Celebrating the People Who Serve Our Mariner Community

Service is at the heart of the Saint Monica Preparatory community. Throughout the year, parents, faculty, staff and students give their time, talents and energy to strengthen our school and support those around us. This spirit of generosity was celebrated during the Feast of St. Monica Weekend, when members of the community were recognized with the David Hines Award for their years of dedicated service.

Jermaine Shelton, a beloved member of the Saint Monica Prep community for 25 years as the parent of Rayne ’17 and Scarlett ’26, was among the award recipients. Throughout that time, she has supported countless school traditions, fundraisers and community events, including the launch of Wine Tasting, Pancake Breakfast, SMASH and the Scholastic Book Fair. Her service has also extended into the faith life of the community, where she served as an OCIA sponsor for a Saint Monica parent, alongside Scarlett, who served as Godmother and Confirmation Sponsor.

"Jermaine’s unwavering involvement in all aspects of our school and community is an inspiration. It is with tremendous gratitude that we honored her in recognition of a quarter-century of dedication and heart that she so generously gives to our school community and beyond!" said Suzette Sornborger, SMPREP Dean of Spirituality & Faith Formation.

For Jermaine, the recognition is ultimately a reflection of the community she has spent 25 years helping to build. "Receiving the David Hines Award is a deeply meaningful honor and a reflection of the love, community and values that make Saint Monica so special to me. I am truly grateful to be recognized by a community that has given me so much and that I am proud to be a part of," shared Jermaine Shelton.

Jermaine was one of six recipients of this year’s David Hines Award, and Saint Monica Prep also celebrates fellow honoree Mike Dwyer, whose years of service have touched both the parish and school communities. Mike returned to St. Monica 15 years ago after someone encouraged him to attend the 5:30 p.m. Mass. He remembers thinking simply, "I’m back." Since then, he has served through Cornerstone and Men’s Ministry while generously supporting Saint Monica Prep events that bring families together.

"I was stunned to receive the David Hines Award, as I never expected an award for simply doing what I love — that is, giving my time and talents to serve this Church and community!" shared Mike Dwyer. "It’s such a pleasure to serve here at St. Monica. The award is a visible reminder to me that I must continue to serve for as long as God gives me the strength to do so!"

The spirit of service is evident throughout the SMPREP community. This past year, faculty, staff, parents and students stepped forward in countless ways to support our neighbors, including those recognized by Msgr. Torgerson with Seeds of Hope certificates for their roles in the fire relief efforts following the Palisades and Eaton Fires: Patrick Friend, Katherine Leach, Monica Moore, James Spellman, Vincent Torroba, Renett Young and Julie Zaller.

From decades of commitment to moments when our community is called to respond, these acts of service reflect something fundamental about SMPREP: we show up for one another. It is a value that connects generations of Mariners and strengthens our community.