza, who also received an award, was not able to attend the presentation.
Submitted by Al RESTIVO