StM News

This spring, St. Martin’s proudly celebrates an academic first: the graduation of our inaugural STeaM diploma recipients, Lillian Bordelon ’25 and Cole LaCoste ’25. These trailblazing students represent the future of education — one that fuses science, technology, engineering, and math with the creative power of the arts, and channels it all toward real-world purpose.

Lillian Bordelon, Class of 2025 Salutatorian, is the daughter of Sarah and Wes Bordelon of Destrehan. This fall, she will attend Case Western Reserve University to study pre-med Neuroscience. A standout scholar and leader at St. Martin’s, Lillian served as President of The Lyre (the school’s literary magazine), Vice President of Quiz Bowl, and was an active member of The Shield (yearbook club), National Honor Society, and the Cum Laude Society. She also balanced a full academic schedule with varsity cheerleading and varsity soccer, while dedicating countless hours as a peer tutor. Lillian further explored her passion for science and medicine through three Tulane University Pre-College Programs: Biomedical Engineering – Protecting Against Traumatic Brain Injuries, Introduction to Medicine: Thinking Like a Doctor, and Introduction to Neuroscience.

Cole LaCoste, the son of Nicole and Stephen LaCoste of New Orleans, is a member of the Cum Laude Society and will attend Rhodes College in the fall, where he plans to study pre-med and continue his athletic career as a collegiate football player. Known for his wide-ranging academic interests, Cole showcases strength in both STEM and the arts—completing AP Computer Science, AP Calculus, and advanced courses in media arts, film production, and graphic design. He participated in several selective summer programs, including Medical Research: Clinical Trials Resulting in Medical Discoveries and Medicine: An Inside Look at Treating Patients at Georgetown University, both of which centered on cancer research for his capstone projects. He also attended the Intro to Surgery program at the Boston Leadership Institute, focusing on cardiovascular disease. Beyond academics, Cole was Vice President of both Student Government and the Black Student Union, Vice President of The Shield, and a varsity athlete in football and soccer. He also attended Louisiana Boys State and, in addition, devoted over 80 hours of volunteer service with Son of a Saint, exemplifying his commitment to leadership and community.

What Are St. Martin’s Diploma Certifications?

Born from a vision to offer deeper, cross-disciplinary learning, the St. Martin’s STeaM Diploma Certification is one of two available for St. Martin’s Upper School students to consider. St. Martin’s STeaM and Global Citizenship Diploma Certifications challenge students to think bigger, connect broader, and design with both mind and heart. These specialized diploma tracks prepare students not just for college, but serve as a launchpad for a successful life because they:

• Foster Purpose-Driven Learning: By pursuing a STeaM or Global Citizenship concentration, students connect their academic work to real-world applications, discovering how their interests align with global needs and future careers.
• Cultivate Future-Ready Skills: With a foundation in St. Martin’s Four-Dimensional (4D) Framework, these programs emphasize interdisciplinary thinking, creativity, problem-solving, leadership, and ethical decision-making—skills that set our graduates apart.
• Encourage Bold Exploration: From internships to research, artistic innovation to global immersion, these programs challenge students to go beyond traditional learning and immerse themselves in hands-on, meaningful experiences.
• Align with Our Mission: Both diplomas reflect our mission to foster faith, scholarship, and service. Whether through innovation in science or advocacy in global affairs, students learn to use their gifts to serve a greater good.
• Signal Excellence to Colleges: Recognition at graduation and inclusion on college resumes provide students with a valuable credential that reflects depth, initiative, and distinction within a college preparatory curriculum.

Lifelong Outcomes, Built at St. Martin’s

Our inaugural STeaM graduates have not only completed a rigorous course of study — they’ve gained clarity, confidence, and a deep sense of purpose. They’ve built connections across disciplines and within themselves. They leave St. Martin’s not just ready for what’s next, but ready to shape it. Lilly and Cole are the first — but they won’t be the last. Their bold, imaginative paths light the way for future Saints to follow. And we can’t wait to see where the journey leads. Congratulations, Lilly and Cole!