Two students will receive the Disciple of Mercy Awards.
Mount Saint Mary Academy seniors Julia Hadley, directress Lisa D. Gambacorto, and Thea Dekker. WATCHUNG -- Mount Saint Mary Academy seniors Julia Hadley and Thea Dekker will receive the Diocese of Metuchen's Disciple of Mercy Awards, given to those who reach out to the poor and those in need.
Sister Lisa D. Gambacorto, MSMA directress, nominated Hadley and Dekker for the award. "I felt that Julia and Thea exemplified the Mercy Core Values of justice, respect, integrity, compassion and service," said Gambacorto.
Hadley, a resident of Florham Park, is a volunteer with Operation Smile, a nonprofit medical organization that provides free surgeries for children with cleft palates and facial deformities, and has traveled with organization to help children in Lima, Peru.
Dekker, a resident of Chatham, is a volunteer with BlinkNow, a nonprofit foundation serving women and children in Nepal. Dekker established a group through BlinkNow that supports 12 girls ages 12 to 16, who are considered to be at-risk for child marriage or who have experienced personal tragedies.
"I'm a little bit speechless," said Julia. "This is certainly a big honor and an inspiration."
"I am in shock too," said Dekker, "But I am so honored to be a recipient of this award."
Hadley and Dekker will be honored Nov. 20 by Bishop James F. Checchio during an evening prayer celebration at St. Francis of Assisi Cathedral in Metuchen.
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