Concordia Lutheran High School is proud to announce Nadia Sargeant as the recipient of the 2026 Richard W. Moellering Senior Barnabas Award, a distinguished honor presented annually to a senior who exemplifies Christian encouragement, servant leadership and a commitment to sharing the love of Jesus with others.
This year marks the 40th anniversary of the Barnabas Award, which was established in 1986 as a legacy gift from Concordia’s Class of 1986. The award was created to recognize a graduating senior whose life reflects the example of Barnabas, the biblical missionary and co-worker of St. Paul whose name means “encourager.”
In 2020, the award was renamed the Richard W. Moellering Senior Barnabas Award in honor of Richard W. Moellering, a Concordia alumnus from the Class of 1959 who placed a strong emphasis on citizenship and servant leadership.
“The gift of encouragement is certainly one of the wonderful fruits of the Spirit,” said Eric Kaschinske during the award presentation. “Each of us stands in need of that encouragement in our faith and in our lives.”
The Richard W. Moellering Senior Barnabas Award includes a permanent plaque displayed at Concordia Lutheran High School and an individual plaque presented to the recipient. The inscription notes that the award honors a student “whose life and actions exemplify” Concordia’s Christ-centered mission.
Ten members of the Class of 2026 were nominated for this year’s award:
- Emma Bledsoe
- Isabelle Burns
- Caroline Creutz
- Lydia Hogue
- Isabel Madden
- Stase Pietrowski
- Ariella Rivera
- Nadia Sargeant
- Lexi Spreen
- Stephen Walworth
According to guidelines established by the Class of 1986, the recipient is selected by a committee consisting of four faculty members, four seniors and one representative from the Class of 1986.
Kaschinske noted that while students are recognized throughout the year for accomplishments in academics, athletics, music, drama, JROTC and other activities, the Barnabas Award is unique in that it honors a student who has encouraged others in a humble and meaningful way.
“This special award gives recognition to a student who has encouraged others in a unique and humble way,” Kaschinske said.
In announcing Nadia Sargeant as this year’s honoree, Kaschinske shared excerpts from nomination letters submitted by fellow students and faculty members.
One student wrote:
“Nadia is the first person I think of when I need encouragement and support. She is always willing to drop everything to help others, even when she is having a hard day herself. She is incredibly selfless and humble, consistently reminding others that they are loved children of God and pointing us back to Him when life feels overwhelming.”
Another nominator wrote:
“Nadia Sargeant is a humble servant who exhibits genuine care for others in her daily life. She is an encouragement to everyone who knows her and is always looking for ways to serve others out of Christian love.”
Kaschinske concluded by honoring all of the nominees for their Christ-centered example and service to others.
“Nadia, and all of you here on stage, we honor you and thank you for your loving service and care in sharing Jesus with us by encouraging one another,” he said.
The Class of 1986 established the Barnabas Award with the prayer that it would continue to grow in stature and remain a lasting symbol of what Concordia Lutheran High School stands for: the love and service of Jesus Christ.