Edgewood High School Presents the Annual

Samuel Mazzuchelli Award

Dominican High School Hosts Sr. Helen Prejean, CSJ 

^{Sr. Helen Prejean, CSJ, speaking at Dominican High School, reflects on her work against the death penalty.}

Earlier this spring, Dominican High School (Whitefish Bay, Wisc.) welcomed internationally recognized author and advocate for the abolition of the death penalty, Sister Helen Prejean, CSJ, for a day of reflection, dialogue, and encounter rooted deeply in the mission of Dominican Catholic education. 

Speaking to the entire faculty, staff, and student body, Sr. Helen shared the deeply personal story of how she went from knowing almost nothing about the death penalty to accompanying Patrick Sonnier as his spiritual advisor while he awaited execution on death row. With honesty and humility, her reflections brought listeners from her upbringing in Baton Rouge to her experiences as a student, religious sister, and advocate for human dignity. 

“Sr. Helen’s presentation was a powerful example of Dominican Catholic education in action,” shared Dominican High School President Leanne Giese. “As Dominicans, we are called to be voices for the unheard and advocates for the sanctity of all human life, from birth to natural death. We strive to encourage students to become compassionate change agents in society, and Sr. Helen is a remarkable example of someone who has dedicated her life to living out that mission.”

Joining the school community for Sr. Helen’s presentation were Dominican Sisters of Sinsinawa, clergy from local parishes, alumni, and parents, all who gathered to listen and reflect together. Earlier in the day, Sr. Helen met with more than 40 student leaders for lunch and conversation. Closing her remarks to the entire community, Sr. Helen praised the Dominican Catholic culture at the school saying, “I know tilled soil when I see it.” 

^{Sr. Helen Prejean, CSJ, spent time over lunch with student leaders, engaging them in thoughtful conversation about faith, advocacy, and justice in response to the signs of our times.}

^{Dominican High School graduate, Sydney Knautz, ‘26 is the inaugural winner of “The Sr. Helen Prejean Catholic Social Teaching Award.”}

The visit also became an opportunity for the school community to engage the Dominican pillar of study. Prior to Sr. Helen’s arrival, the entire faculty, staff, and student body read the recently released graphic novel adaptation of Dead Man Walking (Prejean and Vines, 2025) and discussed it within theology classes. Originally published in 1993 and adapted to film in 1995, Dead Man Walking continues to introduce new generations to questions of justice, mercy, reconciliation, and the dignity of the human person.



Inspired by Sr. Helen’s witness, Dominican High School announced the creation of a new senior honor: “The Sr. Helen Prejean Catholic Social Teaching Award.” The award “recognizes a graduating senior who embodies the Dominican pillars of prayer, study, community, and preaching; stands against injustice and exclusion; and serves as a compassionate role model for their peers.” Senior Sydney Knautz ‘26 (picture below) is the inaugural winner of the award. 



Dominican High School is deeply grateful to Dominican Sister of Sinsinawa, Mary Howard Johnstone, OP whose efforts made the event with Sr. Helen possible.



St. Agnes Academy–St. Dominic School Celebrates All-School Mass and Papal Blessing



St. Agnes Academy–St. Dominic School Celebrates Sr. Cathy Galaskiewicz, OP with Honorary Diploma 

Rosarian Academy Students Learn the Meaning of Communion Through Service to the Homeless

By Will Searcy, Director of Campus Ministry, Rosarian Academy

^{Rosarian Academy students gathered at church for their First Holy Communion celebration.}

Second grade students of Rosarian Academy (West Palm Beach, Fla.) prepared for first Holy Communion by assembling dental hygiene kits for the homeless. The project was sponsored by the South Florida Soup Kitchen ministry. As students prepared to receive Communion into the Body of Christ on May 3, 2026, they discussed what it means to live in communion with others. When asked, "What would you do if your friend didn't have a toothbrush?" students immediately voiced the dangers of not brushing one's teeth and said that they would give their friend a toothbrush to prevent tooth decay and cavities. Many recalled a class presentation from the "tooth fairy" in kindergarten, in which she warned of the perils of poor dental hygiene and were adamant about preventing such maladies. Through this simple understanding of serving one's friends in need, students were able to make a connection to serving the broader community as a part of the Body of Christ as well. Second graders learned that living in Communion meant treating everyone like their friends, and if they saw anyone in need, they should respond in just the same way they would respond for a friend. 

Having discussed and come to an understanding of why they were making dental hygiene kits, the second grade students were eager to begin. Despite their excitement, they worked together to form an assembly line in which every student took turns making dental hygiene kits until all the resources were exhausted. In total, the students made over 100 hygiene kits consisting of soap, toothbrushes, toothpaste, floss, and a towel. The students were proud of their work in making so many kits, and they were especially happy that they were able to help their friends in need.

Throughout the week, the second graders received a talk from the diocese's only consecrated virgin as well as a teenager discerning the priesthood. They prepared for the Mass and had Eucharistic miracles come alive thanks to the school's Hallow partnership and Hallow's Saints Alive series. By the time the students received the Eucharist for the first time, they did so with open hearts, excited to receive Jesus and to serve Him. Through their experience of their first Communion retreat and first Communion, the goal is to foster children's faith and relationship with Jesus. In encountering the face of Christ in those in need, whether it is a friend at school or on the other side of the counter at St. Ann's Place's homeless ministry, students have an opportunity to live their faith and experience the fullness of living in Communion. In so doing, they are able to contribute their irreplaceable part in the Body of Christ.

Rosarian Academy students assembling over 100 dental hygiene kits as part of their

First Holy Communion preparation and service project.

Find Something New on the Platform

The Dominican Educator Learning Community (DELC) connects teachers, staff, administrators, and board members of Dominican sponsored and legacy schools for exceptional professional faith formation opportunities in the Dominican, Catholic tradition. Click the links below to the DELC Platform and discover ways to pray, share, reflect, study, and collaborate in the spirit of Dominican charism.