Oak Knoll seniors Vivian Nardolillo ’26 and Quinn McNany ’26 were among the honorees to receive Archdiocesan Youth Discipleship Awards at a special Mass and Youth Ministry Recognition Ceremony on Sunday, December 7, 2026.

The liturgy, held at the Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart in Newark — the same space where Oak Knoll celebrated its Centennial Mass last year — was presided over by His Eminence Cardinal Joseph W. Tobin, C.Ss.R., who also served as homilist.

In addition to the student honorees, Michele Van Kalsbeck, Upper School Director of Campus Ministry, was recognized with the Light of the World Award, which expresses appreciation for adults who demonstrate exceptional commitment to young people and ministry.

For Van Kalsbeck, the roots of her service stretch back to her own high school years — an experience she now works to foster in her students.

“Being recognized for my commitment to Campus Ministry means so much to me. I am particularly passionate about exposing young people to different types of community service so that they hopefully discover a type of service that they really enjoy,” she said.

Her work continued after college through a year of service at a L’Arche home, which supports individuals with intellectual disabilities.

“I hope to pay this experience forward by exposing young people to different types of service,” she added.

Van Kalsbeck also highlighted the leadership and dedication of Oak Knoll’s students, particularly in the school’s retreat program.

“When I came to Oak Knoll, we hired outside facilitators for all of the class reflection days, but I wanted to give the students an opportunity to lead,” she said, noting that sophomore, junior, and senior Reflection Days are now entirely peer-led.

Upper School students also support the spiritual formation of younger Royals: upper class students participate in and give talks during Reflection Days for their grades 7-9 counterparts, helping to model what authentic discipleship looks like in daily life.

"Being a part of Campus Ministry has given me the opportunity to become the best version of myself and to help others become the best version of themselves by practicing our faith," Nardolillo said. “I am able to lead retreats, give talks, and come up with ways to incorporate our faith more into our everyday lives. It has helped me make new and meaningful relationships with my peers, but also faculty members. Being a part of Campus Ministry is something I am so grateful for, and I feel very blessed to be a part of such a special program."