Out of the student body, one freshman, two sophomores and three juniors are recognized for their achievements in each of five award categories. The awards were presented on Friday, May 4, at Brophy's annual awards assembly.

Scott Ferreira and Austin Holt were selected as the Sophomore winners of the "Committed to Social Justice" award for their participation in the Open Table program. Scott and Austin are both members of Paradise Valley United Methodist Church, Paradise Valley, Arizona, where they are deeply involved in the church's youth program, as well as serving on Open Table's Youth Advisory Board. Open Table is a service which provides a community of support and motivation needed to help homeless individuals and families make their journey from homelessness to wholeness.

Austin Holt, son of David and Gretchen Holt, said that Open Table began when the youth program created a mission called Breakfast Club.

"We would meet one Saturday a month at our church and prepare sack lunches to distribute at CASS, a local homeless shelter," said Austin. "The most amazing part was what we received from this mission. Even though the homeless people were the ones receiving our gifts, we, as a youth group, became much closer and became committed to trying to resolve homelessness. I know I came away from the mission with a new sense of justice and a much different world-view."

Open Table developed from this mission and has begun to spread to other communities within Arizona.

Scott, son of Victor and Patti Ferreira, said "It's great to work with the homeless. Seeing the joy and hope on their faces when we tell them that we are going to help them is amazing. I'm anxious to see Open Table grow to expand around the world. Our work shows me that most homeless people want to and do work hard; they simply do not have the resources or knowledge. Open Table clears these obstacles and brings hope to the homeless. We provide a way and the resources to change their lives."

Austin and Scott are currently organizing an Open Table program in which students, parents, and faculty from Brophy can participate. This Open Table will create an extended resource network at Brophy. The table is expected to launch when school resumes in the fall.

Methodist churches and other organizations are now operating or organizing Open Table programs around Arizona. Plans are in the works for new tables to start soon in other states, as well. For more information on Open Table, please visit www.theopentable.org