Brenna Vial was named the recipient of the 2014 Robert C. Menezes Sr. Memorial Community Scholarship at Hahnville High School’s awards ceremony held in the school’s auditorium.

The $5,000 scholarship is awarded to a student who has demonstrated leadership abilities, academic achievement and contributions to the local community. The scholarship is awarded to a graduating senior selected by the school and is in memory of Bob Menezes, who was coach and later principal of Hahnville High School for 20 years until his death from cancer in 1975.

“Brenna is a truly dedicated student and tireless contributing member of our community,” Doris Menezes, widow of Coach Menezes, said as she presented the award.  “She has excelled in the classroom and has demonstrated leadership qualities recognized by her school, her church and her community. We are honored and privileged to continue to be part of her future educational pursuits.”

Vial maintained an outstanding grade point average in the classroom being Magna Cum Laude for four years and received the DOW All A’s Award.  She was selected to and participated in the National Honor Society and the National Arts Honor Society, serving as its publicist and president.  She was also active in the Beta Club, serving as its vice president.  She was named as a Patrick Taylor Scholar for four years.

At school, she served on the student council, performed in both the marching and concert bands, participated in the Interact Club, the Green Club and the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, serving as an officer. She was also the editor-in-chief of the yearbook.

Vial served as a Kick-Off Mentor, was nominated for the National Student Leadership Conference and was selected as the school’s Homecoming Queen. She also found time to be a contributing columnist to the Times Picayune weekly River Parishes newspaper.

Also active in the community, Vial participates in the Holy Family CYO and the Archdiocese of New Orleans Teen CROSS. She has volunteered at the St. Charles Toy and Gift Fund Program, the Rotary Club Alligator Fest, the Hurricane Isaac Relief Program, the St. Joseph Homeless Shelter, the CYO Relay for Life Team, the Empty Bowls Charity Event and Luling and St. Charles Parish nursing homes. 

For her service to the community and church, she received the Outstanding Catholic Youth of the Year Leadership Award presented by the Archdiocese of New Orleans.