Conner Sauer ’22 Awarded Todd Maddox Memorial Scholarship

The Todd Maddox Memorial Scholarship was established in 2000 to honor the person and memory of Todd Joseph Maddox, a 1999 graduate of Strake Jesuit. Its purpose is to recognize an exceptional graduating senior at Strake Jesuit who has consistently developed and lived a Christ-like attitude over his time at Strake Jesuit, thus becoming a role model amongst his peers. His faith is an essential part of his identity. He is an acknowledged leader committed to high standards of living with a purity of heart, mind and body, having matured into a well-rounded, ethical, and moral young man. He is courageous and willing to stand up for what he knows is right, even when it is not the popular thing to do.

The scholarship, like Todd, is unique in many ways. It is not based on academic or athletic achievement, or financial need. Rather, it is solely based on a young man’s effort to live a Christlike life. To be considered for the scholarship, one needs to be a graduating senior at Strake Jesuit and nominated by a fellow student; faculty, staff, and administrators are not eligible to make a nomination. Once received, a committee of faculty members reviews the nominations and selects three finalists. The finalists are informed and asked to submit an essay explaining the role that faith plays in their lives. They are also asked to have a parent and a friend submit a short letter witnessing to how the finalist puts his faith into action.  

The committee meets a second time to review the essays and select the recipient. Prayer plays a vital role in selecting the recipient. The Holy Spirit always proves to be the most important member of the committee because, more often than not, the eventual recipient is a surprise—even to the committee members! Of all the activities and events that I am involved with at Strake Jesuit, serving on the Todd Maddox Memorial Scholarship committee is the most moving and rewarding experience.

This year’s recipient was Conner Sauer. Conner’s most defining quality, which reminds me of Jesus (and Todd, for that matter) is humble confidence. He is humble. He never seeks to draw attention to himself. He is quick to let others shine and have the spotlight. He is always willing and eager to help, serve, and assist. There is not a person or task that he considers to be beneath him or unworthy of his attention. Yet he is confident…a confidence rooted in the fact that he knows that he is loved by God.