Congratulations to the nominees and winners of the 2024 Young Vincentian Excellence Award!!
Four young members of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul were nominated for the 2024 Young Vincentian Excellence Award, which was awarded by National President John Berry at the National Assembly in August. It was wonderful to see all of them in Phoenix and get to hear about what they have done as members of SVDP!
Tyler Fung, Kendall McNeil, and Zoie Roghair were nominated for the youth award, and Sarah Moreland was nominated as a young adult. Coming from all over the USA, all 4 Vincentians are very involved with the Society and deserving of the honor. Each has their own unique story and accomplishments, which can be read about in their bios linked above.
Special congratulations to Zoie and Sarah, the winners of the 2024 award!! Zoie stands out as a member of an adult conference at home in South Dakota, where she goes on home visits and is committed to growing in her faith. Sarah, from Madison, WI, serves as the spiritual advisor for the Madison Youth Service Council. She is involved in poverty education and dedicated to serving others.
Congratulations to these inspiring young Vincentians!
Sarah receives the Young Adult award from National President John BerryZoie receives the Youth award from National President John Berry
Sioux Falls, SD — Zoie Roghair, known for her warm smile and peaceful spirit, has been a dedicated member of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul (SVdP) in South Dakota, since she was five years old. Although she is a young Vincentian, she is an active member in her local conference, and her exceptional commitment to service and her Christ-filled approach to helping others have made her a standout nominee for the 2024 Young Vincentian Excellence Award. Zoie’s ability to inspire others and her unwavering dedication to service embody the true essence of Vincentian values.
Zoie’s journey with SVdP began early, and over the years, she has consistently demonstrated a deep passion for the organization’s mission. Her involvement is extensive: she participates in conference meetings, helps organize events, and has been going on home visits for years. Zoie’s dedication to service is evident in her willingness to take on various tasks with cheerful enthusiasm, embodying the spirit of Vincentian values.
Zoie’s contributions to SVdP are varied and impactful. She assists with entering data into the conference database, ensuring the organization runs smoothly. Zoie has also taken on educational roles, presenting the history of SVdP during Ozanam Orientation and serving as a Spiritual Advisor. Her leadership skills are further demonstrated through her commitment to Servant Leadership, a philosophy she not only understands, but practices daily.
At just 17 years old, Zoie is involved in an adult conference. “There are no other youth in my area, just me and my brother.” Balancing school and other commitments is challenging, but Zoie makes her schedule flexible to attend meetings and events.Zoie expressed her enthusiasm for home visits, valuing the personal connections and spiritual support they offer. She loves going out on visits, and understands how important these encounters are in aiding our brothers and sisters in need, “meeting one-on-one, and meeting them where we are at.”
She shared her experiences and anticipation for an upcoming North Central Regional meeting. She enjoyed attending previous meetings with her mom, learning from older Vincentians and appreciating their stories.
What sets Zoie apart is not just her zeal for service but her commitment to personal growth and learning, all increasing her potential to make an even greater difference in the future. She constantly seeks new ways to contribute and improve, bringing back valuable insights and knowledge to benefit her conference and peers. This dedication to ongoing formation is a testament to her desire to serve God’s people wholeheartedly. Her journey is not just about past achievements but also about the promise of future contributions. As Zoie continues to grow and serve, she stands as a shining example of what it means to live a life dedicated to helping others.
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.
San Ramon, CA — Tyler Fung founded his Society of St. Vincent de Paul Youth Conference at his parish, St. Joan of Arc, in San Ramon, California. He is making significant contributions to his community through his leadership and commitment to his faith. Tyler embodies Vincentian friendship, spirituality, and service in all he does. His exemplary efforts have earned him a nomination for the 2024 Young Vincentian Excellence Award, highlighting his impact and dedication, even in his short time as a Vincentian.
Tyler is in pursuit of an Environmental Science degree at his local community college, but is currently a high school student. Tyler’s journey with SVdP began as a volunteer with the Society of St. Vincent de Paul District Council of Contra Costa, but his natural leadership skills soon set him on a mission to start a youth conference.
Tyler spent months planning with the adult conference at his parish, at St. Joan of Arc. A few months ago he officially started his youth conference with a group of friends. The conference aims to embody their mission statement of, “Being Christ for others, as Christ is for us.” They organize monthly service projects and strive to promote the Vincentian way among the youth in their parish. Tyler stated that, “Even if you are really busy, even if you think you have no talents, God always finds ways that you can help others. God gives everyone a gift and encourages us to use those gifts to serve others.”
Tyler’s involvement with SVdP spans a variety of programs designed to support those in need. At SVdP Lunch Rooms, Tyler helps prepare and serve meals to the hungry, ensuring that those who are struggling have access to nutritious food. His work at local thrift stores includes sorting donations, organizing items for sale, and interacting with customers, all crucial tasks that help fund SVdP’s charitable activities. In the shower program, Tyler provides essential hygiene services to the homeless, ensuring they maintain their dignity and health. Additionally, his participation in the Thanksgiving Dinner initiative, where he helps organize and serve meals to families, brings comfort and joy during the holiday season. He played a key role in organizing a poverty simulation event for faith formation. This event aimed to educate participants about the challenges faced by those living in poverty, fostering empathy and encouraging action within the community. When asked how he manages to stay grounded amidst his many commitments, Tyler replied, “I maintain focus by keeping in mind that people are counting on me and that I rely on help when things become overwhelming, as well as my prayer life.” Tyler stressed the importance of utilizing one’s unique talents to serve others. He shared how his approach had strengthened his relationships with family and neighbors. Tyler also discussed his motivations for volunteering at the food pantry and shower program, mentioning two significant experiences that left him feeling inspired and encouraged to continue his work.
Tyler shared, “One of the things that keeps bringing me back, was an experience we had while we were at the [SVdP Contra Costa’s] Shower Program.” Tyler and his friends asked one of the gentlemen who was going through a particularly rough point in his life if they could pray for him. Afterwards, he turned around and said, “Alright, now let me pray for you guys!” Tyler was shocked and touched because, “We never expected to get prayers; we thought we were giving them. It was a particularly powerful moment that keeps me coming back.”
Tyler Fung’s dedication to the Society of St. Vincent de Paul and his impactful contributions have not gone unnoticed. Although he is just getting started on his journey with the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, in his short time, he has already begun to lead and inspire. Tyler’s future in service and leadership looks exceptionally bright. As a young leader whose devotion to service and community has made a significant impact, his story serves as an inspiration for others to use their unique gifts to help those in need, embodying the true spirit of the Vincentian Charism.
Humphreys County, TN — Kendall McNeil was nominated for the 2024 Vincentian Excellence Awards by her conference coordinator Barbara Hooper. In Humphreys County, Tennessee, Kendall McNeil stands as a beacon of youth leadership and community service through her involvement with her Society of St. Vincent de Paul (SVdP) Youth Conference. Kendall has exemplified dedication, compassion, and a profound commitment to serving others all throughout middle school. Through food drives, toy collections, nursing home visits, and disaster relief for families affected by the floods in her community, Kendall fell in love with her Vincentian vocation.
Kendall’s journey with SVdP began during elementary school, where she enthusiastically participated in the youth conference. Her involvement in community outreach and prayer initiatives not only showcased her passion for helping others but also earned her admiration among peers and mentors alike.
According to Kendall, “It was during those early days that I realized the impact we could make by coming together and serving those in need.” Kendall shared her love for personal encounters. One of the experiences that impacted her the most was when, “there was a really big flood where we were at,” she continued, “we were able to go out and help them and pray for them, which was really nice.” Kendall also shared about how her elementary youth conference made monthly visits to a nursing home, and how fulfilling she had found it. “It was really sad to hear that they didn’t have anyone to visit them.” She enjoyed bringing the residents flowers and singing Christmas carols with them.
Kendall expressed that her three years of volunteering have contributed to her maturing in faith and helped her overcome her fear of public speaking.As Kendall transitions to high school, she has taken on the challenge of establishing a high school conference within SVdP. Collaborating closely with her conference coordinator, Kendall aims to create opportunities for fellow high school students in Humphreys County to engage in meaningful service projects and deepen their spiritual practice through prayer. Her initiative reflects her readiness to inspire and lead others in making a positive impact. She shares her vision: “I want to create a space where young people can not only volunteer but also grow spiritually and develop leadership skills that will benefit our community.”
Kendall’s journey is deeply rooted in her faith and values, which she demonstrates through her compassion, kindness, and leadership. She explains, “My involvement with SVdP has taught me the importance of compassion and kindness in serving others.” She envisions a future where young people in Humphreys County are actively involved in serving their community and fostering solidarity among peers. Kendall hopes to help other young people see the beauty of being Catholic. She feels that many young people don’t really know what being Catholic is or means, and she hopes to evangelize through her service and dedication to her faith.
Kendall McNeil’s story highlights the profound impact of youth leadership within SVdP. Her dedication to service and community engagement, coupled with her strong faith and vision for the future, serves as a testament to the values upheld by the Society of St. Vincent de Paul. Kendall’s journey from a youth member to an emerging leader underscores her ability to inspire others and create meaningful change within her community. As Kendall continues to pave the way for youth engagement in Humphreys County, her story serves as an inspiration to all who believe in making a difference through compassion and action.
