The Mendel High School Alumni Association continued a growing tradition on September 23, 2026, honoring two St. Rita High School seniors with the Gregor Mendel Science & Technology Awards.

During an Award Mass held in the St. Rita High School Chapel, Logan Patrick Shields and Anthony William Carter were recognized for their outstanding achievement, dedication and promise in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

Representing the Mendel Alumni Association were Vice President Pat Regan ’68, Secretary Mike Dreznes ’68 and Veterans & First Responders Committee Chairman Andy Youpel ’66. St. Rita Principal Josh Blazek also joined the students for the presentation.

Each recipient received a personalized award certificate along with a $500 honorarium from the Mendel High School Alumni Association to support his continuing education.

Honoring the Legacy of Gregor Mendel

The awards were created to honor the legacy of Gregor Johann Mendel, the namesake of Mendel High School and the scientist widely recognized as the father of modern genetics.

Mendel, an Austrian biologist, mathematician, meteorologist and Augustinian friar, laid the foundation for the modern study of heredity through his groundbreaking experiments in the 1800s.

The connection between Mendel and St. Rita grew even stronger in 2023, when St. Rita graciously provided a home for the Mendel Alumni Association Hall of Fame within the school’s Mendel Science Hall.

Two years ago, the Alumni Association expanded that relationship by establishing the Gregor Mendel Science & Technology Awards. Each year, two St. Rita seniors are selected in partnership with the St. Rita Science Department for exceptional accomplishment and potential in STEM fields.

A Message for the Future

Speaking to the recipients, Mike Dreznes encouraged Shields and Carter to continue striving for excellence and to make their families, St. Rita High School, Mendel High School and the greater Augustinian community proud.

He reminded the students that the Mendel alumni community will continue “cheering for them from the sidelines” as they move forward with their education and careers.

The Mendel High School Alumni Association congratulates Logan Patrick Shields and Anthony William Carter on receiving the 2026 Gregor Mendel Science & Technology Awards and wishes them continued success in the years ahead.

Congratulations, Logan and Anthony!