Rylie Cottrill has been named the 2023 Aquinas Award recipient from Madonna High School. Rylie was selected as the award winner by the faculty of Madonna High School. The award recognizes students for their outstanding qualities of faithful discipleship, academic excellence, leadership and service to the school, parish and community, reflecting the ideals of Catholic education epitomized by St. Thomas Aquinas, the patron saint of students. It is the highest honor a student can receive from the diocese.
Rylie is the daughter of John and Rose Cottrill, and sister to EJ. She is an active member of St. Joseph the Worker Church where she is an altar server. Rylie is the class president, serves as president of the Science Club and is a member of the Pep, Pro-Life, and Interact Clubs. She is a member of the National Honor Society. She represented Madonna at WV ALA Rhododendron Girls State. She lettered on the Lady Dons Volleyball team for two years and was an OVAC All-Star participant and a member of the OVAC All-Academic Team. She plays the piano and violin and is interested in photography. Rylie is a National Merit Scholarship Finalist and a Presidential Scholars Program Qualifier. Rylie aspires to attend the Naval Academy and major in Chemistry.