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Mary Luke Tobin Award 2023

Posted on September 22, 2023, by Christina Manweller

The senior recipients, in their years at Holy Family, have consistently echoed the cry of the poorest of our society for dignity and labored in their own way for justice and peace — both inside and outside the Church.

Ken Fitch, award co-founder
Photo of a young white woman with blonde/brown hair smiling.
Adyson Hill was awarded the 12th annual Mary Luke Tobin Social Justice Award.
Photo: Ken Fitch

Adyson Hill has received the 2023 Mary Luke Tobin SL Social Justice Award. The award has been granted annually to a graduating senior at Holy Family High School in Broomfield, Colo., since 2012, and is a partial scholarship toward tuition.

Adyson’s concerns include supporting the dignity of all people, particularly those living in poverty; human rights; and care for God’s creation. She is attending Creighton University in Omaha, Neb.

Toward a world of justice, of peace

Ken Fitch, Holy Family graduate and former teacher, was inspired by Mary Luke Tobin SL’s commitment to social justice and came up with the idea of a scholarship award that would assist students who put social justice front and center. He also encouraged Holy Family to start a social justice class, which is now offered for seniors. In describing the scholarship awardees, Ken shared, “The senior recipients, in their years at Holy Family, have consistently echoed the cry of the poorest of our society for dignity and labored in their own way for justice and peace — both inside and outside the Church.”

Seven people in a row taking a photo with an award recipient, a young woman with long light brown hair in a blue patterned dress in the center.
The 2023 Mary Luke Tobin Social Justice Award Committee poses with Adyson Hill, this year’s recipient. From left: Marty Lally CoL, Anna Koop SL, Joan Spero SL, Adyson Hill, Joe Galmish, Mary Joy Peter OSF, Jeff Gonsalves-McCabe.
Photo: courtesy of Ken Fitch
A man in a grey suit takes a smiley photo with a high school student in a purple graduation gown while they hold up a translucent award together.
The first Mary Luke Tobin Social Justice Award recipient, Jordan DiTirro, poses at Holy Family High School in 2012 with Ken Fitch.
Photo courtesy of Ken Fitch

Holy Family has a long relationship with Loretto. Sisters of Loretto opened the school in 1920, initially a grade school and then expanding to high school starting in 1922. They continued to staff the school for many years.

Loretto Community members and friends serve on the award committee with Holy Family faculty who are familiar with the students and their activities. The Rev. Marty Lally CoL shares, “It’s a wonderful tribute to Luke. Of course, she was a remarkable woman, and I’m honored to do anything to help draw attention to her work and all she did. It’s also a tribute to Loretto, and as a graduate of Holy Family, I’m glad they’re continuing the award.” He is inspired by Loretto’s ongoing commitment to social justice and to students. Joan Spero SL, Holy Family graduate, and Anna Koop SL are Loretto members also serving on the committee.

An older woman in a colorful red, white and grey printed jacket speaks at a podium at a ceremony in front of several people.
Joan Spero SL speaks at the 2023 award ceremony. Joan is a graduate of Holy Family High School and serves on the Mary Luke Tobin Social Justice Award Committee.
Photo by Ken Fitch

Donations to the Mary Luke Tobin SL Social Justice Award Fund help carry forward the legacy of Mary Luke Tobin SL and Vatican II principles and Catholic social justice teachings, assisting young individuals as they contribute to the work toward world peace and social justice through higher education. Donate at Loretto’s website. Select “Other Ministries” and in the donation comment box type in “Mary Luke Tobin Award.”

To read all the articles in the Fall 2023 issue of Loretto Magazine, click here.

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Christina Manweller

Editor of Loretto Magazine, Christina’s nonfiction and poetry has appeared in numerous publications. For many years she served as Director of Communications for a Colorado-based peace and justice organization. Her background also includes English and writing instruction at a local community college, digital and print design work, and photography. One of her joys is visiting the Loretto Motherhouse once or twice a year.