Alumni Chapter Bestows Book Award on High School Juniors

'The Second Mountain: The Quest for a Moral Life' guides readers to purposeful lives

More than 15 rising high school juniors in Connecticut, Massachusetts and Rhode Island have received the second annual Sacred Heart University Book Award from SHU’s Fairfield County alumni chapter.

High school principals were asked to grant the award to outstanding students who demonstrated determination and academic achievement and who embodied Sacred Heart’s mission of serving others. Each winner received a copy of The Second Mountain: The Quest for a Moral Life, signed by The New York Times best-selling author David Brooks.

“We are so excited that the book award has expanded to Rhode Island and Massachusetts, and that we increased the number of books we present” said Alice Ferreira ’91, president of the Fairfield County alumni chapter. “We also are grateful that high school principals have continued a tradition of honoring aspiring juniors during the pandemic.”

Brooks’ book describes “first mountain” people as those who are concerned with individualism and success—self-centered goals that are fleeting and shallow. “Second mountain” people, on the other hand, learn to live meaningful, other-centered lives committed to family, faith or philosophy, vocation and community. The Second Mountain is a relevant guide that will help direct the award recipients to lives of purpose and commitment.

“Our alumni association is very active in community outreach and represents Sacred Heart’s commitment to excellence in education and service to others. Next year we hope that even more chapters adopt this award to help young students fulfill their potential,” said Todd Gibbs, executive director of alumni relations at SHU.

For more information on the Sacred Heart University Book Award, contact Ferreira at aliceferreira29@gmail.com.