2010 BREATH OF THE SPIRIT AWARD
Evan Dominguez
Nativity of Our Savior, Portage

Each year at CYX, the Diocese of Gary awards the BREATH OF THE SPIRIT AWARD to a teen who goes above and beyond, to fulfill his or her baptismal call, and to allow the Holy Spirit to work through him or her to build the Kingdom of God.

This year we honor Evan Dominguez, a recently-graduated senior from Nativity of Our Savior Parish in Portage.

Evan has been a familiar face at diocesan events. He’s attended the last four CYX’s, and served as a participant, Peer Minister, and OATS team member for the diocesan TAPT retreat. Throughout high school, Evan has been an integral part of Nativity of Our Savior Youth Ministry, where he has mentored younger teens, promoted events, assisted at youth activities, and he played the role of Jesus in Nativity’s Living Stations. He’s involved in other ministries at Nativity, as well, having served as an altar server,
an altar server trainer and as a lector.

Evan has taken his Christian leadership skills into the secular world as well, where he has racked up an impressive extracurricular resume.

Evan is an accomplished swimmer, a member of the Portage Indians swimming and diving team, including the last two as an elected captain. Evan served as vice president and class representative on student council. He served as a member on the captain’s council, and served as a cast member in school musicals. He was an Indiana University Herman Wells Scholarship Finalist, an Indiana University Presidential Scholarship Recipient, a Richard Lugar Scholarship Recipient and a Youth of the Month on many occasions. He was inducted into the National Honor Society, the World Language Honor Society, The Porter County Leadership Conference Team, and the Portage Youth Commission. He won the Portage High School Outstanding Young
Man Competition. Evan recently graduated salutatorian at Portage High School.

His leadership and community spirit is evident through his participation in Natural Helpers, a group of peer-elected students that are available to help other students with common problems affecting teenagers today.

His nominator was former Nativity Youth Minister Jackie Gentry. Jackie recently asked Evan what he would list as his most significant achievement. Evan told her it was the time has spent volunteering with Special Olympics.

Said Evan, “When I first began my volunteer service, I was cautious and uneasy when it came to interacting with the athletes. I knew they were different, but I wasn't sure what to expect. One thing I did not anticipate was their openness to me and their unparalleled enthusiasm. They were eager to learn and exemplified sportsmanship. They always had smiles on their faces and good things to say to one another. As I coached them, I realized I was enjoying myself as much as they were. Through my involvement with Special Olympics, I have created valuable relationships. Because of these relationships, I have come to realize that these are extraordinary people, no matter how challenged they are. They are people, just like me. I gained a new perspective and appreciation for all people from all walks of life and their unique contributions to our world."

Evan is heading to Bloomington to attend Indiana University in the fall. He will venture away from the people that he cited as the most inspiring in his life: his own family. Evan said, “My family inspires me to be the best I can be. My mother and father have pushed me to be my best, and my sister helps me keep things in perspective when it comes to my attitude and actions. They have helped me live in the Spirit, and everything I do and accomplish is because I am the person that they have made me.”

When asked about his future, Evan said, “I don’t have a clue what God has in store for me, but I hope to embrace it fully and let the Holy Spirit guide me to do what I am supposed to do.”

According to his nominator Jackie, “Evan deserves the award because his spirit continues to light the fire and keep the flames burning in all those who know him.”

Congratulations to Mr. Evan Dominguez, the winner of the 2010 Breath of the Spirit Award.