Beth ’89 and Sean Jez: 2026 Del Sarto Humanitarian Award Honorees
St. Pius X High School (SPX) is proud to announce Beth ’89 and Sean Jez as the recipients of the 2026 Del Sarto Humanitarian Award. This prestigious honor is SPX’s highest recognition, awarded to individuals who exemplify extraordinary service, leadership, and dedication to our community. With a long history of volunteerism, Catholic faith, and community engagement, Beth and Sean embody the values that the Del Sarto Humanitarian Award seeks to celebrate.
A Shared Commitment to Service and Catholic Education
The Del Sarto Humanitarian Award, named in honor of Pope St. Pius X, born Giuseppe Melchiorre Sarto, is a tribute to those who dedicate their time, talent, and treasure to improving the lives of others, particularly children. This year, the honor is bestowed upon two individuals whose efforts have had a profound impact on St. Pius X High School, their local parish, and the broader community. Beth and Sean Jez’s tireless work is a testament to their belief in the importance of service and Catholic education.
Beth, an alumna of St. Pius X, and Sean, originally from Sealy, Texas, share a deep commitment to making a difference. For Beth, SPX is more than just a school - it’s a second home. Reflecting on her time at St. Pius X, she recalls fond memories of talent shows, softball championships, NHS academic rallies, prom on a paddle boat in Galveston followed by sunrise Mass on the beach, and being voted Ms. Panther in her senior year. “SPX was always a place where I felt supported, cherished, and encouraged to grow,” Beth shared. Some of her most influential mentors during her time as a student included Mrs. Susi Bollom West, her math teacher and NHS sponsor, Sr. Donna Pollard, O.P., whose lessons on service helped to guide Beth’s success in the classroom and on the basketball court, and Sr. Heloise Cruzat, O.P., the principal who fostered Beth’s love for the Dominican values that continue to guide her life.
Beth’s connection to SPX is undeniable, and when asked about receiving the Del Sarto Award, she responded with genuine emotion, “I was surprised, humbled, and deeply honored to be selected. It means so much to be recognized for serving and giving back to the SPX community that has given our family and me so much over the years.”
A Family of Service
Sean, too, has demonstrated his commitment to serving SPX and the greater community. A graduate of University of Texas (where he and Beth met), Sean has long been involved in various local nonprofits, particularly those that support children and families. Since the age of 18, he has been an active member of the Knights of Columbus, where he has contributed his time, talent, and resources to various charitable initiatives.
Sean’s community service doesn’t stop there. He served as president of the Oaks Dads Club for ten years; an organization focused on youth sports for kids in the area. He also provided pro-bono legal services for four years to protect their baseball field from development. As a result of his efforts, the field was preserved and renamed “The Jez Family Park,” ensuring it will remain a space for families to enjoy for generations to come. “It was important to me to fight for this park, to ensure that kids would always have a place to play and grow,” Sean shared.
Like Beth, Sean’s commitment to Catholic education is unwavering. Since their sons began high school at St. Pius X, both he and Beth have been deeply involved in the SPX community, volunteering with the Booster Club, Casino Night fundraisers, and co-chairing the school’s annual Gala multiple times. Sean also served on the SPX Board for nine years, helping to shape the future of the school. “Our sons, Zach ’18 and Zander ’20, had an incredible experience at SPX, and we were honored to contribute to that experience in any way we could,” Sean said.
A Partnership in Giving Back
Beth and Sean’s shared values of service, generosity, and Catholic education are at the heart of everything they do. Both are active parishioners at St. Ambrose Parish, where Sean serves on the finance council, chaired the parish’s Spring Bazaar and is a member of the Men’s Club. Sean also serves as an Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion (EMHC). Beth has co-chaired the silent auction for the parish’s Spring Bazaar for many years and is an active member of Catholic Daughters of America, St. Ambrose Altar Society, and regularly serves as a church lector.
In addition to their involvement at St. Ambrose, Beth and Sean have supported several other community organizations, including the Scouts of America, the Avondale House for individuals with autism, and local small businesses like Café Vino, a woman-owned winery.
For Beth and Sean, supporting their community is not about seeking recognition; it’s simply a way of life. As they accept the 2026 Del Sarto Humanitarian Award, they remain deeply humbled by the honor, affirming that their efforts have always been rooted in a sincere desire to give back to the people and institutions that shaped their lives – and to champion, uplift, and invest in the youth who represent the future.
Humble Reflections on Service
Both Beth and Sean are quick to emphasize that their volunteer work is not about accolades. “We’ve never sought recognition or awards. We do what we do because it’s important to us, and it’s always been a part of our mission to give back,” Sean shared. Beth echoed his sentiments, advising others to get involved in their communities, even if they don’t know exactly how at first. “If you’re interested in community service, just go to a meeting, listen, and learn. You don’t have to commit to anything right away.” Sean added, “It doesn’t take a Type A personality to volunteer. It just takes a willingness to help.”
For Beth and Sean, effective service is a collective effort. “It takes a village,” Beth said. “There’s always something to contribute, and every small act of service adds up to make a big difference.”
A Legacy of Impact
The Del Sarto Humanitarian Award is a tribute to individuals who, like Pope St. Pius X, dedicate their lives to the service and care of others, especially the youth. Beth and Sean Jez’s tireless work in their local community, their support for Catholic education, and their deep commitment to their faith make them worthy recipients of this prestigious award. Their story is one of love for community, faith, and service – values that will continue to inspire future generations of St. Pius X students, alumni, and their parents.
St. Pius X is proud to honor Beth and Sean Jez as the 2026 Del Sarto Humanitarian Awardees. As they accept this award, they not only celebrate their own accomplishments but also honor the many people who have supported and encouraged them along the way. Their journey is a reminder that, through faith and service, we can make a lasting and meaningful impact on the lives of others.
