StM News

This morning, our chapel was filled with joy, pride, and a few happy tears as we gathered for the Lower School Awards Chapel—a special time to celebrate the accomplishments of our young Saints in reading, creative expression, athletics, and citizenship.

Families, teachers, and students joined together to recognize what makes the St. Martin’s Lower School experience so powerful: the chance for each child to be known, supported, and celebrated for their growth—academically, artistically, and personally.

Honoring a Love of Reading

Our Accelerated Reader Awards shone a spotlight on students who not only met their reading goals, but soared past them—demonstrating a true love of thinking and learning.

Students in Grades 2–4 were recognized for meeting their AR goals each trimester and earning top scores in total points for the year. From 50 points to over 1,000, these readers explored countless stories, deepened their comprehension, and developed a lifelong habit of curiosity.

In second grade, Abigail B., Hendrix F., Audrey G., Kamran K., and Noah M. crossed the 50-point threshold. Rowan P. took third place with 114 points, Hayes M. earned second place with 118 points, and Henry S. claimed first place with 157 points.

Third-grade milestones of 70 or more points were achieved by Isabella M., Clay S., and Liam T. The top point earners for the grade were Chloe M. in third place with 303 points, Sawyer B. in second place with 621 points, and Harper D. in first place, officially joining the AR 1,000 point club with an incredible 1,010 points.

In the fourth grade, Reid D., Gia G., Arlyn R., and Brayden S. reached the 80-point goal. Sadie L. took third place with 180 points, Leah A. and Gideon W. tied for second place with 185 points, and Nagi A. secured the first-place spot with 226 points.

These achievements are more than numbers—they reflect our belief that every child deserves to find joy in learning, and that academic growth flourishes when students feel inspired, encouraged, and challenged.

Spotlighting Student Creativity

Next, we honored students who were published in The Lyre, St. Martin’s all-school literary magazine that showcases original writing and artwork from across campus.

Lower School students with poems, stories, essays, or visual art featured in this year’s edition were recognized for their creativity and courage in sharing their voices.

For their published artwork, the chapel applauded Adelyn B., George P., Creghan G., Linen W., Chloe M., Liam T., Ella B., Sadie L., Sandra S., Roman A., and Elouise C.

For their published writing pieces, recognition went to Vivian E., Chloe M., Chandler H., Nova L., Ella F., Harper D., Liam T., Clay S., Casey S., Hunter J., Miles A., Isabella M., Jacob R., Henry S., Haley W., Chloe G., Ella B., Grey B., Rosella N., Ashton D., and Arlyn R.

These young authors and artists are living proof of our commitment to nurturing the whole child—empowering them not just to master core subjects, but to express themselves, take creative risks, and celebrate beauty and meaning. We’re proud that The Lyre bridges divisions across Lower, Middle, and Upper School, showing our youngest Saints that their ideas are valued and their work belongs alongside students many years their senior.

Making a Splash in Athletics

This year also marked an exciting milestone as our fourth graders were officially invited to join the Middle School Swim Team and participate in the first 4th-grade swim meet hosted at St. Martin’s. Our students represented the school with tremendous enthusiasm, sportsmanship, and determination throughout the season.

The girls team earned a first-place finish, the boys team placed fourth overall, and together, the combined St. Martin’s fourth-grade team captured first place at the meet. Individual event winners were recognized with medals earlier this year, and today the entire squad was celebrated for their hard work and dedication.

The celebrated swim team members include Sadie L., Eloise F., Gia G., Ella B., Leah A., Miles A., Reid D., Tucker B., Trace M., Arlyn R., Gideon W., and River C.

Celebrating Character and Citizenship

At St. Martin’s, we believe academic excellence is equally important as values like integrity, kindness, and leadership. That’s why this year, the Lower School recognized students in Kindergarten through Third Grade with Citizenship Awards.

Though fourth-grade honorees will be recognized later this week at the Fourth Grade Recognition Ceremony, today we honored students in other grades who consistently model what it means to be a good friend, a responsible classmate, and a caring member of our school community.

The Kindergarten Citizenship Award was presented to Cooper K. for his manners, consideration, and readiness to help solve problems. First-grader Asher-Grey B. received the award for his honesty, respect, and daily joyful declaration that every day is “THE BEST DAY EVER!”

The second-grade honor went to Chloe D. for her maturity, patience, and inclusion of others. Third-grader Vivian E. was awarded for her positive attitude, leadership by example, and commitment to making her classroom a better place.

In a world that can feel hurried and competitive, these awards reflect something more important: the formation of good humans. Students who are not just successful, but also grounded in purpose and committed to service.

A Year to Remember

As the ceremony closed, Lower School Head Rebecca Lovisa shared heartfelt words of gratitude and pride:

“Your dedication, growth, and hard work have not gone unnoticed, and we are so proud of all that you have accomplished—both in and out of the classroom.”

She also offered special thanks to the parents and caregivers whose partnership fuels so much of what makes this community strong.

We often say that St. Martin’s is a campus of opportunity, where students are encouraged to try everything—to be athletes and artists, readers and leaders, creators and friends. Today’s awards celebration was a powerful reminder of just how brightly our youngest Saints shine when given the space to explore, grow, and thrive.

Congratulations to all our award winners—and to every Lower School student—for a phenomenal year. We can’t wait to see what you do next.