Fifteen St. Mary’s Dominican High School juniors were presented Book Awards from universities and colleges to celebrate the achievements of the Junior Class. The annual Book Awards are in recognition of academic excellence, strong character, and commitment to community service. School counselors, teachers, and administrators nominate the student or students they feel best embody the criteria set by each college or university. 

Elle Thomas – The Brandeis University Book Award, given to a student who demonstrates a commitment to civic engagement, community service, political activism, social justice, or volunteer work.

Alivia Christiansen – The Chatham Rachel Carson Healthy Planet Award, given to a student who is passionate and committed to improving the environment and their community through sustainability.

Ava Ranson – The Clarkson University High School Achievement Award, given in recognition of outstanding leadership qualities and academic promise.

Reese Tatford – The Clarkson University High School Leadership Award, given in recognition of outstanding leadership qualities and academic promise.

Annabelle Cheramie – The Dartmouth Club of the Gulf Coast Award, given to a student who excels academically, demonstrates strong character, made a positive impact to the school community, excels in at least one non-academic area.

Ella Jones – The Lasell University Book Award, given to a student who embodies their motto “Ignorant of Defeat” and actively participates in extracurriculars.

Emma Nguyen – The Rensselaer Medal Awar, given to an outstanding student in math and science and considering a career in science, engineering, or technology.

Sofia Chanes – The Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) Art and Design Award,  given to a student who is an active and involved member of their school community and demonstrates outstanding achievement in innovation, creativity, or entrepreneurship.

Olivia Ranson – The RIT Business and Leadership Award, given to an active and involved member of their school community and completion of a school or community project that demonstrated a high level of developing innovative solutions to problems such as starting their own business, community service, or extensive involvement in leadership activities.

Eliza Jones – The RIT Computing Award, given to a student who has distinguished themselves academically, are active and involved members of their school community, and demonstrate interest and ability in computing.

Kennedy Duggan – The RIT Science and Math Award, given to an active and involved member of their school community and shows interest in pursuing college-level course work in science and/or math, or interest in using science and/or math in other areas such as business, engineering, health sciences, technology, or computing.

Mary Le – The RIT Humanities and Social Sciences Award, given to an active and involved member of their school community and completion of a school or community project that demonstrates commitment and understanding of our political, cultural, economic, and social world.

Violet Matherne – The RIT Women in Stem Award, given to an active and involved member of their school community and an outstanding student who has demonstrated high achievement, ability, and interest in science, computing, robotics, and/or math.

Sophie Spera – The Stonehill College Award, given to a student who exhibits an exemplary commitment to academics and community service. As shown in the Stonehill mission, the college seeks students who will think, act, and lead with courage toward the creation of a more just and compassionate world.

Haley Valdine – The Tulane Book Award, given to a student who embodies their motto, “Not for Oneself, But for One’s Own” and demonstrates excellence in academics, leadership, and public service.

St. Mary’s Dominican High School juniors who received Book Awards, Front Row (from left): Elle Thomas, Alivia Christiansen, Ava Ranson, Annabelle Cheramie, Ella Jones, and Emma Nguyen. 

Back Row (from left): Sofia Chanes, Olivia Ranson, Eliza Jones, Kennedy Duggan, Mary Le, Sophie Spera, and Haley Valdine.

Below: Violet Matherne

Not pictured: Reese Tatford.