As Seen In: de Sales Sheet Magazine, Fall 2020 Edition
The graduating class of 2020 included 94 young men and women who now attend a variety of colleges and universities across the United States. In our annual Five Faces feature, de Sales Sheet readers get to know several of our youngest alumni who were nominated by faculty and staff as outstanding representatives of Mount de Sales Academy.
The Chester W. Pierce Distinguished Service Award is given to the senior who is dedicated to the Academy’s mission, generously gives freely of his or her time, and motivates others to make significant commitments to the school. Benjamin Smith was this year’s recipient, and he said that receiving the award was “extra special because I got to know Coach Pierce from his time as a substitute teacher and my work as a Cavalier Ambassador.”
Benjamin Smith’s name is practically synonymous with recycling on the MDS campus. He was a founding member of the Eco-Team and helped spearhead campus recycling efforts over his four years in the Upper School. Benjamin raised awareness about the impact recycling can have on the environment and credits this passion to Mr. Paul Midkiff. This passion translated to an internship with the Macon Water Authority during his senior year.
Mr. Midkiff said Benjamin always made time to stop by his office just to check in. “I was always appreciative of those visits; I was always in a better mood after talking with Benjamin.” As an alum, Benjamin remains in contact with Mr. Midkiff—emailing and checking in on the newest volunteers’ recycling efforts.
In addition to helping the MDS community, Benjamin served on two mission trips in high school: one to the St. Francis Inn in Philadelphia with MDS and one to Puerto Rico with his youth group from Vineville Baptist Church. Benjamin was an active thespian, securing a role in every spring musical and participating in two of the One Act competitions. Benjamin played varsity tennis for five years and was partnered with his twin brother for doubles matches.
Benjamin attends Mercer University and plans to major in biology or environmental science.
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Mount de Sales Academy is a private Catholic school located in Macon, GA, and serves students in Bibb, Houston, Jones, Monroe, Peach and other surrounding counties. MDS is sponsored and inspired by the Sisters of Mercy. Since 1876, MDS has served a diverse college-preparatory community of learners—students and teachers alike—who are poised to discover, challenged to innovate, and motivated to serve.