Prince of Peace Catholic Church recently awarded its 2024 Caitlin Sweeney-McDaniel Faith in Action Award on May 19. The award went to Cassidy Sharpe. The award was presented by parishioner Joe Sweeney, who along with his wife Cindy, established the award 20 years ago in memory of their daughter Caitlin Sweeney-McDaniel, parishioner and Prince of Peace Catholic School graduate.

The award honors a graduating high school senior within the parish who exemplifies their Catholic faith in action, serves their community, and is a well-rounded student. All awardees received a cross statue. The winner received $1,000, and the runners-up each received $250.  

Sharpe is a 2024 honors graduate of Hoover High School.  She was the senior class president and received awards for academic excellence, community service, math, and Spanish while in high school. Her community involvement included service with the Hoover Belles, Grace Klein food bank, and Prince of Peace’s Food for Our Journey homeless outreach. Sharpe is the daughter of Clay and Elizabeth Sharpe of Hoover. Sharpe will attend the University of Alabama in the fall. She plans to major in finance and then attend law school.

The two runners-up for the award were Grace Carney and Katherine Smith. These two honor students excelled in academics and community service. Carney is the daughter of Jack Carney and Michelle Pike of Vestavia. The Vestavia Hills High School graduate will attend the University of Alabama in the fall to major in kinesiology. Smith is the daughter of Jonathan and Kelly Smith of Hoover. She will attend the University of South Alabama in the fall to major in criminal justice and psychology. Smith is a graduate of Prince of Peace Catholic School and John Carroll Catholic High School.