Bishop John Noonan | Diocese of Orland website

More than 700 students graduated from Diocese of Orlando Catholic high schools this year. As the National Eucharistic Congress approaches, Florida Catholic highlights some of them in this second of a two-part series, illustrating how they are Eucharist to the world around them.

Robbie Ridgeway, a senior at Father Lopez Catholic High School in Daytona Beach, has been deeply involved in community service. Growing up in Volusia County and inspired by his parents' volunteer work, Ridgeway aimed to make a lasting impact as president of the National Honor Society.

“I knew I wanted to do something local and outside of the Lopez community,” he said. “I wanted to reach further than that because I knew there was need in other places and I wanted to give back.”

Between his studies, serving as captain of the Boys’ Varsity Weightlifting team, and college applications, Ridgeway sought ways to help his county beyond graduation. His efforts led him to Westside Elementary, a Title 1 school with many economically disadvantaged students.

After contacting the school's staff, he initiated a school supply drive and then developed a tutoring program for children needing help with multiplication. "They said they had some children in 3-5th grades needing help with multiplication," Ridgeway recalled. "We began going on Wednesdays for an hour... we really got to form a relationship with each of the students."

The tutors worked one-on-one with five students. Ridgeway noted he was surprised by their enthusiasm. “The more we got to know the kids, they were excited to learn... They were excited to see us.”

Ridgeway will attend the University of Florida in August 2024.

Jaden Nice from Bishop Moore Catholic High School in Orlando experienced profound personal loss when her father passed away in 2019. Grieving led her into various activities which helped her process her loss and deepened her commitment to helping others.

“It’s probably the hardest thing I’ve ever gone through," she said. "It’s also taught me to love and be love for others because I am so much more appreciative of all the blessings God has given me."

Nice's upbringing in Catholic school instilled values like helping neighbors, which she saw through mission trips and food drives. A conversation with a friend revealed another pressing issue: lack of access to free meals during summer months.

“It opened my eyes... I wasn’t aware of it,” Nice said. She responded by starting a virtual fundraiser for Second Harvest Food Bank, raising enough for 12,000 meals through door-to-door efforts and social media outreach.

Motivated by stewardship principles, Nice founded a Sustainability Club at Bishop Moore advocating minimalism and promoting sustainable resource use.

“The mission is to raise awareness of environmental issues... People our age especially are very consumption-based,” she explained.

The club raised funds for a hydroponics garden project that grows sustainable crops indoors.

Reflecting on her faith journey, Nice emphasized its role in her service work: “I have a very personal relationship with God... If I can emulate Christ’s life, then other people will be drawn to that as well.”

Nice will attend the University of Pennsylvania where she is considering studying law.