Each spring the Young & Young Adult Ministry Office coordinates our annual Archdiocesan Leadership Celebration! This is an opportunity for parishes to recognize leaders in youth ministry from around our archdiocese, including both young people, as well as adult volunteers. The Leadership Celebration is a wonderful way for parishes to publicly acknowledge the witness and sacrifices their young people and volunteers alike make in being leaders, good examples, and disciples within their parish, and to celebrate the joys and fruit of their ministry programs!

The St. Timothy Award is the highest recognition a Catholic young person can receive from the youth ministry community in the United States.  It is given annually to nominees from the Archdiocese of New Orleans who exhibit an example of Catholic leadership and service both in their parish, and to the larger Archdiocesan and local communities (Mark 10: 42-45).

When nominating young people from their parish, Youth Ministers/Pastors look particularly for individuals who meet the following criteria:

• High school seniors who will be graduating in the spring of the current academic year
• Demonstrate Gospel values through service to others 
• Live as Disciples of Christ, setting a positive example for others
• Witnesses to their faith by exhibiting Catholic morals and integrity 
• Exhibit exceptional leadership on the parish, school, Archdiocesan, and local community levels

Past Award Recipients:

2017 - Christopher Arroyo - Our Lady of Lourdes, Slidell; Bradley Bouton- Mary, Queen of Peace; Halle Briede - St. Francis Xavier; Anna Katherine Broussard - St. Anselm; Michael Delesdernier - St. Angela Merici; Emma Duckworth - St. Benilde; Ryan Guillot - St. Catherine of Siena; Travis Himel - Our Lady of Perpetual Help, Belle Chasse; Lucy Hood - St. Dominic; Amber Lupo- Our Lady of Lourdes, Slidell; Kenneth Morris - St. Anselm; Tanner Olsen - Our Lady of Perpetual Help, Belle Chasse; Katie Pomes - St. Christopher the Martyr; Mia Robertson - St. Raymond/St. Leo; Jake Theriot - St. Clement of Rome 

2016 - Hailey Caminita - St. Charles Borromeo; Kaitlin Daily - Holy Name of Jesus; Alex Hassinger - St. Angela Merici; Sarah Hassinger - St. Dominic; Reagan Hightower- Mary,Queen of Peace; Teresa LaCour, St. Clement of Rome; Adam Landrieu - St. Dominic; Les Levy, Jr. - St. Clement of Rome; Dominic Lincole, Our Laddy of Perpetual Help, Belle Chasse; Elden Patrick Newburger, St. Francis Xavier; Ryan O'Rourke - St. Christopher the Martyr; Trenton Pittman - St. Peter, Covington; Olivia Thompson - St. Matthew the Apostle; Joey Troia - Most Holy Trinity

2015 - Regina Lowe - St. Angela Merici; Shelby Burkholder - St. Benilde; Asia Satcher - St. Mary of the Angels; Ariel Aguilar - Visitation of Our Lady; Jenna Cambias - St. Matthew the Apostle; Abby Ponthier - St. Andrew the Apostle; Angele Guidrey - St. Martha; Katherine Rose - St. Mary Magdalen; Nicholas Judge - St. Benilde; Mary Grace Kelly - Our Lady of Lourdes, Slidell; Mia Reed-St. Maria Goretti; Alisse Guerra - St. Dominic; Jillian Wohlegemuth - St. Christopher; Dylan Allen - St. Jane de Chantal; Malik Gibson - St. Peter Claver; Abigail Olsen - Our Lady of Perpetual Help, belle Chasse

2014 - Noella Balint, St. Pius X; Abbey Hollingsworth, St. Petr, Covington; Caroline Papa - St. John of the Cross; Andrew Benfaatti - St. John of the Cross; Jackson Loup - St. Jane de Chantal; Victoris Sawyer - St. Maria Goretti; Garrett Boyd - Our Lady of Perpetual Help, Belle Chasse; Mason Pearcy - Our Lady of Lourdes, Slidell; Nicholas Tamplain - Ascension of Our Lord, Laplace; Evan Young - Mary Queen of Peace; Megan Henshaw - St. Peter, Covington; Connor Ackerman - Holy Family, Franklinton; Amanda Aubry - St. Raymond/St. Leo; Megan LaCour - Divine Mercy; Patrick LaCour - St. Clement of Rome; Nolan Lambeert, Jr - St. Dominic; Renee Junot - St. Andrew the Aposotle 

2013 - Ka'Cell El-Mansura - St. Mary of the Angels; Sarah Chester - Sacred Heart of Jesus, Norco; Jessica Ragas - Most Holy Trinity; Matthew Cheramie - Holy Family, Luling; Joelle Lorenzo - St. Rita, Harahan; Julia Delesdernier - St. Angela Merici; Reuben Hogan - St. Joseph the Worker; Ashley Bran - Holy Guardian Angels Mission; Michael Morton - Ascension of Our Lord; Cydni Ward - St. Joseph the Worker; Gillen Briede - St. Francis Xavier; Roy Messina - St. Andrew the Apostle; Scott Cabes, Jr. - St. Dominic; John Guerra - St. Pius X; Samantha Eshleman - St. Benilde; David Miranda - St. Clement of Rome; Rosemary Jones - St. Maria Goretti; Brad Giacone - Divine Mercy

2012 - Bonnie Dupre – Divine Mercy; Katie Drez – St. Angela Merici; Kerstin Augillard,- St. Paul the Apostle; Katherine Hymel - Holy Family; Reid Frances, St. Peter; Courtney Mesman - St. Mary Magdalen; Megan Schmidt,- St Charles Borromeo; Lauren Landry – Blessed Sacrament/St. Joan of Arc; Peyton Palermo – St. Dominic; Marissa Ramsey – Divine Mercy; Devin Camese – St. Joseph the Worker; Abbey Hotard – St. Matthew the Apostle; Keeyan David – St. Joseph the Worker; Alex Gasser – St. Dominic; Joshua Bartholomew – Blessed Sacrament/St. Joan of Arc; Elizabeth Steen – St. Angela Merici

2011 - Jason Britsch – St. Rita; Jean Dever – Divine Mercy; Nicole Delesdernier – St. Angela Merici; Daniel Gruner – St. Peter, Covington; Madeline Janney – St. Philip Neri; Bradley Jouty – St. Joan of Arc, Laplace; Emily Koehler – St. Edward the Confessor; Emily Laurent – Ascension of Our Lord Clare Messina – St. Andrew; Olivia Naquin – St. Charles Borromeo; Thomas Nash – St. Peter Claver; Peter Newton - St. Luke; Erica Reed – St. Raymond/St. Leo; Jacquelyn Saunee – St. Angela Merici; Nicole Thonn – St. Luke; Lauren Westholz – St. Benilde

2010 - Lauren Allen – St. Jane de Chantel; Amelia Benefatti – St. John of the Cross; Helen Bloodworth – St. Joseph the Worker; Christine Carmen – Sacred Heart of Jesus, Norco; Rebecca Dahl – Divine Mercy; Michael Gervais – St. Angela Merici; Ajani Gibson – St. Peter Claver; Glenn Gilyot, Jr. – St. Maria Goretti; Bradley Hollingsworth – St. John of the Cross; Kyle Houston – St. Peter Claver; Katie Hymel – St. Charles Borromeo; Alexis Moliere – St. Joseph the Worker; Ben Sanchez – St. Joan of Arc; Emma Stieffel – St. Dominic; Molly Strain – St. Dominic; Devon Watts – St. Peter Claver; Ellen Yokum – St. Andrew the Apostle

2009 - Travis Caballero - St. Christopher; Sean Bramley – St. Luke; Karlette Sullivan – St. Joseph the Worker; Sydney Smith – St. Dominic; Tyler Loga – St. Andrew; Kelsey Bradbury – St. Mary Magdalen; Madelyn Westholz – St. Benilde; Amanda Bieganowski – St. Benilde; Alexander Wolff – St. Angela Merici; Bryan Cooper – St. Joseph the Worker; Kaitlyn Loyacano – St. Jane de Chantel; Surgeon Troost – Divine Mercy; Gabrielle Aubry – St. Raymond / St. Leo; Felicia Boucree –St. Peter Claver; Jailin Wells – St. Peter Claver; Julia Quebedeaux – Our Lady of Perpetual Help

2008 - Martin Aucoine – St. Matthew the Apostle; Gabrielle Freels – St. Peter Claver; Christopher Heneghan – St. Clement of Rome; Stephen Merritt – St. Andrew the Apostle; Olivia Lynn Bourgeois – St. Martha; Caroline Schulin – St. Dominic; Jared Rodrigue – St. Charles Borromeo; Erin Williams – St. Raymond/St. Leo the Great; Justin Perry – St. Catherine of Siena; Joanthan Coote – St. Benilde; Christopher Keys – St. Maria Goretti; Brittany Puyau – St. Cletus; Melissa White – St. Charles Borromeo; Christopher Lazarine- St. Elizabeth Ann Seton
  
2007 -  Sarah Denny – St. Benilde; Jonathan Hodge – St. Andrew; Candace Rodriguez – St. Dominic; Daniel Quebedeaux – Our Lady of Perpetual Help; Elizabeth Fall – St. Matthew; Alecia Bloodworth – St. Joseph the Worker; Marcy Champage – St. Clement of Rome; Danzel Square – St. Augustine; Sarah Ault – St. Matthew; Caitlin Switzer – St. Dominic; Lauren Trigo – St. Charles Borromeo; Lauren Scullin – St. Elizabeth Ann Seton

2006 - Melissa Failla, St. Ann; Kirbye Sullivan, St. Joseph the Worker; Jeffrey Schott, St. Dominic; Erin Hulin, St. Elizabeth Ann Seton; Benjamin Key, Our Lady of Divine Providence

[Recipients between 1996 and 2005 received the award under the name "Eagle of the Cross Award"]

2004 - Andrew Watley, Blessed Francis Seelos; Ashley Meyn, St. Elizabeth Ann Seton
Christian Rodriguez, St. Dominic; Beth Palmisano, St. Rita, Harahan; Robert Lazarine, Jr. St. Elizabeth Ann Seton; Courtney Lambert, St. Dominic; Donald Jones, Jr. St. Philip the Apostle; Brittany Huguet, Mary Queen of Peace; Jennifer Campbell, St. Francis de Sales; Jared Alfred, St. John of the Cross; Brandi Bradley, St. Charles Borroemo

2003 - Jeremy Smith, Our Lady of Perpetual Help, B.C.; Eric Kennedy, Holy Family, Franklinton
Robin Hotard, St. Matthew the Apostle; Brandi Ferrer, Our Lady of Lourdes, Violet; Tiffani Shuman, St. Elizabeth Ann Seton; Amy Schulin, St. Dominic; 
Daniel Green, St. Philip the Apostle; Amanda Thomas, St. Matthew the Apostle

2002 -  Maggie Frentz, St. Catherine of Siena; Jene Davies, St. Rita, Harahan; Kristen Abbondante, Ascension of Our Lord; Kyle Sanders, St. Edward the Confessor; 
Rebecca Gibbons, St. Dominic; Brittany Scott, St. Matthew the Apostle; Claire Pivach, Our Lady of Perpetual Help, B.C.; Paula Ann Henry, St. Joseph the Worker; Adam Schackleton, St. Catherine of Siena; Paul Demma, St. Matthew the Apostle; Jude M. Evans, St. Maria Goretti

2001 - Meghan Lobrano, St. Dominic; Nicole Carter, St. Maria Goretti; Travis Clark, St. Mary Magdalen; Elizabeth Brugier, St. Louis King of France; Garrett Fried, Prince of Peace
Shannon O’Flynn, Prince of Peace; Amy Tang, St. Martha; Jessica Haydel, Mary Queen of Peace; Laura David, St. Anselm; Ryan Torres, St. Charles Borromeo; Timmy McCaffery, Jr. St. Mary Magdalen; Krissy Goldman, St. Andrew the Apostle; 
Laura Cancienne, Our Lady of the Lake; Matthew Charles, St. Mary Magdalen

2000 - Jamie Asher, St. Robert Bellarmine; Mindy Martin, St. Peter, Reserve; Rebecca Stansbury, St. Matthew, River Ridge; Bernie DeSantis, St. Catherine of Siena; 
Kyle Richard, St. Martha; Brett Vanderbrook, Mary Queen of Peace; Brett Perrier, St. Rita, Harahan; Sarah Weber, St. Joan of Arc, Laplace; Brittany Brooks, St. Joan of Arc, Laplace; Rachel McAlister, Our Lady of Perpetual Help, Kenner; Chris Gross, Our Lady of Perpetual Help, Kenner

1999 - Lynnsey Belsome, St. Charles Borromeo; Jason Brauninger, St. Charles Borromeo; David Frantz, St. Rita, Harahan; Amanda Huling, St. Matthew the Apostle; Philip Landry, Our Lady of Perpetual Help; Stephen Pivach, Our Lady of Perpetual Help, B.C.; Matthew Tortorich, St. Matthew, River Ridge; Heidi Bergeron, St. Charles Borromeo; Christian Boatwright, Holy Guardian Angels

1998 -  Toni Flad, Our Lady of the Lake; Amy Palmisano, Holy Guardian Angels; Edwin Sorina, Jr. St. Maria Goretti; Julie Larkin, Our Lady of Perpetual Help, B.C.

1997 - Larry M. Flad, Our Lady of the Lake; Shane Mabry, Holy Guardian Angels; Karen Perronne, St. Matthew the Apostle; Leonard Zanders, Our Lady of Lourdes, N.O.

1996 - Cherie Haydel, St. Rita, Harahan; Jamie Landry, Our Lady of Perpetual Help, B.C.; Jason Tonglet, Our Lady of Perpetual Help, B.C.; Matthew Sharpe, St. Cletus

[Recipients prior to 1996 received the award under the name "Outstanding Youth Award"]

1995 - Anthony Behan, St. Edward; Sarah Pivach, Our Lady of Perpetual Help
1994 - Tyrell “Ty” Maneri, St. Cletus; Lydia Gambel, St. Catherine of Siena
1993 - Robert Camenzuli, St. Catherine of Siena; Bridget Foss, St. Catherine of Siena
1992 - Thomas Harold, St. Catherine of Siena; Julie Bourgeois, St. Charles Borromeo
1991 - Jeff Lionnet, St. Catherine of Siena; Melanie Bouquet, St. Matthew the Apostle
1990 - Keith Adams, St. Benilde; Jeanette LeCarpentier, St. Rita
1989 - Lee Hicks, St. Christopher ; Kimberly Adams, Our Lady of Perpetual Help, BC
1988 - Chris Arnone, St. Andrew the Apostle; Jennifer Roberts, St. Andrew the Apostle
1987 -  Kevin Drawe, St. Benilde; Melinda McCoy, Resurrection of Our Lord
1986 - Joey O’Connor, St. Christopher; Pamela Doskey, Visitation of Our Lady
1985 - Albert Babin, St. Catherine of Siena; Karen Kittrell, St. Andrew the Apostle
1984 - Eddie Rudiger, St. Christopher; Michelle Duhe, St. Rita, Harahan
1983 - Brian Whelan, St. Andrew the Apostle; Jeanne Vedros, St. Anthony, Gretna
1982 - Garth Hernandez, St. Rosalie; Elizabeth Whelan, St. Andrew the Apostle
1981 - Peter Lloyd, St. Agnes; Debbie Young, St. Clement of Rome
1980 - Charles Ferrara, St. Mary Magdalen; Robin LaGrange, St. Rosalie
1979 - Chris Young, St. Rita; Denise Taulli, St. Mary Magdalen
1978 -  John Bertucci, St. Mark; Monika Bordes, Annunciation, Bogalusa
1977 - Steve Klimczak, Annunication, Bogalusa; Pamela Rivers, Holy Guardian Angels
1976 - Mike Trahan, St. Francis de Sales, Houma; Lisa LeCompte, St. Francis de Sales, Houma
1975 - Steve Guidry, St. Francis de Sales, Houma; Yvonne Marie Legrand, Our Lady of the Rosary
1974 - Charles Major, Holy Guardian Angels; Penne Oliver, Annunciata, Houma
1973 - Oral J. Orgeron, St. Rosalie; Regina Cavignac, St. Edward the Confessor
1972 - Burke (Jay) Brooks, St. Raphael; Laverne Woods, St. Raymond
1971 - Steve Heffker, Annunciata, Houma; Sheila Brummet, St. Matthew the Apostle
1970 -  Billy Steen, St. Dominic; Jo Ellen Bernard, St. Lawrence
1969 - Kenneth Levine, Resurrection of Our Lord; Melanie Thorn, St. Matthew the Apostle
1968 - Louis J. Develle, III, St. Leo the Great; Pam Babin, St. Joseph, Thibodaux
1967 - Gary Barrilleaux, Immaculate Conception, Marrero; Louise Coon, St. Philip Neri
1966 - Wilbert Adams, St. Catherine of Siena;  Susan Folse, St. Dominic
1965 - Ray J. Barrilleaux, St. Agnes; Mary Myrle Hammer, St. Bernadette, Houma
1964 - Henry John Daries, Jr., St. Catherine of Siena; Linda DiMarzio, St. Dominic
1963 - Gerald Thompson, St. Gabriel the Archangel; Cathy Bucher, St. Andrew the Apostle
1962 - Joseph Barocco, St. Rita, Harahan; Linda Ann Bouregois, Our Lady of the Rosary
1961 - Richie Henry Miron, Incarnate Word; Jean Mary Majoue, St. Leo the Great

This award was named to honor Mr. Matthew Hill, who served the young people of the Archdiocese of New Orleans for many years as the Director of CYO Athletics for the Youth & Young Adult Ministry Office. This award is given to one young man and/or one young woman in the Archdiocese who serve as an example of Christian sportsmanship both on and off the playing field, and have demonstrated leadership qualities specifically as part of the CYO Athletics Program. 

• Current high school student.
• Active in their parish's overall youth ministry program.
• Demonstrated leadership qualities as part of the CYO Athletics Program
• Lives as an example of Christian sportsmanship on and off the field/court.

Blessed (soon to be Saint) Pier Giorgio Frassati lived a short life of only 24 years, but spent his days living passionately and selflessly, and lived as an outstanding witness to the Gospel message as a young adult. He was dubbed by St. Pope John Paul II as “a man of the beatitudes.” He spent much of his time growing in faith, striving for holiness, and actively serving the needs of the Church in his community.
 
This award was created to recognize a young adult who has been significantly active in ministry in their community, or a person who has made a significant contribution to Young Adult Ministry in the Archdiocese of New Orleans through ministries, apostolates, and outreach that bring youth and young adults of this area into a deeper relationship with Christ and involvement with the Church.  

Past Recipients:

2025 - Claire Gallagher - St. Clement of Rome
2024 - Noella Small - St. Ann
 
[No recipients of this award between 2019 and 2023]

2018-  Mr. & Mrs. Bradley Jouty
2017 - Mr. Johnny Blancher
2016 - Abbot Justin Brown
2015 - Linzi Conners, Dr. Ansel Augustine
2014 - Rev. Emile "Buddy" Noel, Walter Hernandez
2013 - Rev. Anthony Bozeman, S.S.J., Mr. Nicholas Albares
2012 - Kurt Bindewald, Keely Stockman
2011 - Sr. Renee Daigle, MSC, Rev. John Lyndon, OP
2010 - Michelle Seghers, Tiffany Martin
2009 - Vincent Liberto, Lisa McClain, Lynne Dardis Pesce

Mr. Ray Mock spent most of his adult life working among young people.  He was a teacher, coach, official at thousands of athletic contests, and the first full time athletic director for the Archdiocese of New Orleans Youth & Young Adult Ministry Office, which he served as for 27 years. His own dominating interest was the wholesome development of all youth according to their highest Christian principles.

When this award was created, the Youth & Young Adult Ministry Office of the Archdiocese of New Orleans strongly felt two things about Ray Mock and his lifelong dedication of youth. First, that his contribution to the youth of the greater New Orleans area was far more than only to members of Catholic youth ministry groups: it was to all youth of the area regardless of race or creed.  Secondly, what he did for these young people should be remembered in some permanent way.  For these reasons the Youth & Young Adult Ministry Office established the Ray Mock Award, which was presented annually to a man and/or woman, regardless of race, creed or color, who has made a significant contribution to the youth of the Archdiocese of New Orleans.

Past Recipients:

2019 - Diane Kratochvil
2018 - Mr. & Mrs. Chris Baglow
2017 - Mrs. Michelle Seghers
2016 - Mr. John Smestad, Jr.
2015 - Mrs. Bennetta Cannon Horne; Brother Gerald Meegan, SDB
2014 - Mr. Floyd Bonneval
2013 - Mr. Remy Jones
2012 - Ms. Andrea McBride Bocage; Sr. Ann Marie Kim-Khuong, FMSR
2011 - Mrs. Janeen Rodrige
2010 - Mrs. Cecilia Matherne
2009 - Mrs. Barbara Link; Mrs. Brenda Bocage   
2008 - Mrs. Marilyn Meyn; Rev. John Arnone
2007 - Mr. Duong “Frank” Bui; Mrs. Lynn Ekstrom
2006 - Mrs. Jacquelyn Daniels; Mr. Armand Bertin
2005 - Mrs. Janet Guillory
2004 - Ms. Elizabeth Ann Joubert; Mr. Vincent Guider   
2003 - Mr. & Mrs. Sal Bertucci
2002 - Ms Denise Theriot
2001 - Mr. Sid  Zeringue
2000 - Mr. Steve Bruno
1999 - Mr. & Mrs. Larry Flad, Jr.
1998 - Mrs. Nedra Cassard
1997 - Mrs. Audriana Quintana
1996 - Mr. Louis Reed
1995 - Mr. Barry Tyler
1994 - Mr. Matthew E. Hill
1993 - Mr. Terry Manieri
1992 - Mr. Kenneth Hassinger
1991 - Mr. Wayne Lobell
1990 - Rev. Msgr. Francis G. Boeshans; Rev. Msgr. Gerard W. Poche
1989 - Mr. & Mrs. Joseph Matherne
1988 - Mr. & Mrs. Ronald Higgins
1987 - Mr. William (Bill) Steen
1986 - Mr. & Mrs. Louis Champagne
1985 - Mr. & Mrs. William Schule
1984 - Rev. Msgr. Preston J. Marquette
1983 - Miss Florence Kane
1982 - Mrs. Dolores Bertrand
1981 - Mr. William Rappold
1980 - Mr. Eldon Durand
1979 - Mrs. Vernon Weiss
1978 - Mr. & Mrs. John Dalton
1977 - Rev. William M. McCallion
1976 - Rev. Msgr. Patrick J. Quinn; Rev. Msgr. Arthur T. Screen
1975 - Mr. John DeFuentes; Mr. Felix Chetta
1974 - Most Rev. Philip M. Hannan
1973 - Mr. James E. Fitzmorris, Jr.
1972 - Mr. Ellis P. LaBorde
 

The 2026 Leadership Celebration Nomination Packet will be emailed to youth ministers/pastors in the early spring of 2026. We encourage you to prayerfully consider throughout the year who is deserving of being nominated in the spring! Please ensure you contact information is up to date with our office prior to the end of 2025.