The Class of 2027 gathered on Wednesday, February 19, to celebrate the spirit of Serviam during a special liturgy and ceremony. During the mass, the Ursuline Mothers Club honored Sarah Muck '27 with the Beth Rayfield Memorial Challenge Award, also known as the Serviam Award. This distinguished recognition is awarded to a sophomore student who exemplifies the principles of Serviam ("I will serve") through her commitment to service, as demonstrated in a personal reflection and record of volunteer work.

Sarah’s dedication to service is deeply rooted in her work with Preschool Faith Formation at Christ the King Catholic Church. For Sarah, service is not just about the measurable - hours volunteered, crafts made, or songs sung - but about the impact those small moments have on the lives of children.

“[My volunteer work] is for the moments when a little girl realizes we have matching charm bracelets, so we both wear them to the next class, or when a little boy asks me to color his paper with him,” Sarah wrote in her essay. Service isn’t limited to an hour at a desk, either. "It extends to Donut Sundays when a past student runs up to give me a hug or when their little sibling becomes one of my new students.”

Preschool Faith Formation introduces young children to their faith through coloring, music, crafts, and books. Sarah’s experiences in this role have reinforced for her that even the smallest gestures of love and kindness can have lasting effects.

“Most people think that young children, especially those still in preschool, can’t understand religion because of their age. However, in my experience at preschool faith formation, I have learned that their age is what allows these three-and-four-year-olds to love Jesus fully,” Sarah reflected. Their simple, unwavering belief challenges her to model the same faith in her own journey.

Through her work, Sarah has discovered that the true essence of Serviam is found in joy - the joy of children discovering their faith, the joy of connection, and the joy of serving others with love and purpose. Her experience has shaped her present and her vision for the future.

When Sarah graduates from Ursuline and moves on to new experiences, she shares that "her time in Preschool Faith Formation will remind me that small actions can be the biggest service. I never know what impact a single moment can have, but I do know that the joy and love I share will always matter.”

In addition to her service, Sarah is actively involved in the Ursuline community. She participates in Faith and Friends, Bears for Life, Esse, Baking Bears, and Support Our Troops. She's also working on her Girl Scouts Gold Award and leads her National Charity League class as Vice President. 

Congratulations to Sarah on this well-earned recognition, and may her commitment to service continue to inspire those around her!