Holy Cross College’s Saints for Life has received national recognition for its commitment to supporting pregnant and parenting students, earning the Standing With You Group of the Year Award at the Students for Life National Leaders Collective in Washington, D.C.
The award recognizes collegiate organizations that have gone above and beyond in providing practical support, resources, and compassionate care to students facing pregnancy and parenting challenges. The national honor placed Holy Cross among the country’s leading student organizations in the Supportive Services pillar of pro-life outreach, with the award category including student groups from much larger universities, including UCLA.
Throughout the 2025-26 academic year, Saints for Life focused on building a campus community where students who are expecting parents know they are seen, supported, and connected to resources when they need them most. Through outreach initiatives, campus engagement, and partnerships with the Standing With You network, the organization worked to ensure students facing unexpected circumstances had access to practical assistance and a welcoming community.
Mataya Watson, president of Saints for Life, described the award as especially meaningful for the organization.
“Receiving this award is a first in the history of the club,” she said. “I am overjoyed by the fact that the club is leaving a lasting impact on campus and I cannot wait to see what we accomplish next.”
Watson, a rising senior, and rising junior Mary Appleton traveled to Washington, D.C., to accept the award during the National Leaders Collective, where they joined student leaders from across the country for leadership development, collaboration, and training designed to strengthen campus organizations and expand student support initiatives.
The organization also expressed its gratitude to the Standing With You team for their guidance and support throughout the year, as well as to everyone who voted for Saints for Life for this national honor.
“To participate in the National Leaders Collective and stand alongside other pro-life leaders means someone else is standing with us too,” Watson said.
The recognition marks another national achievement for Holy Cross College and reflects the institution’s commitment to forming graduates who put their values into action through compassionate leadership, meaningful service, and support for others.