StM News

Empowered to Lead: St. Martin's Girls Seize Statewide Leadership Opportunities

Mon, 08 Jun 2026 04:00:00 +0000

At St. Martin's Episcopal School, education extends far beyond the classroom walls. The unique academic environment is intentionally designed to foster deep confidence, encouraging students to embrace new challenges and step into leadership roles with conviction.

This dedication to growth and opportunity is clearly reflected in the exceptional participation of St. Martin's students at the annual Louisiana Girls Leadership Academy, held at Nicholls State University. Demonstrating a strong commitment to cultivating the next generation of civic and business voices, St. Martin's is proud to have one of the largest school delegations in attendance at this prestigious statewide event.

The immersive four-day academy offers young women in grades nine through twelve a comprehensive platform for personal and professional development. The curriculum focuses intensely on core pillars of achievement, including strategic communication, teamwork, networking, and problem-solving. Through hands-on experiences like a real-world mock election and direct interaction with established community leaders, participants explore the vital impact of women in leadership roles while establishing a powerful network of like-minded future changemakers.

The willingness of these students to immerse themselves in new experiences highlights the core philosophy of a St. Martin's education. When students are supported by an educational approach that values individual voice and active participation, they naturally look for ways to expand their horizons. Programs like the Louisiana Girls Leadership Academy provide the perfect arena for them to refine their talents and prepare for meaningful service in a global society.

The St. Martin's community celebrates these student leaders for representing the school's highest ideals of scholarship, character, and purposeful engagement: Evie Dicasali, Zoe Crosbie, Liv Dunn, Addison Kirkpatrick, Morgan Markey, Elba Molina, Kimberly Ortiz, and Sophia Quintero.

St. Martin’s Educator Brings History to Life on National WWII Museum Stage

Wed, 03 Jun 2026 04:00:00 +0000

A few weeks ago, the lights went down at BB’s Stage Door Canteen inside The National WWII Museum, transporting audiences to the 1940s through the vibrant rhythms of Carmen Miranda: Samba in Technicolor. The biographical tribute was a triumph of historical storytelling, moving past Hollywood caricatures to explore the true heart, intelligence, and spirit of a global superstar. The immersive theatrical celebration of the “Brazilian Bombshell” featured vibrant dancers, the dynamic Bando da Lua, and a dazzling journey through the golden age of film and its music.

While audiences enjoyed the performances on stage, the production reflected years of historical research, storytelling, and inquiry—work that closely parallels Altobello's role at St. Martin's, where she helps faculty and students connect learning, creativity, and real-world experience. Altobello says the common thread in her work at St. Martin’s and her scriptwriting is that “both are paying attention to story, context, and connection. As a curriculum director, I’m always thinking about which stories we prioritize … and what connections we hope students will make. Learning becomes more meaningful when it is rooted in place, shaped by context, and connected to the complexities of real lives.”

The recent production of Carmen Miranda is just the latest chapter in Altobello's extensive body of historical work. Her portfolio includes Josephine Baker: From Creole Goddess to Siren of the Resistance, which was staged in 2023 and 2025, and Lulu White: Queen of Storyville, which ran for successive years from 2018 through 2020. Her latest work, The Voice of France: A Tribute to Edith Piaf, will take the Stage Door Canteen stage in spring 2027.

Additionally, Altobello writes and produces immersive audio tours of historically significant New Orleans neighborhoods. Through research-based tours such as Walkin’ the Treme and Esplanade Ridge: The Creole Garden District, she extends her work in narrative interpretation to independent travelers and global audiences.

This same dedication to deep research and public engagement is exactly what she brings to the faculty and students at St. Martin’s. In her role at St. Martin’s, Altobello supports teachers in crafting curricula grounded in inquiry, research, and real-world application. She was instrumental in the creation of St. Martin’s signature STeaM and Global Citizenship Diploma pathways. Her collaborative leadership was also central to shaping the school's broader academic vision, as she led the faculty in working together to craft the school’s Portrait of a Graduate, an institutional initiative that maps out the essential skills and character traits for long-term student success.

“Whether I’m designing curriculum, working with teachers, helping students write about New Orleans, or creating a script about Lulu [White], Josephine [Baker], Carmen [Miranda], or Edith [Piaf], I’m trying to help people look more closely and listen more carefully,” Altobello said.

As she continues to develop additional performance scripts focusing on figures at the intersection of culture, politics, and public memory, Altobello showcases how St. Martin’s educators continue to serve as prominent voices in the wider cultural and educational landscape.

Celebrating Excellence: Faculty and Staff Honored for Service, Leadership, and Outstanding Teaching

Fri, 29 May 2026 04:00:00 +0000

At the close of the school year, St. Martin’s faculty and staff gathered in the Dan and Frances White Chapel to celebrate a year of growth and to recognize the remarkable dedication of their colleagues. This annual ceremony honors the individuals whose passion and service help shape the heart of our school.

Honoring Excellence in Education

The J. Gordon and Lou Ann Reische Outstanding Teaching Award
Established in 1988 to honor faculty who exemplify outstanding teaching, the Reische Award celebrates an educator whose empathy, expertise, and dedication leave a lasting impression on our students and community. This year’s recipients are Allison Fresneda and Matthew Munhall.

Allison Fresneda has been a devoted member of the St. Martin’s community for many years, serving as a parent, a grandparent, and a teacher for the past 16 years. She has played an instrumental role in shaping the George Cottage and the two-year-old program, contributing her artistic talent and dedication to designing the atelier and painting the bike track. As a Reggio Emilia-inspired educator, she respects children as capable, independent learners and designs inquiry-based experiences that foster confidence, collaboration, and curiosity. Her deep understanding of child development ensures that students feel valued and loved, and her unwavering commitment to the values of Faith, Scholarship, and Service makes her exceptionally deserving of this recognition.

Matt Munhall has made a meaningful and lasting impact on the Upper School over his seven years at St. Martin’s, serving as an English teacher, English Department Chair, and National Honor Society moderator. As an educator, he demonstrates strong subject-matter knowledge and utilizes student-centered, diverse approaches to make his coursework accessible while encouraging critical thinking and confidence in writing. He excels at fostering a classroom culture grounded in respect, fairness, and enthusiasm, helping students take ownership of their work through patient and consistent support. Beyond the classroom, he actively supports student activities, collaborates with colleagues, advances strong instructional practices within his department, and guides NHS members in developing leadership and service. Consistently demonstrating the school's ideals of Faith, Scholarship, and Service, he models the highest standards of professionalism and dedication, making him highly deserving of his nomination for the Reische Award.

The Barbara Ryan Leadership Award
Created to honor longtime staff member and former Interim Head of School Barbara Ryan, this award is presented annually to a staff member who demonstrates exceptional behind-the-scenes leadership and compassion and is a positive influence across the campus.

This year’s honoree is Enrollment Administrator Gloria Hill, whose meaningful contributions to St. Martin’s stem from her resilience, adaptability, and dedication. Last year, she transitioned into an administrative role supporting the admissions office and the broader school community by overseeing the FACTS system, where she manages and improves data integrity to ensure a seamless experience for families from entry through graduation. In addition to these technical and operational contributions, she serves as a welcoming presence at the front of the school, acting as the first point of contact to ensure that visitors, substitutes, and prospective families feel acknowledged and supported. Modeling dedication and care, she is highly deserving of her recognition as this year's Barbara Ryan Leadership Award recipient.

The Godiwala Fellowship
Each year, the Godiwala Fellowship offers a faculty member the opportunity to pursue summer professional development. Past recipients have traveled across the globe to further their expertise—from Egypt to Stanford.

This year’s fellowship was awarded to Emily Ryan. Emily serves on the Upper School faculty as a French teacher and has recently taken on two important leadership roles as Global Citizenship Coordinator and 10th grade Lead Advisor. Through her leadership of the Global Citizenship Diploma program, Emily has helped students from across the Upper School explore issues such as sustainability, civic engagement, and global responsibility through guest speakers, documentary screenings, and student-led projects. Her work has also increased student interest in and awareness of global travel opportunities, helping students see travel not simply as tourism, but as a way to deepen cultural understanding, civic responsibility, and engagement with the wider world.

Emily will use the funding provided by the Godiwala Fellowship to attend From Global Priorities to School Projects: Focus on Sustainability and Citizenship Education in Prague this July. This professional learning program will allow her to study global citizenship education through the lens of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and return with practical strategies for developing project-based learning experiences that strengthen the diploma program, support interdisciplinary connections, and help students see themselves as informed, responsible global citizens.

Years of Service Awards

St. Martin's also recognized team members celebrating milestone years of service. Their commitment reflects the strength, spirit, and continuity that define our community.

5 Years

Kevin Dizer, Shelley Foster, Risa Indest, Brooke Landry, Velinda Mascorro, Jewel Reuter, Maureen Smith, West Stout, and Nicky Wood

10 Years

Mary Kay Beck, Pat LaForge, and Tiffany Laird

15 Years

Barbara Weaver

20 Years

Mary Bond, Cynthia Hill, Jane Lynn, and Eileen Smilari

Retirement Recognition
With deep gratitude, we celebrate the career of Susan Pendleton, who is retiring after more than 20 years of dedicated service to St. Martin's as a fourth grade teacher.

This year-end celebration was more than a moment of applause—it was a reflection of the deep relationships and shared mission that make St. Martin’s Episcopal School such a special place to learn and grow. We are grateful to each honoree for the ways our incredibly talented and dedicated faculty and staff help shape our students every day.

St. Martin’s Senior Internship Program Bridges Classroom Learning and Real World Experience

Thu, 28 May 2026 04:00:00 +0000

For seniors at St. Martin’s, the two weeks between the final day of class and graduation are defined by a long-standing tradition. For more than 30 years, graduating classes have participated in the Senior Internship Program, an initiative designed to provide real-world learning experiences that give students a first-hand glimpse of future career paths and life after college.

The program was created by Dr. Bill Rosenbaum, who served as the Upper School Counselor and a teacher at St. Martin's for nearly 50 years. Dr. Rosenbaum envisioned the program as an opportunity for students to explore industries through firsthand observation, gain exposure to potential career paths, and further develop leadership, responsibility, analysis, and planning skills. The program helps students strengthen critical thinking abilities while bridging the gap between academic studies and professional environments.

As part of the internship requirements, students maintain a blog, submitting four entries that detail their day-to-day experiences. These reflections address topics such as initial impressions, daily responsibilities, unexpected challenges, and lessons learned about potential career paths. Many participants express surprise at the physical and mental exhaustion of a full workday and gain a greater appreciation for the behind-the-scenes effort required in various occupations, a perspective that fosters humility and respect.

The Class of 2026 is gaining hands-on experience across a remarkably diverse range of corporate, medical, legal, and civic organizations throughout the region. In the healthcare sector, students are shadowing professionals and learning clinical skills at Ochsner, West Jefferson Medical Center, LSU Health Science Center, and more. Those exploring the legal field are observing courtroom proceedings and corporate law at Mouledoux, Bland, Legrand & Brackett, Kean Miller, LLP, MBLB, and Huber Thomas Law Firm, among others.

The program also features robust placements in engineering, construction, and real estate, with students embedded at Woodward Design Build, RNGD, Hemelt Brothers LLC, and more. Meanwhile, other seniors are exploring creative entrepreneurship and wealth management at Sylvia T Designs, TruWealth Advisors, LLC, and SCIN + LLC.

The regional sports and public service sectors are also well-represented, with students gaining insight into large-scale operations at the New Orleans Saints and Pelicans Organization, the Greater New Orleans Sports Foundation, ASM New Orleans, the Kenner Police Department, and the LDWF.

Whether they are reviewing case files with attorneys, analyzing financial portfolios, or observing patient care, the Class of 2026 actively engaged in these professional environments for the full two-week period. In their blog posts, students regularly note a sense of pride, purpose, and emerging confidence as they work directly alongside industry experts in the community.

For some students, the internship confirms a long-held career aspiration, while for others, it reveals that a prospective job might not be the right fit. True to St. Martin's mission, the internship program helps to prepare graduates not just for college, but for life, guiding them toward careers that match their values and strengths.

Marti Awards Celebrate Performing Arts Students

Tue, 19 May 2026 04:00:00 +0000

The St. Martin’s Performing Arts Department hosted the Marti Awards on May 7, celebrating the achievements, growth, and creativity of students in the Performing Arts Department.

The International Thespian Society (ITS) is an honor society for high school theatre students, and St. Martin’s Episcopal School houses Troupe No. 4744. The society recognizes and rewards students for their achievements in theatre, including performances, technical work, and leadership roles.

Executive Board, 2025-26

Members of the Executive Board demonstrated exceptional leadership, dedication, and creativity in guiding our club throughout the year. These students have gone above and beyond to ensure that our club members have had the best possible experience, and we are grateful for their hard work and commitment.

Drew Kosarek, President
Caroline Laudan, Secretary
Dublin Hoerner, Historian

In addition, the 2026-27 Performing Arts Club/Thespian Officers were announced. Due to an incredibly close race and high levels of student involvement, new officer positions were added to the club leadership team:

Drew Kosarek, President
Vivienne Comer, Vice President
Olivia Samuel, Officer
Evie Dicasali, Officer

StM Star Recipients

Students who participated in a performing arts production during the 2025-26 main stage season—which included surviving a zombie apocalypse, spine-chilling stories of horror, and soaring off to Neverland—were recognized with an StM Star: Cameron Adams, Xander Aguilar, Leah Allen, Catherine Andrews, Chizu Azuma, Sawyer Beducian, Leo Bernard, Barrett Boad, Ella Bourg, Jack Calogero, Brittan Comer, Vivienne Comer, Harper Diaz, Evie Dicasali, Dominic DiMaggio, Emma Dunn, Ella Dunn, Reid DuSaules, Vivian Eaton, Dylan Engles, Kingston Esteves, Ella Falterman, Aubree Flores, Hudson Lennox Flowers, Hylton Flowers, Eloise Ford, Chloe Guirguis, Gianna Guirguis, Chandler Heath, Charlie Heath, Dublin Hoerner, Paul Hogan, Trey Hughes, Zoey Jenkins, Juliette Kogos, Drew Kosarek, Harry Kosarek, Kate Kosarek, Kaliyah Larche, Elianna Larsen, Norah Larsen, Caroline Laudan, James Leftwich, Ayla Lermi, Sadie Luby, Lilly Markey, Annie Martina, Eamon McCrossen, Chloe Min, Jackson Monsour, Cecilia Parks, Gianna Paz, Dalton Rivas, Drew Rivas, Arkalas Robinson, Arlyn Paul Robinson, Olivia Samuel, Kaisley Schlumbrecht, Lila Schween, Alexander Sclearuc, Henry Shapot, Neval Silva, Preston Swanford, Nils Valencia, Michelle Verdin, Luke Wakefield, Caroline Weaver, Benny Wood.

Outstanding Lower Schooler

Our Outstanding Lower Schooler Award goes to a fourth grader who has a deep love of theatre and passion for performing. This year, he took on the role of John, the thoughtful and inquisitive middle child of the Darling family in Peter Pan, delivering a warm, funny, and engaging performance. Backstage, he took on the role of mentoring younger students new to the program, gently guiding them through the rules of the road to help them feel comfortable and confident. Congratulations to Arlyn Paul Robinson!

Outstanding Middle Schooler

Our Outstanding Middle Schooler leads with both talent and heart. This year, she brought Peter Pan to life with confidence, strength, and a sense of adventure that carried the entire production. Beyond the stage, she is known for her kindness and the genuine way she cares for those around her, consistently encouraging others and creating an environment where everyone feels supported. Vivienne Comer is this year’s Outstanding Middle Schooler!

Outstanding Freshman

Our Outstanding Freshman made a meaningful impact on our program during her very first year. When a need arose during Peter Pan Jr., she stepped in without hesitation, taking on an important tech role with no rehearsal and ensuring the show could go on seamlessly. Beyond the stage, she is also an active member of our choir, sharing her talents across the performing arts program with reliability and positivity. Our Outstanding Freshman is Evie Dicasali.

Outstanding Sophomore

Our Outstanding Sophomore may be new to St. Martin’s this year, but she jumped in with both feet from the very beginning. She embraced every opportunity by working on every show this season and even stepping into multiple design roles. She approaches each project with passion, dedication, and a genuine desire to learn and contribute to something bigger than herself. Presenting our Outstanding Sophomore, Olivia Samuel.

Outstanding Junior

Our Outstanding Junior has shown deep dedication to our program through his work behind the scenes this year. From his time on crew during The Lion King to stepping into additional responsibilities during Peter Pan Jr., his commitment to the process and to his fellow cast and crew members has been meaningful and reliable. The Outstanding Junior is Dylan Engles.

Outstanding Senior

The Outstanding Senior has been a quiet, steady presence behind the scenes—someone you can always count on when it matters most. His calm demeanor backstage brings focus and reassurance to every production, leading through consistency, reliability, and mentorship of younger students. He has left a lasting mark on the program as a technician, designer, and stage manager, ensuring Peter Pan Jr. came to life seamlessly. Dublin Hoerner is the Outstanding Senior.

Technician of the Year

The Technician of the Year understands that great theatre is built in the details behind the spotlight. This student approaches every task with focus, skill, and a deep sense of responsibility. Whether managing the backstage flow, supporting design elements, or ensuring that each performance runs seamlessly, he brings a level of care and precision that elevates every production. The recipient of the Technician of the Year Award is Dublin Hoerner.

Thespian of the Year

The Thespian of the Year Award recognizes a dedicated leader who gives generously of his time and talents, in both the big moments and the small ones. When a work call was scheduled over Christmas break, he spent two full days working with a smile and a generous spirit. On stage, he brought a villain to life with deep heart and charisma, and off stage, he has been a steady, encouraging presence for those new to the program. He leads the troupe with dedication, passion, and a deep love for the art form. The Thespian of the Year is Drew Kosarek.

At the conclusion of the ceremony, the department honored graduating senior Dublin Hoerner with a lifelong pass to all future St. Martin's Performing Arts productions, complete with the GPS coordinates to the Solomon Theater on the back. The department also looked forward to the future, officially announcing the Spring 2027 musical: Newsies Jr.!

Dads’ Club Sets Date for Luncheon to Kick Off the 2026-27 School Year

Tue, 19 May 2026 04:00:00 +0000

The St. Martin’s Dads’ Club is gearing up to welcome the upcoming school year with its annual Dads’ Club Luncheon. This year, the event moves to a historic New Orleans landmark, offering school fathers a great opportunity to connect, network, and build community before the academic year begins.

The luncheon will take place on Friday, August 7, from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the historic Napoleon House, located at 500 Chartres Street. Attendees will gather in the Pietro Room and Balcony, a space known for its classic New Orleans atmosphere and views.

The cost to attend is $60 per person, which covers a three-course lunch. A cash bar will also be available during the event. Payment should be sent directly to James Buckley via Venmo at @JAMES-BUCKLEY-1.

Because space at the venue is limited, organizers are urging attendees to secure their spots early. The deadline to register and RSVP is July 27. To confirm attendance or ask any questions regarding the event, contact Andy Wittich at (713) 269-4556 or via email at awittich@yahoo.com.

Whether you are a returning dad looking to reconnect or a new parent wanting to get involved in the campus community, this luncheon serves as the perfect start to the new school year.

LSU Star and St. Martin's Alum Harlem Berry ’25 Inspires Young Athletes at St. Martin’s Youth Football Camp

Mon, 18 May 2026 04:00:00 +0000

LSU running back and St. Martin’s Episcopal School alumnus Harlem Berry returned to his alma mater this weekend to host a free youth football skills camp. Held at Tony Porter Field in Metairie, the event drew 200 young athletes from ages 8 to 16 who participated in specialized positional drills and a post-camp meet and greet.

The camp gave aspiring local players a chance to sharpen their athletic skills and learn directly from an elite collegiate competitor.

Mentorship and Character on the Field

Beyond athletic performance, the camp focused heavily on personal development and leadership. Berry emphasized that his ultimate goal was for every young player to leave the field carrying three foundational lessons, which are a strong work ethic, good character, and consistent attention to detail.

As Berry heads back to Baton Rouge this fall for his second year with the Tigers, his commitment to service provides an example of leadership for the entire school community.

A Community Effort

The successful event required extensive coordination from families, alumni, and local organizations. Special appreciation goes to Harlem Berry and his parents, Tonika and Harry, as well as the staff at ABX Speed School and ABX Sports Management.

The camp was also supported by numerous volunteers, including members of the St. Martin’s Class of 2025 and the St. Martin’s Athletic Department, who worked together to ensure a safe and impactful experience for all participants.

Photos by Wally Porter ’76 and Tucker Manning ’25

Spring Athletes Recognized at May Athletic Awards Ceremony

Mon, 18 May 2026 04:00:00 +0000

St. Martin’s Episcopal School proudly recognized the achievements of its spring student-athletes during the 2026 Spring Athletic Awards Ceremony, held on May 14, 2026. The morning celebration honored students for athletic excellence, academic achievement, leadership, and sportsmanship across the spring sports season.

All-District Honors

Several Saints earned All-District recognition for standout performances during the spring season.

Baseball All-Star East Team: Alex Scheuermann

(The remaining All-District selections for baseball have not yet been named.)

Bowling First Team:

Noah Dunn, DJ McMyne, Aidan Molaison, and Branden Saucier

Second Team:

Caleb Heytens and Grant Heytens (District Most Improved Player)

Softball First Team:

Sophie Miller and Kayden Winn

Second Team:

Eliza Didriksen, Liv Dunn, Molly Dunn, Bianca Rice, and Avery Vinju

All-Academic Honors

Students earning All-Academic Team recognition achieved a grade point average of 3.5 or higher while competing in athletics.

Baseball & Track (4.0 Composite): Alex Scheuermann

Bowling: Aidan Molaison

Golf: Brody Egan

Softball: Sophie Miller

Track: Will Adriance, Kaliyah Larche, Donny Lawrence, Garri Lawson, Corbin Nicoladis, Nia Norton, and Juliet Whitaker

Most Improved & Most Valuable Players

Baseball Most Improved: Sage Falterman

Most Valuable: Will Lyons

Bowling

The bowling team celebrated capturing the District Championship for the second consecutive year.

Most Improved: Grant Heytens

Most Valuable: Branden Saucier

Golf

The golf team completed an impressive run to secure the District Championship.

Most Improved: Eli Verdin

Most Valuable: Eli Patrick

Softball

Most Improved: Avery Vinju

Most Valuable: Sophie Miller & Kayden Winn

Tennis

Girls Most Improved: Caroline Laudan Girls

Girls Most Valuable: Beibei Zhang

Boys Most Improved: Pierce Jacobson

Boys Most Valuable: Max LaForge

Track and Field

Girls Most Improved: Devyn McManus

Girls Most Valuable: Kaliyah Larche

Boys Most Improved: Ben Thompson

Boys Most Valuable: Jacob Odom

AG Tony Porter Award

This award commemorates St. Martin’s affection for and admiration of Tony “Chief” Porter. It is presented to male and female athletes of the track team who are spirited and unafraid to take risks and try new events for the improvement of the team. These individuals possess the qualities of dedication, commitment, and hard work. This year’s winners are Juliet Whitaker and Jacob Odom.

Judy Ketchum Baehr Award

This award is given annually to the athletes who have distinguished themselves by lettering in three or more varsity sports during their senior year. This year’s recipients are: Will Adriance, Noah Dunn, Brody Egan, Sage Falterman, Grant Heytens, Kaliyah Larche, Donny Lawrence, Sophie Miller, Aidan Molaison, Nia Norton, Kain Oddo, Jacob Odom, Alex Scheuermann, Juliet Whitaker, and Gavin Williams

College Signing Day

The ceremony highlighted senior student-athletes who committed to continuing their athletic and academic careers at the collegiate level:

Kaliyah Larche signed for track and field at Rhodes College, while Alex Scheuermann made his commitment to Loyola University New Orleans for baseball.

The ceremony concluded with closing remarks from Kevin Dizer, who thanked coaches, families, and faculty for their continued support of St. Martin’s athletic programs and congratulated all student-athletes on a successful spring season and a remarkable 2025-26 school year.

Celebrating Excellence in Reading, Creativity, and Character at Lower School Awards Chapel

Mon, 18 May 2026 04:00:00 +0000

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.

Sixth Grade Innovation + Design Students Build Custom Furniture for Younger Students

Fri, 15 May 2026 04:00:00 +0000

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Sixth grade students at St. Martin's Episcopal School are blending practical skills with creative problem-solving. Mr. Robby Stanley's Innovation + Design class recently completed a project that highlights the school's commitment to academic excellence and experiential learning. The students constructed Viking chairs and benches specifically for use by younger students in the George Cottage and Lower School.

The Anatomy of a Viking Chair Project

A Viking chair is a simple, portable, and durable piece of furniture designed for outdoor use. The traditional design consists of only two interlocking wooden planks that form a stable, angled, and comfortable seat without screws or nails. For this project, students expanded on the concept, learning how to safely use essential power tools. Sixth graders operated a circular saw, a jigsaw, and a power drill to cut and assemble the wooden pieces. This hands-on experience allows students to develop a love of thinking and learning by applying mathematical and design concepts to a physical creation.

A Progressive Innovation and Design Curriculum

This sixth grade project is part of a carefully structured Middle School curriculum progression. St. Martin's provides a campus of opportunity where students build confidence and technical skills year after year. The curriculum is designed so that by the time students complete eighth grade, they know how to safely use every tool in the Woodshop and Build Shop. This systematic approach ensures that students graduate from the middle school level with advanced problem-solving abilities and practical engineering skills.

Service and Community at St. Martins

The project also reflects the core values of faith, scholarship, and service that define the St. Martin's community. Rather than building objects just for themselves, the middle school students created these durable outdoor seats to benefit the younger members of their own campus. The new chairs and benches now provide comfortable outdoor spaces for children in the George Cottage and Lower School, demonstrating how academic lessons can actively enrich the entire school community.