NCEA Awards Jeffrey Wall '23 with National Recognition
Spending his time and sharing his passion with the senior population through Golden Age Karate not only earned Jeffrey Wall ‘23 the respect and admiration of his older students, but also recognition as one of just 10 students nationwide to be awarded the 2021 Youth Virtues, Valor and Vision Award by the National Catholic Educational Association (NCEA).
Wall received the award during a surprise virtual presentation by NCEA President/CEO Lincoln Snyder during Catholic Schools Week. Wall along with some of his friends were sharing their experiences at CJ with school administrators over lunch, when Greg Mueller, principal, introduced those gathered to Snyder when he appeared on screen.
The room erupted in cheers as Dan Meixner ‘84. CJ president, handed Wall his award.
“I’m very excited, blessed and thankful to be one of 10 who received the award. The last time I saw my seniors was yesterday, and I taught them more self defense moves. I can’t wait to share this award with them,” Wall said, reflecting on the presentation.
Snyder commended Wall on his leadership at Chaminade Julienne.
“We are very proud of you, and as I look over your achievements and the achievements of your fellow students, you are really delivering above and beyond. And for us as Catholic schools, we are here to form that next generation of servant leaders in Christ. I can say that your witness has served as an inspiration for me, everybody on our team, and certainly for all of the schools nationally.”
“We are very proud of you, and as I look over your achievements and the achievements of your fellow students, you are really delivering above and beyond. And for us as Catholic schools, we are here to form that next generation of servant leaders in Christ. I can say that your witness has served as an inspiration for me, everybody on our team, and certainly for all of the schools nationally.”
The NCEA represents 1.7 million students and 6,000 Catholic schools nationwide, according to Snyder. “I’m looking forward to acknowledging him at the NCEA convention in April,” he said.
In choosing seniors for his population to serve, Wall was inspired by his grandmother, whom he spent time with and recognized her loneliness.
“When I was about 13 years old and got my black belt, I wanted to help somebody else in a different community, and I thought what better way than to help seniors. Seniors, they love it and it helps give them confidence. They can step outside of the house and know that they can protect themselves,” Wall shared with those in the room.
