April 2025 Plus Ultra Awards

Each month, faculty and staff are asked to nominate students, faculty, or staff who they feel have done something to personify one of the five Spiritual Values of Humility, Simplicity, Compassion, Trust, and Zeal. The idea is to recognize members of our community who go More Beyond and exemplify our motto Plus Ultra. Malden Catholic is proud to recognize the following people for going More Beyond.

This month’s Plus Ultra Award recipients are:

Simplicity – Adam Smida ’26 (Somerville)

The Xaverian Brothers identify a care for the common good, a commitment to justice, and a rejection of excessive materialism as characteristics of simplicity. Through words, action, and example, Adam Smida lives these values every day. Adam is laser-focused on his studies, his cocurricular commitments, faith, friends, and family. Like Ryken, he understands that true abundance comes with living "with less, rather than more, in a spirit of appreciation and gratitude" for all of life's blessings that come from God.

Humility – Mrs. Andrea Tracey

Mrs. Tracey truly embodies the value of humility. Her positive personality and attention to detail make Malden Catholic a better community. In her quiet way, she is behind the scenes supporting every facet of the institution to be successful. It seems like she is here all the time and for every event with a big smile and a willingness to do anything. For these reasons, Mrs. Tracey has earned a Plus Ultra Ward.

Compassion – Pishon Gezehagn ’27 (Revere)

Pishon demonstrated compassion for a classmate in the most profoundly touching way. Pishon, chose to speak up and advocate on behalf of her classmate out of concern for her social emotional well-being.  Pishon demonstrated a selfless act to get help and support for a classmate that she personally had limited interactions with. Galatians 6:2 emphasizes the practical application of love and empathy and encourages Christians to support and carry each other’s burdens.

Trust – Daniel McCobb ’27 (Medford)

The Xaverian value of "trust" joins us together in faith to build up our MC community. One of our great community-builders is Daniel McCobb, whom we can always count on to answer the call and serve the community wherever needed. Dan is a constant positive presence, a trusted friend through difficult times, and a reliable source of humor for all of us! 

Zeal – Shannon Hounsell ’27 (Wilmington)

Shannon is a great example of the Xaverian value of Zeal. She exudes enthusiasm in all that she does.  Shannon is an active member of the Malden Catholic community, participating in athletics, clubs, and service opportunities while carrying a demanding academic load. Teachers and fellow students can count on her positive energy, ever-present smile, and can-do attitude to get things done and brighten their day.