Madison, WI — Sarah Moreland has become synonymous with dedication and service within the Society of St. Vincent de Paul (SVdP) Youth Service Council, in Madison, Wisconsin. Sarah was nominated for the 2024 Vincentian Excellence Awards by her conference coordinator Gayle Westfahl. Sarah Moreland’s nomination for the Young Vincentian Award is a testament to her unwavering dedication and compassionate heart. Serving as Conference Spiritual Advisor, her blend of kindness, thoughtfulness, spirituality, and infectious enthusiasm has made a profound impact on her peers, standing as a shining example of the Vincentian spirit in action, motivating others to live purposefully and compassionately.
Although she originally joined SVdP because her sister was a member first, she was driven by her family’s financial struggles and her personal commitment to supporting post-secondary education. Sarah joked, “I got started because my sister forced me to, but the deeper reason was that my family has always been below the poverty limit.” Homeschooled and struggling with dyslexia alongside four out of her five siblings, Sarah’s journey is marked by resilience and a desire to help others overcome similar challenges. “I love serving people. It brings you out of yourself. It is so much fun and has just been really, really fruitful in my life personally,” Sarah shared. This passion is evident in her leadership of the council’s service projects and scholarship program, which not only provides financial assistance for students’ education and basic needs but also extends support to their families.
Sarah’s role as the spiritual advisor for the Madison SVdP Youth Service Council has been pivotal. For the past two years, she has provided meticulously prepared reflections that consistently inspire and uplift the entire group. Gayle Westfahl, the council’s coordinator, emphasizes, “The quality and spirit behind Sarah’s reflections far exceed that of the majority of adult SVdP conferences.” In her role as spiritual advisor, Sarah emphasizes the connection between love for others and one’s willpower. She shared a memory from Veggietales that resonates deeply with her philosophy of service and leadership, “I can love because God loves me. I can give because God gave. Jesus’ love is why I’m smiling. Why I’m giving everyday.” Sarah has found leading others to be a beautiful and enriching experience, often sharing quotes and passages for reflection and discussion in small groups. Her approach encourages personal growth and a deeper connection to faith, fostering a supportive and inspiring community within the council.
Beyond her official duties, Sarah has demonstrated remarkable initiative by organizing a poverty simulation involving the cast of a musical she participated in. This initiative not only showcased her ability to integrate service into her personal interests but also highlighted her creativity in engaging others in meaningful experiences that promote empathy and understanding of social issues.
Sarah is set to attend the University of Iowa this fall, where she will study speech and hearing sciences, focusing on American Sign Language. She credits her decision to Sister Kara Davis, a Daughter of Charity and speech therapist, who has been a significant influence in her life. Despite her busy college schedule, Sarah remains committed to her involvement with the St. Vincent de Paul community, reflecting her unwavering dedication to service.
Sarah’s alignment with the mission of St. Vincent de Paul is evident in every aspect of her service. Her maturity, positivity, and depth of faith reflect a genuine empathy for others’ struggles and a sincere desire to alleviate them. Through her actions and interactions, Sarah exemplifies the Vincentian values of compassion, service, and solidarity, making a lasting impact on those around her. Her leadership within the Madison SVdP Youth Service Council has not only inspired her peers but also paved the way for continued positive influence in the community and beyond. As she continues to grow and serve, Sarah Moreland is not just a nominee for the Young Vincentian Award; she is a beacon of hope and inspiration, embodying the values of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul.