Credit: Manor College.
Natasha Moore (Covington Academy) of Elkins Park received the 2025 Mother Josaphat Medal, the highest award a student can receive while at the institution, during Manor College’s Founders Day.
Moore is a junior studying Business Administration at Manor College.
“I feel really blessed,” Moore said. “I wasn’t expecting it. I just feel very grateful that I chose Manor. It just means a lot to help other people and make sure that they feel seen and heard.” The Mother Josaphat Medal is a student award presented to a Manor College student who exhibits a responsible lifestyle evidenced through reverence, respect and service. The institution has bestowed the award since 2007.
"When she started at Manor College, Natasha was introverted and to herself. Certainly, she is not now," said Thomas Sims, Vice President of Advancement at Manor College, who has served as Moore's manager for two years. "She got involved and found her voice. And now, she will happily tell you she is still introverted, but that does not prevent her from being a leader. She is an example to other students who may be resistant to getting involved."
At Manor, Moore is a Presidential Ambassador, President of Student Senate and a member of the Rotaract Club, the Phi Theta Kappa honor society and the DEIA book club. Outside of the institution, Moore finds ways to live in service of others. She volunteered with the Greater Valley Forge Human Resources Association over the past year, and participated in the ‘Stamp Out Parkinson’s Walk’.
In 2024, she worked with Manor College’s DEIA committee and created a three-part series called “Sip, Savor and Explore” to create a dialogue about internal biases and where they come from. In December, she organized a coat drive that donated more than 80 winter items to the St. James Church in Kensington.
“I didn’t know anyone when I first came in and she wasted no time in talking to me and letting it be known she was in my corner,” one student nominator wrote. “We didn’t even share a major, but that didn’t matter to her. Even now, she still makes sure to look out for me and at least say hi. It’s nice to see a well-known, out there student who acknowledges the invisible.”
A second nominator wrote, “the most important part of Natasha’s work is that she doesn’t do this for the recognition. When you give her praise, she’ll smile or chuckle and move onto the next task. She might be the most genuinely kind person I’ve ever met.”
After college, Moore hopes to go into Human Resources. At first, she believed human resources just hired and fired people, but a conversation with a mentor helped her discover Moore’s true motivation.
“I didn’t feel seen in grade school and high school because of my introverted nature,” Moore said. “I want to make people feel seen.”
In addition to Moore, five other students were named finalists for the Mother Josaphat Medal.
Lauren Brown (St. Hubert’s Catholic High School for Girls, Philadelphia)
Lauren Brown is a junior at Manor College studying Criminal Justice. Brown is a Presidential Ambassador, captain of the women’s soccer team, a member of the women’s basketball team and was inducted into the Phi Theta Kappa honor society. One nominator described Brown as “a true scholar-athlete” who “truly shows what it means to be a team player.”
Kyzera Davis (Dobbins Technical High School, Philadelphia)
Kyzera Davis is a freshman at Manor College studying Practical Nursing. Since coming to campus, she’s immersed herself in campus life despite being in a rigorous academic program. Her goal is to help out future First-Generation college students by volunteering as a tutor, organizing fundraisers and spreading her own story to raise awareness and help others overcome life’s challenges.
Kareem Haines (Bishop McDevitt High School, Philadelphia)
Kareem Haines is a senior at Manor College studying Computer and Information Systems. Kareem is a Peer Mentor at Manor, helping young Manor students find their way early in their college education. He works as an intern in Manor’s IT department and has a professionalism, “far beyond his years,” according to one nominator.
George Keelen III (New Orleans Military Academy, New Orleans)
George Keelen III is a junior at Manor College studying Computer and Information Systems. Keelen is a resident assistant on campus and a member of the Men’s Soccer team. Before coming to Manor, he served for three years in the Louisiana National Guard and volunteered with his high school’s soccer team.
Sofiia Myronovych (Lviv, Ukraine)
Sofiia Myronovych is a freshman at Manor College studying Allied Health. Myronovych was a dentist in Ukraine before coming to America and pursuing a career in Dental Hygiene. She juggles her education, a family and a job as a dental assistant, all with strong spirit and enthusiasm.
