Page 21 - 2019-20-AnnualReport

teachers and friends about faith, and
it helped me become more diligent in
practicing mine, which I’m grateful for.”
With each discussion, each experience
and each opportunity, Isobel gained
confidence. And this summer, she took
that confidence, drive, determination
and “seize-the-day” attitude to the
United States Air Force Academy.
“I always knew I wanted to do something
related to service,” Isobel said. “And going
to a high school that is so dedicated
to service solidified that for me. The
service opportunities at CJA kept my
passion alive and helped me realize I
enjoy working for the greater good.”
Ironically, this
student, who
seized every
day of her high
school experience,
couldn’t seize
the last. She had
to report to the Air Force Academy
before the Class of 2020 graduation
ceremony, delayed to July because of
the Covid-19 pandemic. Isobel attended
in spirit, however, providing the school’s
first-ever video valedictory address, in
which she reminded her classmates:
“Though we may no longer be CJA
students, we can take the knowledge
and experience we have gained here
into the rest of our lives – Sharing
the Love of the Heart of Christ in
all that we think, say and do.”
At the Air Force Academy, Isobel plans
to pursue her love for language and
major in foreign area studies and
political science. She hopes to travel the
world, experience new cultures, and
one day, begin a career in diplomacy.
“My dream would be to become a
foreign service officer, or maybe even an
ambassador,” Isobel said. “I would love
to connect people by building bridges
with other communities and cultures.”
With big plans on the horizon,
Isobel is humbled to know
that many of her dreams are
coming true thanks to her Cor
Jesu experience, and the people
that helped make it possible.
Above, left: Isobel receives a Watlow scholarship from Melissa Lanham
(right), senior project engineer at Watlow, alongside her parents, Steve and
Heather Dernlan. Above, right: Isobel receives her diploma from Sr. Veronica
Beato, ASCJ ’74, before reporting to the United States Air Force Academy in
June. Right: Isobel and her CJA Cross Country teammates at the 2019 State
Meet. Left: Isobel delivers her virtual valedictory address in July 2020.
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