Gulf Pine Catholic • March 27, 2026 19 Throughout the 2025-2026 academic year, Nativity BVM School has strived to recognize its students through a series of virtue recognitions at monthly Mass. Principal Traci Kessler and Nativity՚s Spiritual Leadership Team wanted to encourage students to excel in certain areas of their faith formation and thought awarding students each month with a “Virtue Award” would be a wonderful way to recognize these students while reinforcing the importance of exhibiting certain moral values. Generosity, gratitude, joy, perseverance, responsibility, respect, self-control and courtesy are all virtues that Kessler and her team thought would be important to highlight throughout the year. Each month, students are introduced to a new virtue and a student is selected from each grade to receive a Magnolia pin and certificate of excellence. The awards are given at school Mass in front of friends and families. A large magnolia tree hangs in the hallway with branches representing each virtue. Magnolia leaves adorn each branch with the names of students representing that virtue. It is Kessler's goal that before all students leave Nativity, they will have been recognized at some point for a virtue award. For third grader, Rosie Ellis, receiving the Perseverance Award meant she was showing the world that she never gives up. “I like playing soccer and when I play with the boys, they think I can't score,” remarked Rosie. “But I can. I never give up. That՚s perseverance.” Rosie plans to be an artist when she grows up and says her perseverance will help get her there. Nativity hopes the monthly Virtue Awards will help develop its students into future disciples and they are thrilled with the excitement surrounding this monthly achievement. Bishop Kihneman, Father Bart and Principal Traci Kessler award the Joy Virtue award to a series of Nativity students. Nativity BVM School, Biloxi, highlights virtues in its students It was a “souper awesome” day at Nativity BVM School when faculty and staff were treated to a soup buffet from Nativity parents. White Chicken Chili, Potato Soup, Corn and Crab Bisque, Tomato Soup, Chicken and Wild Rice Soup, and all the necessary accoutrement were served. First grade assistant, Bonnie Fountain, loved being treated to so many delicious options. “It was so kind of our school family to prepare this great meal for us!” remarked Fountain. For Nativity parents, it was the least they could do to show their appreciation for their school family. “Who doesn’t love a warm, home-cooked bowl of soup?” asked Tahler Glisson, one of the parents who helped make this event possible. “Giving back to our teachers in the way of a meal made with love is the least we can do!” It was a fun way to show support to a SOUPER group of educators and staff. Nativity parents are so grateful for their school!! Nativity BVM School is blessed with a “souper” faculty and staff! First grade teachers, Cato and Fountain, enjoy a warm bowl of soup! Nativity BVM School, Biloxi, celebrates its “souper” awesome faculty and staff! Holy Trinity Catholic School is Wild about Reading as they participate in Read Across America Week! Pictured are our February Knights of the Month for the virtue of Kindness: back row l-r: Aven F., Hallie C., Emma H., Brantley A.; front row l-r: Audrey D., Lulu B., Amelia S., Liam F., Neville G., Wes K., Ellie C., Harper S., and Presley C.; not pictured: Abigail E. Holy Trinity Catholic School, Bay St. Louis, chooses February Knights of the Month St. Patrick Catholic High, Biloxi, varsity soccer teams wins state championship Congratulations to the St. Patrick Varsity Soccer teams. Both won the State Championship for Class 1 on February 20. Both teams beat St. Andrews Episcopal. The boys won 1-0 and the girls won 2-0.
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