Top Honors for the Class of 2024

St. Agnes Academy is pleased to announce the top honors for the Class of 2024. Congratulations to Valedictorian Madelyn Havard, Salutatorian Grace Denegri, and Third Honors Astin Sanders!

Valedictorian Madelyn Havard has distinguished herself as an outstanding scholar, leader, and athlete. Madelyn will enroll in  the University of South Carolina where she was awarded the prestigious STAMPS Scholarship. She plans to pursue a degree in Public Health. Madelyn earned recognition as a National Merit Commended Student and as an AP Scholar. She is a member of the National Honor Society, Latin Honor Society, English Honor Society, and Mu Alpha Theta Math Honor Society.

Madelyn competed on both the SAA cross country and track teams, serving as captain for cross country. She was Treasurer for the Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA) Club and Vice-Coordinator of our STEM Club. Madelyn served her fellow students as a volunteer Peer Tutor and as a founder and teacher for the after school Lower School robotics team. Additionally, Madelyn participated in Youth in Government, National Beta Club, and Model UN, earning honors as an Outstanding Delegate.In the summer of 2023, Madelyn participated in the highly selective St. Jude High School Research Immersion Program, an 8-week internship working with a mentor to conduct a research project focusing on drug development and solid tumors. She was also accepted into the Tennessee Governor’s School for STEM.

Salutatorian Grace Denegri will attend Spring Hill College where she was awarded a Women’s Golf Athletic Scholarship.  She was admitted into the Spring Hill College Honors Program and plans to major in Education and Mathematics. Grace was also awarded the Portier Academic Scholarship and an Honors Program Scholarship.

Grace competed as a four-year member of the SAA varsity golf team, serving as captain her senior year. She helped lead the Stars to three region championships including the 2023 region title where she shot a career-best 66 and was the individual region champion.

Grace is an AP Scholar and winner of the Yale Book Award, as well as a member of the National Honor Society, English Honor Society, Sociedad Honoraria Hispanica and Mu Alpha Theta. Grace has served her fellow students as a Retreat Leader, Peer Mentor, Peer Tutor, and as a member of the Honor Council. She is a member of the National Beta Club and Key Club and served as Vice President and Coordinator of Stars for Life. A talented artist, she was on the staff of  Calliope (our award-winning art & literary magazine), and she recently completed our rigorous AP Art & Design course.

Astin Sanders earned Third Honors in the Class of 2024. She will attend Auburn University as a member of the Honors College. She received the Academic Presidential Scholarship and plans to major in Sciences and Mathematics. Astin is a member of the National Honor Society, Mu Alpha Theta, Sociedad Honoraria Hispanica, National English Honor Society, and Rho Kappa Social Sciences Honor Society.  Astin was awarded the Premio de Oro (Gold Medal) for her performance on the National Spanish Exam and earned recognition as an AP Scholar with Honor. 

Astin has been actively involved in the school community serving as a Retreat Leader, an SAA Ambassador, and a tutor in the Math Lab. As a member of the STEM Club, she has taught the Lower School robotics team. She has participated in Key Club, Government Club and Forever Friends Club. Astin has a heart for service and throughout high school has been a dedicated volunteer with the local nonprofit, 901 Pop.