StM News

At St. Martin’s Episcopal School, we believe in nurturing the whole student—mind, body, and spirit. On Tuesday, May 6, the Upper School gathered to honor that mission and recognize the achievements of our students in academics, leadership, arts, athletics, and character.

This year’s Upper School Awards Ceremony was a heartfelt tribute to students who exemplify the values of faith, scholarship, and service. From National Merit Scholars and artistic excellence to peer-nominated leadership honors and long standing service awards, the morning was filled with pride, gratitude, and inspiration.

Honoring Academic Excellence

The ceremony began with Senior Honors, including the announcement of the Valedictorian, Isabel Lovera ’25, and Salutatorian, Lillian Bordelon ’25. National Merit recognition followed, with commendations for Kate Sossaman ’25 and Jeremy Hua ’25.

Membership in the prestigious Cum Laude Society, recognizing the top 10–20% of the class, was awarded to juniors and seniors whose academic dedication sets a shining example: Erin Johnson ’25, Meera Hijazi ’25, Sara Hijazi ’25, Savannah Westacott ’25, Aidan Molaison ’26, Alex Scheuermann ’26, Juliet Whitaker ’26.

College Book Awards

Esteemed universities such as Columbia, Dartmouth, Harvard, UVA, and Tulane recognized outstanding juniors with University and College Book Awards, honoring students who demonstrate excellence across academics, leadership, and service.

Celebrating the Arts, Languages, and Humanities

Departments presented awards for achievements in English, World Languages, Fine Arts, Performing Arts, and History—each honoring students for their creativity, insight, and growth.

Highlights included:

• The Eileen Beckman Award for Excellence in English: Isabel Lovera ’25
   
• The Carolyn Boone Strickler Art Award: Kata Segura ’25
   
• The Pedro Pérez Spanish Award: Aidan Molaison ’26
   
• The Mitchell Berard French Award and L’Union Française Award: Juliet Whitaker ’26
   
• The Jim Latham Mathematics Award: Isabel Lovera ’25
   
• The Harold Graf Science Award: Jeremy Hua ’25
   
• The Overall History Award: Erin Johnson ’25
   

Spirit, Character, and Leadership

Some of the most moving moments of the morning came from awards that reflect who our students are—not just what they accomplish.

We celebrated:

• The Spirit of St. Martin’s Award: Savannah Westacott ’25, who led with heart as class president, cheer captain, and star of the stage.
   
• The Rev. Dr. Michael Kuhn Service Award: Ella Bozeman ’25, the inaugural recipient, recognized for embodying integrity and service.
   
• The Mildred Ellis Herron '88 Memorial Award: Ivy Dubreuil ’25, a friend to all whose joy lights up our campus.
   
• The Michael John Moseley ‘67 Award: Cole LaCoste ’25, for his powerful combination of service, leadership, and athleticism.
   
• The John F. Aker Award: Lily Congemi ’26, recognized for quiet leadership and academic dedication.
   

Athletics and Long-Term Commitment

From Head-of-School Achievement Awards, Lillian Bordelon ’25 and Jeremy Hua ’25 in recognition of outstanding athleticism, our students were celebrated for thriving both in the classroom and on the field.

We also recognized members of the 13-, 14-, and 15-Year Clubs—students from the Class of 2025 who have grown up at St. Martin’s and embody the strength of our family-like community: Kate Sossaman, Isabel Lovera, Ella Bozeman, Ava Collier, Erin Johnson, Cole Lacoste, and Anisha Mitra.

Looking Ahead

As StM tradition dictates, the ceremony concluded with the transfer of leadership as outgoing Student Government President Will Pejic ’25 passed the gavel to incoming president Aidan Molaison ’26. The community joined together in song for the Alma Mater, a reminder that no matter where their paths lead, our students will always be Saints.

Why It Matters

These awards aren’t just about medals, plaques, and certificates. They’re a celebration of perseverance, kindness, creativity, and courage. Our students don’t have to choose between academics, athletics, the arts, or service. At St. Martin’s, they’re encouraged to pursue it all—to become well-rounded individuals who are prepared not just for college, but for lives of purpose and meaning.

To all of our honorees: We are proud of who you are, what you’ve accomplished, and the light you bring to this community.