Posted
February 26, 2026
The Martin Luther King Jr. Award annually honors members of the St. Edward community who embody Dr. King’s prophetic witness to justice, reconciliation, and human dignity—individuals whose faith calls them to love boldly, act courageously, and stand with those pushed to the margins. This morning, faculty members Sabrina Gushue and Mariana Martinez-Gigena were honored with the 2026 award for their service to refugee families.
Mariana Martinez-Gigena (left) with Sabrina Gushue (right)
A few years ago, teachers from St. Edward’s Language Acquisition Department were asked to serve as translators for newly resettled refugee families. What began as a few hours of volunteerism soon grew into a meaningful partnership with the Refugee Resource Center at St. Colman Church, an organization dedicated to helping families meet their most immediate needs as they begin new lives in the United States.
Each Saturday, the Center distributes essentials—diapers, toiletries, shoes, clothing, and basic household goods. Many families arrive after long bus rides or long walks and face extended waits for assistance. For children especially, the waiting can be difficult, with little to do and few comforts while their parents seek support.
It was in this space of waiting that Sabrina and Mariana chose to act. No program existed, no solution had been proposed, and no one asked them to intervene. Guided by the spirit of Dr. King’s call to compassionate action, they recognized a need and responded on their own initiative—creating a children’s waiting area filled with toys, games, and activities that transformed long, difficult waits into moments of welcome, care, and human connection.
Their commitment quickly grew into a dependable Saturday presence at the Center. Week after week, they load their cars with donated supplies from St. Edward faculty, staff, parents, and friends. Alongside them, groups of Edsmen volunteer—playing games, reading books, coloring, laughing, and building trust with the children while their parents wait.
Both women were born outside the United States and understand firsthand the vulnerability, uncertainty, and hope that accompany starting over in a new country. They guide their students with great care—teaching them how to engage respectfully with children who may not yet speak English and who may carry the weight of trauma. In these moments, service becomes formation, as students learn empathy and compassion by walking alongside others.
Through this partnership, Sabrina Gushue and Mariana Martinez-Gigena live Dr. King’s conviction that love, courageous action, and faith in humanity can transform the world. Their work reflects the heart of the Holy Cross mission and invites students to recognize the image of God in every person.
