Cass and Villava Recognized for Outstanding Citizenship and Leadership
Goldie Rapp
The faculty and students of Saint Bede Academy have selected seniors Calen Cass and Ariana Villava as the 2026-27 winners of the DAR (Daughters of the American Revolution) and SAR (Sons of the American Revolution) Good Citizenship awards.
Cass is the son of Douglas and Jennifer Cass of Peru and a graduate of Parkside Middle School. He was selected for the DAR award based on his ability to show courtesy to others, loyalty, truthfulness and self-control; with the ability to assume responsibility. The DAR award is sponsored by the Princeton-Illinois Chapter NSDAR and presented annually to an outstanding senior based on dependability, service, leadership and patriotism.
Cass is a four-year golfer and varsity team captain, three-year participant in basketball, and a two-year member of the soccer program. He represents Saint Bede Academy as a Student Ambassador where he welcomes prospective students and families and helps communicate the school’s culture and experiences. For four years, Cass has volunteered in youth sports camps at Saint Bede. He holds the honor of the Junior Citizenship Award and Academic Excellence Award in World History, which he received his sophomore year. He has also maintained honor roll throughout his time at Saint Bede. Cass has been accepted into multiple universities to study sports management and communications but has not yet chosen which one he will attend. He plans to receive his bachelor’s degree in sports management and communications. His long-term goal is to pursue his juris doctor to become a sports agent.
Villava is the daughter of Nanci Villava of Spring Valley and Francisco Villava of Mendota, and a graduate of JFK Elementary School. She was selected for the SAR award based on her ability to display a cooperative spirit, politeness, sincerity, respect for others and academic excellence. The SAR award is sponsored by the Captain Zeally Moss Chapter for Bureau County and is presented annually to an exceptional senior based on dependability, leadership, service to their school and community, evidence of personal values and patriotism.
Villava has been involved in cheerleading and tennis. She represents Saint Bede Academy as a member of Student Government and Student Ambassadors during school and community events. She also has been a part of spring musical, fall theatre, Sacro Speco, and is a recipient of the Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership Award. She is involved in the Tea Club, Charity Club and Rotary Club. In addition, she earned the Certificate of Excellence in English 1, Citizenship Award in 9th and 10th grade and has maintained honor roll throughout her time at Saint Bede. Villava is a volunteer at the Richard A. Mautino Library in Spring Valley during the reading program and for Christmas in the Valley. She has also volunteered for the Special Olympics, the LaSalle Veterans Home, St. Rose of Lima’s CCD Program and the Peterstown TEC Program. Villava will attend a four-year college to study social work. She plans to receive both a bachelor’s and master’s degree in social work and become a mental health therapist. Her long-term goal is to have her own practice and work with children, teens, adults and families.