PVI Student Wins Porto Charities’ Advocacy Award for Outstanding Peer Mentor

Named after St. Timothy, companion and helper to St. Paul, this award goes to an outstanding current or former peer mentor from one of the four diocesan high schools who has a personal and long-standing commitment to accompany those in the disability community and help make academic and social life accessible. This year, Porto Charities chose one peer mentor from each of the four diocesan high schools. Award winners were nominated by those in the community who recognized outstanding mentors and chosen by the Porto Charities awards selection committee. The award will be presented at the Porto Charities Embrace Advocacy Awards Gala in April.
 
Rylie has served as a peer mentor at PVI for two consecutive years, starting in 10th grade, and has continued participating in peer mentoring every semester since. Rylie has demonstrated that her commitment to peer mentoring goes far beyond gaining exposure to working with students with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities; she has built meaningful friendships with the individuals she supports, especially her learning partners, Mia Butler '26 and Megan Miller '26.

Rylie exemplifies kindness, empathy, patience, and responsibility. She truly embodies what it means to be a strong support system. She also serves as a positive role model within the school community, demonstrating to her peers how to respectfully interact with, include, and affirm students in the Options program.