Best of the Week 2022-2023: Holy Cross Values

ST. ED'S HONORS COLIN ASHDOWN '23 WITH MAN OF THE YEAR AWARD

Congratulations to Colin Ashdown '23 who was named the Class of 2023 Man of the Year on Wednesday night at the Senior Academic Achievement Awards Ceremony. Since 1956, St. Edward High School has singled out one outstanding student from each graduating class and has presented him with the St. Edward Man of the Year Award, the highest honor the school can bestow on a student. The Man of the Year Award recognizes an extraordinary young man who has demonstrated dedication to improving himself and the community, whether it be in the classroom, on a service project, or on the field. The Man of the Year Award is granted to an Edsman who has consistently displayed the positive, caring attitude of a well-rounded young man who has the competence to see and the courage to act in today's world.

Son of Todd '88 and Maureen Ashdown, Colin is a parishioner at St. Angela Merici and will be attending Ohio University this fall pursuing a major in Business. Having served on St. Ed's Student Council for the last four years, Colin has led his class in school spirit as Senior Class President and has been a model of the Holy Cross pillars and Seven Standards of an Edsman as a Student Ambassador, Student Minister and student athlete for St. Ed's Baseball Team.

Colin reflects on how the Holy Cross pillars of Faith, Excellence, Relationships and Servant Leadership has shaped the man he is in the following statement he shared with his fellow classmates and St. Ed's faculty and staff: "The first day of my freshman year, I was introduced to the idea of how special Faith, Excellence, Relationships, and Servant Leadership was. I had the opportunity to be a part of the Student Ministry. Student Ministry was where I got to start a group called Faith Fridays where students from any grade level could come in during community period to discuss different readings in the gospel. My faith grew to understand other students' ideas and opinions. No matter what religion a student practices, I got to see how everybody is welcomed in our community. Excellence was shown through the way I found myself motivated, supported, and educated these past four years. Every teacher in the building cares for each student. They all go above and beyond to make a student feel welcomed. Teachers' doors are open to talk or to get extra help whenever a student needs it. I realized the importance of all the relationships surrounding St. Ed's during my Junior year. After my mom passed away I was nervous to come back to school, but when I did I had my classmates and students from all grade levels come up and embrace me. This was when I knew the relationships with my brothers made me who I am today. It was at this moment that my eyes were opened to the love and support I had around me. I have been fortunate enough to serve in the student council each of the past four years and to be Class President. Servant Leadership is important because there isn't a better feeling than having my classmates and I come together to make our Senior year enjoyable. The feeling of anticipation and excitement as I lead chants at games and plan rallies is something that I will hold with me forever."