The recipients have distinguished themselves in the eyes of the administration and faculty by demonstrating what it means to be a student in a Marianist school, specifically, that the recipients embody the Vianney spirit and are living testimony to and reflect the Characteristics of a Marianist Education.
Each year the faculty rate students their individual demonstration of their understanding of the Marianist Characteristics based on their actions in classrooms, on teams and in clubs.
The Marianist Award winners have distinguished themselves by achieving the highest ratings from the faculty and administration. Students become eligible for the Marianist Award in their sophomore year. The Order of the Griffin is the second highest Marianist award recognition that a Vianney student can achieve, and the highest award for a freshman.