Cecilia Vietti Receives Brattin Award

This award is given to students who demonstrate the qualities of citizenship, leadership, and service through their activities in the school, church, or community.

“During her career at Rosary, Ceci has shown herself to be a highly mature, talented, confident, self-motivated, and intellectually curious young woman. She has continually challenged herself academically, and has thrived,” said Lisa Sustersic, Rosary’s Dean of Student Services, who nominated Ceci for the Brattin Award.

“Service has been the heart of Ceci’s extra-curricular activities at Rosary, and she has accumulated more than 430 service hours,” Mrs. Sustersic said.

Ceci’s involvement in Rosary’s Interact Club, sponsored by the Aurora Rotary Club, has evolved from member, to being on the board, and now serving as the club president. During her time in Interact, she has participated in all aspects of the club’s outreach and leadership. “Along with facilitating meetings, Ceci is an integral part of organizing and implementing a wide range of community and international service projects,” club moderator Mrs. Mart O’Connor said.  

“Creating door decorations and making cards for local nursing homes, peeling vegetables for Hesed House, making blankets for the Linus Foundation, and expediting the annual Halloween food drive for the Aurora Interfaith Food Pantry are just a few of the many community based projects she has orchestrated.” Ceci spearheaded Interact’s participation in the food pantry’s Trunk-or-Treat event for the last two years.

“Ceci leads with a servant’s heart and embodies Rotary’s motto of ‘Service Above Self’ and Rosary's motto of preaching with your life,” Mrs. O’Connor said.

Outside of school, she volunteers with the YMCA Summer Camp and the Animal Rescue association. “Her gentle and empathetic spirit knows no bounds as she works with those of both the two and four-legged variety!” said Mrs. Sustersic.

“Ceci’s approachable personality and natural leadership abilities have rightfully won her the respect and admiration of both staff and students,” Mrs. Sustersic said.

Sponsored by the Navy League, Aurora University, and the Rotary Club of Aurora, the award is named for the late Ted Brattin, a World War II pilot and Aurora Rotary Club charter president who was dedicated to recognizing citizenship, service and leadership among youth.