This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.

Health & Fitness

Visitation Girls Receive Special Honor

Visitation senior Allison Dohnalek, eighth graders Grace Snyder and Julia Debertin, and fifth grader Grace Norris have received the DeChantal Award for Excellence. This award is bestowed annually to a student at each level of Visitation (Upper School, Middle School and Lower School) who exemplifies the ideal of a well-rounded individual and who represents those traits inherent in what Visitation School calls the “Portrait of a 21st Century Graduate.”

In selecting a recipient for this award, Visitation looks for a student who demonstrates religious character and values, academic and intellectual development, good citizenship and global responsibility, strong interpersonal relations, leadership, technological knowledge, and more.

According to the teachers who nominated Allison Dohnalek for the DeChantal Award, Allison “displays a diligence towards striving for academic excellence that is second to none. She always takes advantage of every opportunity to improve individual competencies.” In addition, “she supports her classmates with praise, kind words, and encouragement every day, and her positive interaction with teachers reflects her respect and appreciation for the learning opportunities provided here at Visitation.”

Grace Snyder’s nominees praised her as an exceptional student, athlete and musician. But it is her character that makes her so special. According to one of her teachers, “There isn't anybody she will not attempt to befriend, not anybody she will hesitate to comfort. Grace has and continues to be gracious, forgiving and loving in all the ways that matter.”

Julia Debertin was also commended for her generous spirit and cheerful, thoughtful presence. Nominees noted that Julia is “so kind to everyone and is full of cheerfulness. She is very thoughtful in everything she does.” In addition, “She goes out of her way to help people. She always cares about everyone” and “She is the kindest person that I know. Julia is the person I look up to. She has all the qualities of a leader.”

According to the teachers who nominated Grace Norris for the award, Grace Norris “is the type of friend you would like to have if you were in 5th grade and the type of student you long to have in your classroom and school if you are a teacher.” In addition, “Grace loves to learn and will not back down from a new challenge until she figures it out. When she does figure it out, she would be the first in the class to offer help to those students who are struggling.”

Visitation congratulates these young women on their achievements.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch?

More from Mendota Heights