Ursuline seniors honored with UEN 2026 Student Service Awards

During Catholic Schools Week, and in conjunction with the Feast Day of St. Angela Merici on January 27, the Ursuline Education Network selected seniors Meredith Gordon '26 and Sophia Patz '26 among 20 Ursuline students nationwide to receive its 2026 Student Service Awards for their approach to service and leadership.

The annual UEN Student Service Award honors students from Ursuline schools worldwide who emulate St. Angela Merici's model of Serviam by placing the needs of others first and responding to those needs through meaningful action. According to the award citation, recipients demonstrate a "Christ-like approach" to service through outstanding contributions that reflect compassion, generosity, and commitment.

"During Catholic Schools Week, we celebrate students who have shown their commitment to Serviam with annual student service awards," said Peggy McCormick Platz, director of the Ursuline Education Network. "As St. Angela instructed her followers, ‘we have more need to serve than to be served.’"

Meredith and Sophia exemplify this call through service rooted in empathy and leadership. Their work reflects the Ursuline belief that service is not only an action, but a way of life. This understanding of service aligns closely with the spirit of International Serviam Day, when Ursuline schools across the globe unite in prayer, reflection, and action inspired by St. Angela's teachings.

"Meredith and Sophia live Serviam authentically. They see a need and respond with compassion, reflecting the heart of St. Angela’s teachings."
- Jennifer Schassler, service coordinator

"Meredith and Sophia live Serviam authentically," said Ms. Jennifer Schassler, service coordinator at The Ursuline School, who nominated both seniors. "They see a need and respond with compassion, reflecting the heart of St. Angela’s teachings." Before enrolling at Ursuline, Meredith attended Ridgeway Elementary and Eastview schools in White Plains. Sophia is a graduate of St. Joseph School in Bronxville.

As part of the selection process, each student submitted a reflective essay describing her service experiences and the ways those experiences have shaped her life and understanding of Serviam. UEN will feature recipient essays on its website throughout February, further highlighting student voices across the global Ursuline community.