Saint Patrick Student Awarded the Lawrence G. Dotolo Scholarship
Nathaniel Joly, an eighth grader at Saint Patrick, was recently awarded the Lawrence G. Dotolo Scholarship during the Tidewater Catholic Basketball League championship game and was selected to the all Tidewater Catholic Basketball League Academic Team.
The Dotolo Award is presented to an 8th grade basketball player who exemplifies the traits of good sportsmanship and team play. It is an award that emphasizes school spirit, community service, and high academic achievement.
Nathaniel Joly stood out among applicants for his growth in two key areas—Life of Vocation and the Physical Life. Even as a young adult, he is deeply connected to his community, particularly within his church. Nathaniel has also volunteered with the Norfolk Emergency Shelter Team (NEST) for several years, preparing and cleaning the sleeping area at the shelter and preparing and serving breakfast for NEST guests on the weekends.
At Saint Patrick, Nathaniel has continually supported his classmates’ fundraisers. This year, however, he set a goal for himself to step into a leadership role and grow as a servant leader. Nathaniel led Saint Patrick’s efforts in the Operation Smile Dodge Ball Tournament last fall. He coordinated meetings, spoke to the student body, and encouraged donations. Under his leadership, we raised nearly $700 for Operation Smile—enough to change two children’s lives with cleft lips or palates.
On the court, Nathaniel has grown in the Physical Life. Though at first frustrated by his limited playing time, Nathaniel now embraces his role on the team. One of his coaches says, “He has grown in this sense because he now listens to what we try to convey to him [about] what makes a better team player.” When he is on the court, Nathaniel does not focus on taking his own shots but passes to his teammates for more effective play. He has also taken on a role as mediator, ensuring that any frustrations that arise during the game are resolved quickly.
Through his growth in the Life of Vocation and the Physical Life, he has become an exemplary athlete and teammate. We are so proud to call Nathaniel a Wolfhound!
