BELMONT — Dale Ahlquist, one of the world’s leading authorities on the life, writings and legacy of Catholic apologist G.K. Chesterton, was honored March 5 with the 2026 Benedict Leadership Award from the Benedict Leadership Institute at Belmont Abbey College.
As the co-founder and president of the American Chesterton Society and the founder of the Chesterton Schools Network, Ahlquist has played a central role in a national renewal of classical Catholic education. Under his leadership, the Chesterton Schools Network has grown into a flourishing movement of classical high schools across the United States, forming young men and women in faith, reason, virtue and joy.
Founded in 2016, the Benedict Leadership Institute’s goal is to develop Catholic leaders and inspire them to help transform society through their faith.
Dale AhlquistAhlquist is the ninth recipient of this award, which highlights the achievements of people whose lives reflect the heroic leadership of St. Benedict and whose work has strengthened culture, faith and education.
Ahlquist has helped establish more than 70 Chesterton Academies that provide an academically rigorous, culturally rich and spiritually grounded education. The schools emphasize the integration of faith and reason, the pursuit of wisdom and the cultivation of joy – hallmarks of both the Benedictine educational tradition and Chesterton’s philosophy. A philosopher, lecturer and prolific writer, Chesterton converted to Catholicism and defended the faith in countless literary works with humor, wit and intellectual rigor. Pope Pius XI called Chesterton a “gifted defender of the faith.”
In addition to his work in education, Ahlquist is a bestselling author, broadcaster and international speaker. He has written and edited numerous books on Chesterton, hosted the long-running EWTN series “G.K. Chesterton: The Apostle of Common Sense,” and has spoken at universities, seminaries, conferences and cultural institutions around the world. His work has introduced countless readers and students to the relevance of Chesterton’s thought for modern society.
In 2020, he received a presidential appointment to serve on the National Board of Education Sciences. Ahlquist received the 2023 Our Lady of Victory Medal and an honorary doctorate from the University of Mary in 2024.
“Ahlquist’s leadership reflects a deep commitment to renewing Western culture through faith, literature and education,” the institute said in a letter announcing his award. “His work has helped restore confidence in the Catholic intellectual tradition and has inspired a new generation of educators, parents and students to pursue truth, beauty and goodness.”
— Catholic News Herald
Bishop Michael Martin signs one of his Christmas cards, featuring artwork designed by contest winner Isabella Dawson, a seventh grader from Holy Trinity Catholic School. Artwork from Elizabeth Sie, an eighth grader from Holy Trinity, graces the Catholic Schools Office Christmas card. The winners are being surprised with the news this week. (Photos provided and by Brian M. Segovia | Catholic News Herald) CHARLOTTE — Diocese of Charlotte Catholic School students broke out the watercolors, crayons, colored pencils and paint in a challenge to create the best Christmas card for Bishop Michael Martin’s Christmas Card Contest.
The bishop’s traditional annual competition resumed this year after a five-year hiatus. Beginning in October and going through Nov. 4, the diocese received about 200 entries.
Judging the contest for the very first time, Bishop Martin had a tough time choosing a winner.
Ultimately, he decided on the abstract watercolor painted by Isabella Dawson, a seventh grader from Holy Trinity School, because “it was a depiction of both the Nativity and the Cross.”
Dawson will receive a certificate and $50 VISA gift card. The Christmas cards will be sent to more than 500 of the bishop’s family, friends and colleagues. The inside message is, “May you see the joy of Jesus in your family and His hopeful promise in whatever cross you may bear.”
Greg Monroe, superintendent of Catholic Schools, handpicked the second-place winner, Elizabeth Sie, an eighth grader also from Holy Trinity School, who will receive a $25 VISA gift card.
Her colored pencil drawing reads “Merry Christmas,” with two angels holding a banner above the Nativity, proclaiming, “Glory to the newborn King.” The Catholic Schools Office (CSO) will send her card to parishes, school departments, community partners and principals across the diocese.
Elizabeth Sie, an eighth grader also from Holy Trinity School, recieved recognition for her card design.
“With so many extremely talented student artists across our 20 schools, it was very difficult to choose a single winner,” Monroe said.
“In the end, the way the beautiful imagery, thoughtful use of negative space and bright yet reverent color palette in this card came together in a unique way to draw our eyes to the birth of the Christ child,” he said.
The inside of the CSO Christmas card will also feature small images of the honorable mentions: Immaculate Heart of Mary seventh grader An Le’s painting of a stained-glass window with the
Nativity scene and Angel Gabriel in the background, and the crayon portrayal of the Nativity designed by fifth-grader Caroline Henrich from St. Gabriel.
The inside message reads, “Believe in the Miracle of Christmas,” with a verse from Luke’s Gospel, “The angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid; for behold, I proclaim to you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For today in the city of David a savior has been born for you who is Messiah and Lord.’”
— Lisa M. Geraci
Isabella Dawson, a seventh grader from Holy Trinity School, recieved recognition for her winning card design.