StM News

In a little more than three weeks, the Class of 2025 will walk across the stage at the Jefferson Performing Arts Center in the school’s 75th Commencement Ceremony. Well prepared for college and beyond, the Class of 2025 is entering the next stage of their educational journey with 193 acceptances to universities in 33 different states and D.C. and over $10.2 million in scholarship offers. But first, the near-graduates have been completing a few final requirements and observing time-honored St. Martin’s traditions. 

Senior Favorites

As the school year comes to a close, the Upper School announced this year’s senior favorites. This StM tradition dates back to the first graduating class of 1951 who selected two students for their outstanding loyalty and devotion to the school. They came to be known as Mr. and Miss St. Martin’s, and in later years, other ‘favorites’ were added. For 2025, the roles of Mr. and Miss St. Martin’s are held by Jess Akers and Savannah Westacott. Harlem Berry and Meera Hijazi were selected as Most Athletic. Wittiest in the senior class are Harrison Kurt, Isabella James, and TJ Lazarone. Will Pejic and Ella Bozeman were voted Most Spirited. The Most Likely to Succeed in the Class of 2025 are Cole LaCoste and Isabel Lovera. The two Friendliest Seniors, according to their peers, were Zach Kelly and Demi Kilburn. Tucker Manning and Kata Segura are the class’ Most Artistic. 

Senior Chapel Day

Before starting exams, the Class of 2025 closed out its last week of classes with a busy, fun-filled final day on Friday, May 2. Members of the senior class who have been Saints since their days in the George Cottage, Pre-K, and Kindergarten started their last day of school the same way they began their first -- by ringing the Lower School bell. Former teachers and Lower School Head Dr. Rebecca Lovisa came by to wish them well and congratulate them on their accomplishments. Seniors also visited Lower School Chapel and enjoyed breakfast together in the Dining Hall. 

The Alumni Association hosted a New Alumni Luncheon for the Class of 2025, officially welcoming the almost-grads into the fold. Following lunch, seniors made their way to the Lower School to have a snack and play on the Lower School playground with First Grade. 

At 2 p.m., the entire Upper School plus eighth grade gathered in the Dan and Frances White Chapel for Senior Chapel. This St. Martin’s tradition began in 1984 as an idea of Fr. Ralph Byrd. Then-class president Lester Coe ’84 helped facilitate the first Senior Chapel as the class’ homage to the school. Members of the Class of 2025 helped carry on that beloved tradition when they shared their favorite St. Martin’s memories from their time in Lower School to the present. Scattered among the reminiscing were photo slideshows, musical performances, and liturgical readings. 

After the chapel service, the Class of 2025 processed two by two – some with tears in their eyes, – to the St. Martin’s Episcopal School Bell. Standing in what was the heart of the original Green Acres campus, the bell has been a fixture of St. Martin’s since the school’s earliest days. Surrounded by family, friends, and faculty, each senior rang the bell once to signal the close of this chapter in their lives.

Senior Internships

During the final weeks leading up to graduation, seniors are required to complete two-week internships at local businesses, exposing them to possible future careers. Students share their experiences with the school and each other through a number of journal entries detailing what they learn and how the internships impact them. 

The senior internships were originated by Upper School Counselor Dr. Bill Rosenbaum in 1993, and are the culmination of St. Martin’s multi-year career exploration program, which begins in ninth grade. Freshmen participate in Shadow Day, where they spend one day shadowing professionals in various career fields. As sophomores, students visit local college campuses to explore majors offered. Juniors and seniors are further exposed to possible career paths through Career Day, which brings alumni and parents in the StM community back to campus for a day of showcasing a variety of career options.  

The Final Countdown

At the Upper School Honors Program on May 6, they officially relinquished their leadership roles to the Class of 2026 in the Passing of the Light Ceremony. Before participating in St. Martin’s 75th Commencement Exercises on May 29, seniors will return to campus for the Baccalaureate Service on May 27.