Spirit of Sinsinawa Award – Emily Dickmann ’23
Each month during the school year, Dominican High School faculty & staff selects one student for the Spirit of Sinsinawa Award. The Spirit of Sinsinawa Award is given to an individual who goes above and beyond expectations and exemplifies Dominican’s five core values of truth, compassion, justice, community and partnership.
The Spirit of Sinsinawa Award recipient for December/January is Emily Dickmann ’23. Emily is an honor roll student and a member of the Dominican volleyball team.
Q: What was your reaction when you find out you were the Spirit of Sinsinawa Award recipient for December/January?
ED: I was very excited about it! The Spirit of Sinsinawa Award is something that I’ve known about since I was a freshman, and I hoped to achieve it by the end of my senior year. I was excited and honored to receive this award.
Q: What does winning the Spirit of Sinsinawa Award mean to you?
ED: Winning the Spirit of Sinsinawa Award confirms that my actions reflect the school’s core values of truth, compassion, justice, community and partnership. I do my best to be a great student. This award highlights students like me who work hard every day at school and live out the school’s values.
Q: The teacher who nominated you said you’re a wonderful example of being a good community member at Dominican. Why is it important for you to be a good role model?
ED: When I arrived at Dominican as a freshman, I looked up to the junior and senior class. They were amazing role models and made my transition into high school a lot easier. That kind of support rubbed off on me. Now as a senior, being a role model for someone else is very special. I always strive to be a leader, and I am glad to be able to set an example for other Dominican students.
Q: What Dominican teacher has made the biggest impact on you and why?
ED: Someone who has made an impact on me is Spanish teacher Ms. Bonofiglio. She has been my teacher for a few years and she is such a kind-hearted person. She engages her students in class and makes you really want to learn. I really enjoy being around Ms. Bonofiglio and I’m thankful she was one of my teachers here at Dominican.
Q: What experience at Dominican has stood out the most to you?
ED: The retreats with my classmates have stood out as memorable experiences here at Dominican. Retreats help us grow closer together and create a stronger sense of community. Kairos was my favorite retreat because of how inspirational it was. Those two days were spent building our faith alongside my classmates, learning that their stories and challenges aren’t that different from my own.
Q: How has Dominican helped you grow as a person?
ED: Dominican has helped me with my people skills as I’ve grown to be more understanding and accepting of my peers. I feel very confident with college on the horizon. I know I’m prepared in the best way possible.
Q: What advice would you give to your peers and the next generation of Dominican students?
ED: Take advantage of all the opportunities available at Dominican. Four years in high school seems like a long time, but it really isn’t. Make it a goal each year to try something new, make a new friend, and take part in as many activities as you can.