The De Thomas Memorial Award honors the memory of De Thomas, who served in Bellarmine’s school office during the 1970s. Established by her family following her passing, the award recognizes a member of the Bellarmine community whose service, dedication, and generosity extend far beyond expectations.

Over the past decade, Jake Dusek has dedicated thousands of volunteer hours to Bellarmine’s nationally recognized FIRST Robotics program. A former team member turned mentor, Dusek has played a vital role in helping students develop advanced engineering, fabrication, and CAD design skills while fostering a culture of collaboration, innovation, and excellence.

His leadership and mentorship have contributed significantly to the continued success of the robotics program, including multiple appearances at the FIRST Robotics World Championship. Beyond the technical expertise he brings, Dusek is widely recognized for his humility, selflessness, and countless behind-the-scenes contributions that have positively impacted students and the broader Bellarmine community.

Through his unwavering commitment to student growth and his dedication to the mission of Bellarmine, Jake Dusek exemplifies the spirit of the De Thomas Memorial Award.

Congratulations to Jake Dusek, the 2026 recipient of the De Thomas Memorial Award.