You’re invited to join the CYM Office for the 22nd Annual CYM Recognition Dinner, where we celebrate the outstanding work that has been accomplished in all areas of ministry. It is a true honor and blessing to lift up those whose hard work may go unrecognized throughout the year, but who nevertheless contribute to the mission of the Church in spreading the Good News through all that they do. In addition, we encourage all parish and school leaders to consider nominating young people and adults for awards.
The dinner will take place on Wednesday, May 20, 2026, starting at 6:30p at Royal Prime Events in Bally’s Casino and Hotel, Dover, DE.
Any questions can be sent to catholicyouth@cdow.org.
Registration
Registration can be found here:
Dinner Reservations are due May 10, 2026
Award Winners 2026
St. Timothy Youth Award
The St. Timothy Youth Award is given to a high school youth who lives as a disciple of Christ, sets a positive example for others, witnesses to their faith by exhibiting Catholic morals and integrity, demonstrates Gospel values through service to others, and exhibits Christian leadership in parish, school, and/or community settings.
Hunter Curley – Holy Cross Church
Grace Coyle – Holy Cross Church
Armando Gines-Romero – Holy Rosary Parish
Diana Aguilar-Luna – Holy Rosary Parish
Andrew Ulmen – Immaculate Conception, Elkton
Kimberly Escalante Garcia – Immaculate Conception, Marydel
Katie Perez Galan – Immaculate Conception, Marydel
Ella McGeady – Immaculate Heart of Mary
Yohana Velasquez de Leon – Our Lady of Lourdes
Alondra Garcia-Martinez – Our Lady of Lourdes
Vesna Vuckovic – Padua Academy
Elena Sangemino – Padua Academy
Abner Murillo – Resurrection Parish
Charlotte Zolandz – Resurrection Parish
Nathaniel Peregoy – Sacred Heart Parish
Lilly Weisenfels – Saint Mark’s High School
Paula Abreu – Saint Mark’s High School
Tara Foley – Ss. Peter and Paul Church
Nicholas Angell – Ss. Peter and Paul Church
Angela Webb – Ss. Peter & Paul High School
Annie Albright – Ss. Peter & Paul High School
Maribella DiCenzo – St. Ann’s, Bethany Beach
Joann Cantoran – St. Dennis
Marijose Cantoran – St. Dennis
Noah Dzielak – St. Elizabeth Parish
Uruak Etteyit – St. Francis de Sales Parish
Camille McLaughlin – St. Francis de Sales Parish
Catherine Shaposky – St. Joseph on the Brandywine
Lucy Weinig – St. Joseph on the Brandywine
Isabella Mekulski – St. Jude the Apostle
Ella Dietz – St. Jude the Apostle
Kimberly Gudino Pena – St. Mary Refuge of Sinners
Osvaldo Hernandez Gervacio – St. Mary Refuge of Sinners
Jaliyah Mercado – St. Paul, Wilmington
Brianna Goldsboro – St. Polycarp
Clare Louden – Ursuline Academy
Sara Smith – Ursuline Academy
Volunteer of the Year Award
Each parish or school can name one adult (18 years of age or older and cleared for service in the diocese) who was not honored within the last five years to receive the Volunteer of the Year at the event.
Michelle Brakhage – Resurrection Parish
Matthew Buckery – St. John the Beloved Parish
Sue Cordie – Holy Cross Church
Margaret (Meg) Haass – Immaculate Conception, Marydel
Mary Maloney – Immaculate Heart of Mary
Marianne McCarthy – Padua Academy
Mike McGroerty – Our Lady of Lourdes
Ryan McLaughlin – St. Francis de Sales Parish
Tamera Sheil – St. Dennis
Susan Stith – Holy Rosary Parish
Joyce Tolson – St. Polycarp
Heather Ulmen – Immaculate Conception
St. John Bosco Award
John Bosco was an Italian priest, educator, and writer who dedicated his life to the education and service of young people. He employed teaching methods based on love rather than punishment. A follower of the spirituality and philosophy of Saint Francis de Sales, John Bosco dedicated his works to Saint Francis when he founded the Salesians of Don Bosco. His good works continue today. Saint John Bosco was canonized by Pope Pius the 11th on Easter Sunday, 1934. He was given the title, “Father and Teacher of Youth.” Today, he is known as the patron saint of those who work with young people.
The Saint John Bosco Award is recognition by the Diocese of Wilmington for outstanding contributions in several areas of ministry to our young people. Recipients must be adults who have been involved in ministry for 5 or more years and may be volunteers, paid staff, lay, clergy, or religious.
Athletics
John Parlamenti – St. John the Beloved
Marty Barnes – St Mary Magdalen
Catechesis
Kathleen Cummings – St. Ann, Bethany Beach
Jennifer Martinez Ulloa – Our Lady of Lourdes
Catholic School
Rita Crowley – St. Ann School
Clergy
Rev. Rich Jasper – Immaculate Conception, Elkton
Multi-Cultural Setting
José Cantoran St. Dennis
Parish Youth Ministry
Uwemedimo Etteyit – St. Francis de Sales Parish
Emily Effinger – Ss. Peter and Paul Church
Coach Jim Blunt Memorial Award
Jim Blunt coached in the CYM program for over 35 years and lived the purpose of CYM sports of “promoting Christian values.” In 2008, the Office for Catholic Youth Ministry instituted the Coach Jim Blunt Memorial Award to recognize individuals in the CYM program who help promote those Christian values and help provide a safe environment for our children.
The 2026 Coach Jim Blunt Memorial Award Winner is Chris Krawczyk.
St. John Paul II Courage in Athletics Award
The Saint Pope John Paul II Courage in CYM Athletics Award is presented to individuals who exhibit special courage by overcoming personal challenges to participate in the CYM Athletic Program. Their example inspires teams, parishes, schools, and the entire CYM Community.
It is our deep honor to present this award to Ethan and Sophia Aaron.