St. Vincent de Paul Awards 2022 Frassati Scholarship
St. Vincent de Paul – Cincinnati has named Cloe Jones, a 2022 graduate of McNicholas High School, the recipient of its 2022 Frassati Award. Jones was selected in recognition of her involvement with the Society of St. Vincent de Paul throughout her high school experience and her dedication to the Vincentian values of faith, friendship and service. The $1,000 scholarship is to be applied to educational expenses at a two-year or four-year college.
Jones has exemplified service leadership through her involvement in the St. Vincent de Paul Youth Conference at McNicholas High School, where she served as Vice President for the past two years. Through her involvement, Jones says she experienced growth in her courage and found a calling for service.
In a letter recommending Jones for the Frassati award, Teresa M. Davis, Theology Educator at McNicholas High School, applauds Jones’ efforts to make other students feel welcome within their group. “Cloe is the student who will make those students who may be quiet and on the sidelines have a positive encounter at our meetings and events,” Davis writes. “She is a welcoming hand of inclusion and diversity, ensuring to greet new, shy students to encourage confidence.”
Jones says she became self-aware quickly of both her worth and the power of her voice after she was involved in a car crash during her junior year of high school. Recovery from the incident included physical therapy for speech problems and vision issues — and a lot of time dedicated to healing.
“I truly understood what it was like to be here one day and gone the next,” Jones said while reflecting on the incident. “This showed me that I really needed to step up and share my voice for the things which I am passionate about.” One of those callings for her was, and still is, service in her community.
Jones leaned into her faith and servant leadership while recovering both mentally and physically from the car crash. “Joining leadership was scary for me,” Jones says. “I did not think I could do it, but I am so glad that I did. I often say I took a leap of faith… I felt God calling me and now I continue to learn more and more and see how service is truly God’s kindness and love in action.”
Jones will embark on her next journey to Kent State University this fall where she will major in Marketing with a minor in Social Justice.
The Frassati Scholarship is awarded annually by St. Vincent de Paul – Cincinnati in memory of Neal Johnson Lain, a dedicated young Vincentian.