At the start of the school year, Brittanie Kruegel, the religion department chair in Trenton Catholic Academy, Hamilton, wanted to create an ongoing recognition program that could encompass the entire student body. She created the Peacemakers Program.

“Most schools have monthly or annual awards for students who may be tops in academics or athletics,” said Kruegel. “I thought we needed to also recognize those students who model Christian behavior on a consistent basis. You don’t have to be the smartest or best athlete. Just be a good person.”

Kruegel was familiar with the program from a previous school that ran in conjunction with the Peaceful Schools Institute. Teachers would have an hour a week to focus on promoting community and peace, conflict resolution, and considering “What Would Jesus Do” before speaking or acting.  While it’s difficult to set aside much time in the high school setting, Kruegel came up with the Peacemakers idea to “catch” students doing good things.

“Every month, I try to identify a virtue that is appropriate for the liturgical season or other events,” said. Kruegel.  “As an example, for April and Easter, the virtue is meekness.  For the last month of the school year, we’ll be working on self-control.”

Teachers submit names of students whom they think modeled the virtue of the month. They will often cite an example as reason for their nomination. Kruegel compiles the lists, and will pick students who haven’t been recognized previously or may have been nominated by multiple faculty members.

Senior Garrison Wilson was named a “peacemaker” in September, his first month at TCA since transferring to the school in the summer. 

“A peacemaker should act with dignity and with respect for others, regardless of race or other facets of their background,” Wilson said.  “We should go above and beyond the standards that are expected of students.”

Students selected as peacemakers have a group photo taken in front of the giant Crucifix in the school’s main foyer.  A large copy of the photo is displayed by the front office for visitors to see.

“Doing the right thing is important, no matter what people are doing around you,” said sophomore Kassandra Sanchez, who was named a peacemaker for the virtue “Integrity.”  “Staying true to the virtues you’ve been taught is what gets you through life.”