Diocese of Hamilton Student Award: Bethany Correia
Date posted on July 4, 2023
Bethany Correia is a true champion of recognizing and supporting the whole person: a core value of St. Jerome ’s University (SJU). Enthusiastic, thoughtful, dedicated, and exceeding expectation in every role, are all words that have been used to describe Bethany during her time at the university.
Bethany has been described as someone who “recognizes the importance of getting the work done by really seeing the hidden value that exists in making the process a welcoming, growth -oriented, relationship - building, and ultimately enjoyable experience for all involved.”
Her peers and staff alike see her as someone who balances humility with confidence, advocacy with flexibility, and curiosity with vision. She is a natural community builder, and leads with passion and heart in all she undertakes. She also sees the vulnerability of talking about mental health and wellness as a strength. It is not surprising therefore that one person who nominated her for this award wrote that she “has been (his) inspiration when (he) is supporting other students. ”
With all of these attributes Bethany has successfully taken on various student leader roles at SJU, including serving as a member of the Student Activities Team, Frost Leader Advisor, Assistant Activities Coordinator, and Community Advisor of Student Activities. She has also played a pivotal role in bringing student life and engagement back to campus for incoming students as a University of Waterloo Arts Orientation Leader. She has managed all of these roles and responsibilities while maintaining Dean ’s Honours standing, and is graduating with an impressive academic record. St. Jerome ’s University is proud to recognize Bethany Correia as both the 2023 Zach Ralston Award and this year ’s Diocese of Hamilton Graduation Award recipient.
Congratulations Bethany!
The Diocese of Hamilton Award is given to a student in the graduating class in every high school across the Diocese at the end of every school year. The Award recognizes a student in the graduating class who has attained high academic proficiency and exemplifies Catholic leadership qualities, Christian values and a commitment to service in the community.