On May 17, Prince of Peace Catholic Church parishioner Nathan Trey Ferguson received the parish’s 22nd annual Caitlin Sweeney-McDaniel Faith in Action Award. This $1,000 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. 

Ferguson is a 2026 honors graduate of Helena High School where he was a member of eight honor societies and founded a chapter of Fellowship of Christian Athletes and the Husky 6 a.m. Bible study. He excelled at football and basketball, captaining both teams as well as winning medals in track and field at the state level. Off the field, Ferguson created, cohosted, edited, and designed media for a teen-led Christian podcast, “The Footsteps of Faith.” He has been a teen leader in our Prince of Peace youth group and mentors Confirmation candidates. In addition, Ferguson serves as a lector at Mass. The busy teen also found time to intern at a cybersecurity firm. He is the son of Trey and Ashley Serio Ferguson of Helena.

The two runners-up for this award were Anastasiia Letsyk and Emma Cathline Meurer who each received a $500 award. Letsyk graduated from John Carroll Catholic High School where she was a member of the National Honor Society and Mu Alpha Theta. She was very active in campus ministry, founded a weightlifting club, was co-captain of the varsity golf team, and served as the soccer team manager. Letsyk is the daughter of Oleh and Ilona Letsyk of Hoover. 

Meurer also graduated from John Carroll Catholic High School where she was a member of the National Honor Society, president of the Thespian Society and Spanish Club, as well as a varsity basketball and softball player. She was a member of the diocese’s student council, a member of the parish’s high school youth group, and a Vacation Bible School volunteer. She is the daughter of Matthew and Lauren Meurer of Hoover.

The award was established by parishioners Joe and Cindy Sweeney in memory of their daughter Caitlin Sweeney-McDaniel, who exemplified the attributes of the award and passed away in 2004 at age 17.