Twenty-nine high school teens have been honored for their service and witness to the Catholic faith with the Diocese of Trenton’s 2026 St. Timothy Awards.
Presented by the diocesan Department of Youth and Young Adult Ministry, the St. Timothy Award recognizes youth in grades 9-12 who have demonstrated outstanding acts of charity, ministry and additional outreach to their parishes and wider communities. The teens are nominated by parish youth ministers, pastors and catechetical leaders.
The young Catholics have enriched their communities in various ways, including serving as readers, sacristans and altar servers and sharing their musical talents at Mass; assisting with parish religious education; volunteering at parish and school fundraisers and community building events; helping with meal preparation at local food banks; involvement in youth ministry, faith formation and much more.
The St. Timothy Award is named for the disciple, St. Timothy, a close associate of the Apostle Paul who played a vital role in early Christian communities by spreading the faith. He is often invoked as a patron saint for young people, students and those seeking guidance in their studies and careers.
Winners for 2026 and their nominating parish or school are as follows:
Jaxon Adkins
St. Timothy Award winner Jaxon Adkins, a member of St. Thomas More Parish, Manalapan, and a junior in Colts Neck High School, credits the program Christ Life and participating in Bible studies in St Robert Bellarmine Co-Cathedral, Freehold, in inspiring his decision to join the Order of Christian Initiation of Adults and prepare to receive his Sacraments this year at the Easter Vigil Mass in St Thomas More Parish.
In school, Adkins is currently is part of his school’s ROTC program, is on the varsity football team and holds the bench press record. He is in the Spanish Honors Society, has started a chapter of the Jar of Hope Club, is a Black Belt in Karate and would like to study pharmacy in college.
Jack Alexander
Sue Hoeffner, a catechist in St. Gregory the Great Parish, Hamilton Square, noted that St. Timothy Award winner, Jack Alexander has been a valuable worker with the parish’s Project Appalachia service trip for the past three years.
Alexander, who attends Robbinsville High School, has participated as a member of the parish’s Soul Youth group and he also volunteers at a senior community through activities like crafts or performances and he also helps residents.
Hoeffner noted that Alexander is vice president of Small Step Loans: Robbinsville chapter that raises money to support struggling businesses in smaller countries that are vital to their communities. He also plays lacrosse. is a wrestler and a leader on the lacrosse team hoping to become a captain his senior year.
William Battista
“Wiiliam is a young man of great faith,” Paula DeStefano, the youth minister in St. Leo the Great Parish, Lincroft, said of the 2026, St. Timothy Award recipient, William Battista. “ He is knowledgeable in the faith but more importantly, he lives the faith.”
Battista, who attends High Technology High School, has been an altar server for many years. He also volunteers in religious education, and “he has joyfully shared his faith with the students in his classes,” DeStefano said. “Wiiliam exemplifies what it means to be a disciple of Jesus. Our parish is blessed to have William as a role model for our young parishioners.” Battista is also active with assisting with the parish’s spring musical.
Zachary Breuninger
Zachary Breuninger of St. Isidore the Farmer Parish, New Egypt, has been an altar server since he was in third grade.
“He is a dedicated and always ready to help when asked,” said Celeste Grant, parish catechetical leader. “Zachary is a humble and helpful young man and very dedicated to his family.”
Grant noted that Breuninger, a graduate of Notre Dame High School, Lawrenceville, will attend Rowan University in the fall. In his free time he enjoys spending time with family and friends. He is also a dirt bike enthusiast, drives a race boat with his uncle and he also enjoys skiing and remote control cars.
Veronica Carney
Frank Babinchock, youth minister in St. Mary of the Lakes Parish, Medford, commended St. Timothy Award honoree Veronica Carney’s various accomplishments.
“She is an Emerald Society scholarship recipient, a member of the National Honor Society, and a Camden Catholic Pilarz Scholar,” Babinchock said, then noted that her clubs include the environmental club, baking club, finance club and Lemon club and is on the varsity softball team.
“At St. Mary Lakes, Veronica volunteers as a first-grade teacher’s assistant in the PREP program. Veronica is a youth group member, altar server, and was the class valedictorian when she graduated from St. Mary of the Lakes School.
“Veronica is the kind of individual that is always there when needed. Whether it be attending YES or Knights of Columbus events, she sets a good example of service,” Babinchock said. “Veronica and her family practice their faith in the same manner, outstandingly.”
Finn Cashman
Finn Cashman a member of St. Teresa of Calcutta Parish, Bradley Beach, and a student in Christian Brothers Academy, Lincroft, has always be active within the parish community through vacation Bible school and the high school youth group, according to youth minister, Kathleen McGrorry.
“Finn is an expert altar server. He is also devoted to community service and recently received an award from Grace Healthcare Services for volunteering his time to spend with hospice patients. Finn is a true witness to living his Catholic faith,” McGrorry said. She noted that Cashman “loves all aspects of theater, music, the movies and comics.
” He is sure to be missed when he heads off to college,” McGrorry said.
Rocco Cassarino
Rocco Cassarino of St. Mary Parish, Barnegat, and a student in Southern Regional High School, has been a dedicated member of the parish youth ministry, generously sharing his time and talents through vacation Bible school, the youth group Living Stations of the Cross, religious education as a teen helper, the parish carnival, and the ENOUGH ministry,” said parish youth minister, Kait Ryan. “Through his faithful service, he has demonstrated a deep commitment to his faith and parish community. He is a kind, hardworking, humble, and faith-filled young man whose example has had a positive impact on those around him.”
Ryan shared that Cassarino is a “huge Star Wars fan” and enjoys spending time with friends who share his love of faith and service. He is a member of the Nature Club and Climbing Club, serves as vice president of the student council, and plans to study biology at Ocean County College.
Thalia Cotto
Father Jim Grogan, pastor of Our Lady of Good Counsel Parish, Moorestown, speaks highly of Thalia Cotto, the parish’s St. Timothy Award recipient, Thalia Cotto.
“Thalia has become a very active teen Vincentian in the parish’s Society of St. Vincent de Paul conference,” he said of Cotto, a student in Moorestown High School.
“She participates in meetings and spends countless hours behind the scenes, making sandwiches for our guests. She has compassion especially for children in the area going hungry,” Father Grogan said, noting that Cotto works at the parish food drives, helps unpack the food at Moorestown food pantries and with her mother, she delivers turkeys and hams at holidays to our freezer.
“She lives servant leadership,” Father Grogan said, then added that “Thalia turns 16 in September and looks forward to when she turns 18 that she can become a full member of the St. Vincent DePaul Society.”
Delaney Cox
Jessica Little, youth minister in St. Pius X Parish, Forked River, described Delaney Cox as an “outstanding candidate for the St. Timothy Award.”
“Since a very young age, she has been actively involved in the life of our parish and consistently demonstrates a strong commitment to her faith through service,” Little said. She noted that Delaney participates in youth group, the children’s choir, God’s Faithful Disciples, vacation Bible school and nearly every youth event offered by the parish.
“She is always willing to lend a helping hand wherever needed and serves as a positive role model for younger parishioners,” Little said.
Little went on to cite that one of Cox’s many gifts is her vibrant personality and remarkable talent, then noted that Cox she starred in her high school’s production of Grease, “where she delivered an incredible performance that showcased her confidence, dedication and natural stage presence.”
“Delaney has a wonderful sense of humor and brings joy to those around her with her positive attitude and infectious enthusiasm,” Little said. “Whether she is serving at church, participating in youth activities, or performing on stage, she consistently shares her talents with others and inspires those around her. She is truly an amazing young person whose kindness, creativity, and character make a lasting impression on everyone she meets.”
Tatiana Miele-DiFabio
When reflecting on the St. Timothy Award recipient in St. Mary Parish, Colts Neck, Rose Farrow, the parish’s pastoral care and Order of Christian Initiation of Adults coordinator said that Tatiana Miele-DiFabio “has always stood out as a kind and warm young woman with a deep and genuine faith.”
“It has been a joy to watch her continue to grow, spiritually and also in her commitment to serving others,” Farrow said of Miele-DiFabio, a student in Holmdel High School.
Farrow noted that Miele-DiFabio has generously volunteered in her parish’s religious education program and remains a participant in youth ministry at St. Catharine Parish, Holmdel.
“Tatiana is a wonderful example of faith lived out in the world and reflects the spirit of the youth of the Church,” Farrow said. “I wholeheartedly recommend her for the St. Timothy Award.”
In addition to her work in service and ministry in both St. Mary and its cohort parish, St. Catharine, in Holmdel, Miele-DiFabio is a founding member of a service organization called Teen Impact Jersey Coast (TIJC), a group of passionate young women committed to making a difference in their community by providing grants to local charities and non-profits focused on youths in need. She is an EMT cadet in Holmdel and hopes to pursue a career in pediatric medicine. She is also an active member of Relay for Life, which raises money for cancer research as well as the Robert D’Amico Foundation to help bring awareness to the rise in colon cancer among adults in midlife. Miele-DiFabio is the president of the Art National Honor Society, a member of the Italian National Honor Society and the National Honor Society. She also participates on the Holmdel High School Track Team.
Noah Eckert
“Noah is a positive example for others striving to learn and live the faith, and it is a privilege to recommend him for the St. Timothy Award,” stated Noah Hoye, youth and young adult ministry coordinator in St. Benedict Parish, Holmdel.
Hoye said that Eckert, a student in Marine Academy of Science and Technology, has served as a small group facilitator and leader for the parish’s Confirmation Prep program and he helps with the Middle School Youth Group. Eckert also plays a key role volunteering at the annual Summer Academy in which he “handles his duties with poise and maturity, always going beyond what was required of him.”
Hoye observed that the younger volunteers at Summer Academy look up to Eckert as a mentor, and follow his example.
“With the students, he is always patient and evenhanded, setting a good example of Christian forbearance and generosity,” added Nancy Arkin, director of Faith Formation. According to Ciro Saverino, coordinator of the Confirmation Preparation, “Noah has become a steady and trusted presence for our students. Younger parishioners naturally look up to him because they can see that his faith is sincere and that his commitment is real. He leads by example in a way that cannot be manufactured.”
The eclectic Eckert has an array of other interests that include reading, skateboarding, rucking, going to the gym and attending car shows. He is currently teaching himself to play the bass and learning all about cars and engines. He is also taking steps to join the Matawan fire department as a junior firefighter. He is Platoon Commander for the NJROTC and is very involved with the leadership program and drill team.
Eckert He is currently the Armed Exhibition Advisor for drill and recently led a team of freshman to a first-place trophy.
Lucero Arcos Espana
Sister Maria Gloria Cunha was pleased to announce that Lucero Arcos Espana was the St. Timothy Award recipient for Our Lady of Guadalupe Parish, Lakewood.
“Lucero loves to sing,” Sister Maria Gloria said of Espana, a student in Jackson Liberty High School. “ She may be shy, but she is mighty. She loves helping others.”
Alexander Kramer
Gabriella Ramirez, youth minister in St. Raphael-Holy Angels Parish, Hamilton, said there were many reasons why Alexander Kramer was deserving of the St. Timothy Award.
“He our joined Life Teen youth group when he was in eighth grade. Since joining he has attended every ‘Life Night,’ social event and fundraiser our youth group has hosted,” Ramirez said of Kramer, who will enter the ninth grade in Steinert High School. She added that this past year, Kramer has recruited his younger brother, who is now in eighth grade, to join the youth group.
Ramirez continued to say that Kramer and his family are active with the parish food pantry every month and he faithfully attends the 5 p.m. Mass where he serves as an usher and lector.
As a sidenote, Ramirez said that “Alex is a track star” and that he enjoys sweets and anything sugary, has a good sense of humor and makes everyone laugh and feel comfortable.
“Alex and his family also cook and donate meals to our youth group every week,” Ramirez said. She added that despite social tensions, the young man is passionately prolife and has “verbally expressed that he wishes to learn more about being prolife.”
“Youth group just wouldn’t be the same without him,” she said.
Brandon Lee
Deacon Frederick Ebenau had all good things to say about the nominee for St. Justin the Martyr Parish, Toms River.
Brandon Lee, who attends Donovan Catholic High School, Toms River, “has been with the youth group for several years and has always shown leadership qualities,” said Deacon Ebenau, the parish’s youth group coordinator. “Brandon has played multiple parts in the Living Stations of the Cross the past several of years in a very convincing manner and has served as an altar server with the same leadership qualities in the same manner he has displayed in the youth group,” Deacon Ebenau said of Lee, then added that the young man is also very involved with many activates outside of church “which makes him a very rounded individual who gets along with everyone.”
Maria Lippincott
Matej Zivkovic, youth minister in St. Mary Parish, Middletown, praised St. Timothy Award recipient Maria Lippincott as being “the most reliable and consistent teen that we have. “
Zivkovic noted that Lippincott is part of “Teen Lead – Leading Other Teens.
in which she is involved with leadership development, assists with organizing the ministers and everything related to the celebration of the Life Teen Mass. Lippincott serves as a reader and is an extraordinary minister of Holy Communion.
“She is the example of young person on fire for the Lord,” Zikovic of Lippincott, who is a student in Red Bank Catholic High School.
Victor Lozada
Of Victor Lozada, the St. Timothy honoree in St. Jospeh Parish, Toms River, Catherine Werner, youth minister, said that “It’s not unusual to see Victor Lozada volunteering around the parish.”
“Whether it’s assisting the clergy at Mass as an altar server, serving as a Eucharistic Minister for our Hispanic community or getting involved in a youth ministry event, Victor is always willing to help out and give his best for the Lord,” Werner said of Lozada, a student in Toms River High School North. “His dedication and willing spirit are characteristics that encourage our younger parishioners to get involved too. Victor is dependable, faithful and someone we count on to be a leader.
Werner noted that Lozada is a talented musician and a dedicated student who earns top grades in the classroom.
“He has been a member of the TR North marching band for all four years and is currently taking Advanced Placement Music Theory,” Werner said. “We are so very proud of Victor!”
Louis Lusquinos
Father Richard Osborn, pastor of St. Catherine Laboure Parish, Middletown, spoke highly of the parish’s St. Timothy Award winner, Louis Lusquinos, describing him as a “hard-working and faithful young man.”
“Few people his age are as hard-working and dedicated to the Church as he is,” Father Osborn said. “I am very proud of him and he deserves this very much.”
“He has a great sense of humor and is very devoted to our Lord, especially in serving him at the Mass,” Father Osborn said of Lusquinos, who attends Middletown North High School.
Luke Marcello
Luke Marcello, who attends Marlboro High School, received the St. Timothy Award on behalf of St. Gabriel Parish, Marlboro.
Marie Masiello, parish youth minister, noted that Marcello will begin studies in Seton Hall University, South Orange.
“I know he will continue to shine extraordinary ways,” Masiello said.
Zakariah McCoy
In Holy Eucharist Parish, Tabernacle, St. Timothy Award winner Zakariah McCoy has been an “outstanding” member of HERO Youth Ministry, according to Donna Remaley, parish catechetical leader. He has helped with countless events, including acting in the living/walk-through Nativities, participating in Good Friday services, building sets and serving as a crew leader at vacation Bible school, serving as an altar server among other ministries.
Remaley noted it’s remarkable to see “the joy and energy he brings each week to our youth ministry meetings, serving as a model for the younger teens and offering valuable insights to our conversations.”
“Zak is an all-around great young man and a joy to be with,” Remaley said.
Liam Muller
Jennifer Petrillo, parish catechetical leader and youth minister in St. Aloysius Parish, Jackson, described St. Timothy Award recipient, Liam Muller as being “one of our most dedicated AYM members over the past five years, serving as a wonderful example to the teens of our parish.”\
“He is kind and patient, and has a generous and gentle spirit,” Petrillo said. “Liam has been continually open to prayer, spiritual growth and experiences of authentic community with fellow faith-filled teens.”
Petrillo noted that Muller, who is educated through Mother of Divine Grace School, has given of his time through many different service opportunities, including making cards for nursing home residents and retired priests, collecting and packing donations for moms and babies in need, serving homeless and economically disadvantaged individuals through the Mission: Jersey, a program sponsored by the diocesan Department of Youth and Young Adult Ministries, and altar serving on a regular basis. Muller represented his parish at several Diocesan Youth Conferences, as well as the National Catholic Youth Conference in Indianapolis in November of 2023 and 2025.
One “fun fact” Petrillo noted about Muller is that he is “excellent at crocheting and has his own business: The Crochet Caravan!”
Giuliana Pettinato
“Giuliana is a true witness of our Catholic faith through her dedication and service in her church and high school communities.”
That is now Audrey Krastins, youth ministry advisor in St. Catharine Parish, Holmdel, described St. Timothy Award winner, Giuliana Pettinato.
Krastins noted that Pettinato has served on the parish’s executive youth ministry board for the past two years “where her warm and caring personality has been a role model for incoming freshman.”
Among the ministries Pettinato has been involved with include as a teen lector for two years, a volunteer in the summer religious education program. She has also been actively involved in the Diocesan Youth Conference for the past three years and a participant in Living Stations of the Cross which is an annual Lenten service at St. Catharine for three years.
In Holmdel High School, Pettinato is a member of the National Honor Society, the Italian Honor Society and she will be inducted as co-vice president this year. In school, she is also a member of the Peer Leaders Group, she volunteers with the Holmdel Schools Parent Groups activities and has been a Girl Scout for the past 12 years, earning bronze and silver awards.
Pettinato is undecided on her future plans but is thinking of pursuing a career in the Science or Math field, Krastins said.
Frank Puma
Patrick Smith, campus minister in St. John Vianney High School, Holmdel, described student and St. Timothy Award winner, Frank Puma as “extremely helpful and active in campus ministry.”
Smith said that Puma has shown leadership as an altar server by training underclassmen and that “he is always willing to help out in any way possible.”
“Frank is also a talented lead member of our School Theater Team,” Smith said, recalling that when he learned that a freshmen wanted to be an alter server this year, Smith immediately thought, “I need Frank to take him under his wing.”
“Before I could find Frank to ask him the favor, he was already showing our new recruit the chapel,” Smith said. “That’s the kind of kid he is.”
Christian Ramos
“Christian Ramos gives us a firsthand look at what it means to be led by the Spirit,” according to Sallie Kabash, parish catechetical leader in Holy Cross Parish, Rumson.
Kabash said that Ramos has been an active member of the parish youth group and in Christian Brothers Academy, Lincroft, where he attends school, he is a lector, extraordinary minister of Holy Communion and an altar server for school and parish liturgies. Ramos also gives retreat talks at school and leads parish Confirmation retreats. Outside of the parish and school, Ramos enjoys working with Rising Tree Tops, a camp for those with special needs, and helping out at food pantries. He is also president of “Project Grow” at CBA.
Adding to Ramos’ credit, Kabash noted that he attended Visons (for High School Students) on the campus of Notre Dame University in Indiana. The five-day experience helps young people discover how to use their talents in service to the Church and world. He also attended The Saints & Scholars Theology Institute, a program is designed to help students examine how faith connects to their studies and daily lives while reflecting on the kind of “saint” God is calling them to be.
“Christian is funny, has an amazing sense of humor, a 220-pound dog and is not afraid to talk to anyone – especially about the Catholic Faith,” Kabash said. “He is an all-around nice guy.”
Mikayla Relevo
Mikayla is a loving example of our Catholic faith, and she shares her artistic gift with many who need a smile,” Barb Kane, coordinator of religious education in Sacred Heart Parish, Mount Holly, said of St. Timothy Award recipient, Mikayla Revelo.
Kane noted that Revelo, a student in Rancocas Valley Regional High School, is currently involved with the parish religious education program as a teen aide and is in the Mini Vinnies and Young Vincentians ministries.
“She started as a Mini Vinnie in fourth grade and has continued as a Young Vincentian to help those in need,” Kane said, adding that Revelo has participated in the Blessing Bag events. In School, Revelo is a member of the Key Club which helps St. Vincent de Paul once a month with the South Jersey Food Bank delivery. In addition to her artistic talent, she also is gifted with a singing voice and is involved in her school’s chorus.
Kane noted that Revelo “loves Broadway musicals and enjoys making the trip to New York to see a performance when her busy schedule allows.”
Teresa Miao Ross
Mercy Sister Donna D’Alia, parish catechetical leader in St. Rose Parish, Belmar, remembers St. Timothy Award winner Teresa Miao Ross since she was newly adopted, accompanying her mom each morning to Mass.
“I saw her grow up in the Church,” Sister Donna said, noting that Miao Ross was “involved in everything and paving the way for other kids.” The list of activities include the Christmas Pageant, altar serving, serving the poor, Standing up for Life at rallies.
“She lives her faith, speaks freely about it and invites others to join in,” Sister Donna said,
Sister Donna noted that when Miao Ross was younger, that she and her siblings each Halloween, would stop by the parish office and convent for Trick or Treating.
“We always looked forward to seeing them,” Sister Donna said. “They were the only kids who did!”
Colin Sales
Fran Burke, the parish catechetical leader in St. Anselm Parish, Tinton Falls, noted that this year’s St. Timothy Award recipient, Colin Sales, has been faithfully livestreaming Masses “ever since we first started streaming during the pandemic.”
“He was a very large part of keeping our parish connected in a time of uncertainty, and he continues to stream Masses for us today,” said Burke, then noted that Sales other involvement in the parish included being an altar server since the fourth grade.
Sales is a graduate of Communications High School and will attend Rutgers University in the fall where he will study chemical engineering.
Carmine Steffens
Carmine Steffens of St. Robert Bellarmine Co-Cathedral, Freehold, “deserves this recognition because he is a young person of great faith,” said youth ministry director Jeanne Marinello.
She noted that Steffens, a student in Freehold Township High School serves the parish in many ways — as a lector, altar server, master of ceremonies, catechist and president of the youth group.
“He founded and runs his own non-profit organization – Happy Hearts Foundation and he continues to grow along his faith journey, and he has inspired others to do the same,” Marinello said. She added that outside of the parish, Steffens Carmine is a certified EMT, a certified Firefighter, is in the National Honor Society at school and “he has committed to attend Monmouth University. West Long Branch, in September.”
Sabina Towell
John J. Keesler, youth minister in St. Joan of Arc Parish, Marlton, said that the St. Timothy Award winner, Sabina Towell, has been a member of the youth group, Wings, since the eighth grade. She has been active in community service, parish service and social activities. She is also a member of our teen leadership team and has attended the National Catholic Youth Confrence twice.
Sabina, a student in Camden County Technical School, Gloucester campus, “he is an example of the perfect balance of school, service and out of school activities while still finding time to practice and live our faith that all teens should strive to emulate,” Keesler said.
“She cares deeply about the youth program, always trying to bring more people into the program. She hopes to return as an adult advisor when she is able,” Keesler added.
Tara Volen
Tara Volen of St. James Parish, Pennington, and a student in Hopewell Valley Central High School, “really enjoys participating in her school’s Christian Athlete group,” said Lisa Ann Limongello, the youth minister for The Catholic Community of Hopewell Valley, which encompasses St. James, Pennington; St. Alphonsus, Hopewell, and St. George, Titusville.
Limongello commented on how Volen, for years was a gymnast, played lacrosse and volleyball in high school and is on a club team. The St. Timothy Award honoree also volunteers after school with the Hopewell Valley baseball team and with community organizations, including the local food pantry and Pennington Day. Volen enjoys country music, live concerts, animals and has a knack for organizing.