Al Reger Award Winners

Al Reger Winners Model Strong Leadership

Breah Banks

Since arriving in seventh grade, Breah Banks has continuously exemplified what it means to be academically focused, collaborative, and emotionally attuned to her peers. Breah is an AP student and a member of the National Honor Society, the National Language Honor Society, and the National History Honor Society.

In addition to her scholarly achievements, Breah excels in co-curricular activities. She ably represented BSM at both the state and national speech qualifier tournaments, earning sixth place and fourth place respectively, and served as captain in her senior year. Building on her public speaking experience, Breah also served as captain of the Mock Trial team and earned fourth place at the state tournament. With her plans to study law, Breah also participated as an extern with the Juvenile Justice Court and the United States District Court of Minnesota.

This year, during what has become one of the most transformational periods in our national history, Breah applied her astuteness, sensitivity, and commitment to equity in her work as a student facilitator for the students of color affinity group. She co-founded the Female Affinity Meeting, a group for young female minority students in our community.

Throughout her time at BSM, and on multiple fronts, she has helped bridge crucial dialogue between students and administrators. Furthermore, Breah pursued her commitment to equity outside of the classroom through her involvement with the Minneapolis chapter of Jack and Jill of America, Inc, serving as both vice president and president.

Breah was the recipient of the Patti Healy Weber Scholarship award this year and will begin the next phase of her education at Spelman College. She plans to study political science and psychology, with post-graduate plans to attend law school. Her journey is sure to be marked by excellence and thoughtfulness.

Al Reger winners Breah Banks and Joe Marinaro posed “socially distant” by the Norway spruce that was the gift of the Class of 2020.

The BSM community is very proud of the 2020 Al Reger Award winners. Thank you Joe and Breah for your effectiveness as team captains and for your leadership and service within the Benilde-St. Margaret’s community. You have served as incredible role models by embodying the spirit of what it truly means to be a Red Knight.

Joe Marinaro

In his Baccalaureate remarks, Senior Class President Joe Marinaro likened the high school journey of his class to the evolution of a seedling. Freshman year they were planted, they sprouted as sophomores, they were growing as juniors, and in full bloom as seniors. For Al Reger Award winner Joe, each stage revealed more of his passion, commitment, leadership, and concern for others.

Joe was a proven leader in the classroom, in student council, on the football field, and in many other areas of student life. A two-year class president, two-time football captain, and Math League captain, Joe was also the recipient of the

Lynch Leadership Award.

The seed of academic rigor was planted on very fertile soil. Joe was one of the valedictorians of the Class of 2020 and he was also a National Merit Finalist. Math teacher Mary Seppala noted that, “When Joe combines passion and motivation with his academic abilities, he’s going to accomplish some pretty amazing things. He can do anything he sets his mind to.”

Self described as a “hard worker who makes tough situations work for me,”

Joe tested that description during his football career. Two potentially careerending injuries during sophomore and junior year put Joe on the sidelines, confirming the phrase that “every flower must grow through dirt.” According to Coach Jon Hanks, “His strong faith pulled him through. He is not a quitter and will not take ‘no’ for an answer.” Joe’s football career blossomed his senior year, and according to Coach Hanks, “He is one of the brightest and most dynamic football players on both sides of the ball. He is a leader in every aspect.”

The Al Reger Award is given each year to two students, one male and one female, chosen by the BSM faculty and staff, for “outstanding dedication and zeal to the service of God and school.”

Joe was recognized as a strong role model who was always encouraging to others. Mike Jeremiah worked with Joe as the prayer leader for the football team and notes that, “In spite of all he accomplished, Joe remained a very humble kid who always put others first. He truly lived out this year’s Scripture theme: ‘Let us then pursue what leads to peace and to building up one another.’”

Joe is ready to move on and begin a new growth cycle. He is excited to make the most of his academic and athletic experience in Boston and play football for the Boston College Eagles. He leaves very grateful for his Red Knight journey and “every minute spent as a student at BSM.”