Top Honors for the Class of 2025

St. Agnes Academy is pleased to announce the top honors for the Class of 2025. Congratulations to Valedictorian Liza Russ, Salutatorian Kathya Morales, and Third Honors Madelyn Allison!

Valedictorian Liza Russ has distinguished herself with her versatility and dedication to studying both the sciences and the theatre. Liza will enroll at the University of South Carolina as a University Scholar in the Honors College. She plans to pursue a degree in Neuroscience, on a Pre-Med track.

Liza has participated in the STEM Club all four years of high school and served as Co-President her junior and senior years. She has been a member of the Canstruction Team serving as Lead Designer in the engineering competition for four years and Can Drive Coordinator for three years. Her team was named Juror’s Favorite, the top award, at all four competitions. In the summer of 2025 Liza participated in the highly selective St. Jude High School Research Immersion Program.

As a dedicated member of the St. Agnes Theatre Department, she has performed in numerous award-winning productions over four years. She devoted her time each summer to the SAA Theatre Camp, mentoring young performers. Liza served as Event Coordinator for her senior class and has supported the SAA community by serving as a Retreat Leader for both Upper School and Junior High students.

Liza was named an AP Scholar and is a member of the National Honor Society, Latin Honor Society (President), English Honor Society, Mu Alpha Theta Math Honor Society and International Thespian Honor Society. She is also a member of the Key Club, the Beta Club, and the Forever Friends Club supporting Madonna Learning Center.

Outside of school, Liza completed the rigorous 200 hours of training required to be a Vinyasa Yoga Instructor. She has worked at a local studio since November of 2024.

Liza has been awarded a University of South Carolina Provost award, Southern Methodist University Discovery Scholarship, Southern Methodist University Provost Scholarship, Baylor University Distinction Award, Seton Hall University Summer Scholarship, Seton Hall University Scholarship,

University of Tennessee, Knoxville Volunteer Scholarship, University of Tennessee, Knoxville Chancellor Honors College Scholarship, and the Tennessee Hope Scholarship.

Salutatorian Kathya Morales will attend Mississippi State University as a member of the Shackouls Honors College. She plans to major in Biology on a Pre-Med track. An active member of the SAA Fine Arts Department, she has participated in vocal music, performing arts, and visual arts endeavors throughout high school.

Kathya won Art Awards at the Delta Fair and the Mid-South Fair and was chosen to have her art displayed at Catholic Schools of Memphis Art Show. She just completed the AP Art & Design course, dedicating approximately 300 hours of work to compete her portfolio. Kathya has performed in the Starlettes, Ladies First and Liturgical Choir vocal ensemble groups. She has contributed both on- and off-stage to multiple SAA Theatre performances.

Kathya was named an AP Scholar with Distinction and was awarded a Silver Medal for her performance on the National French Exam. She is a member of the National Honor Society, French Honor Society, English Honor Society, Mu Alpha Theta Math Honor Society, Rho Kappa National Social Studies Honor Society, and the National Art Honor Society. She is also a member of French Club, Multicultural Club and Hispanic Student Organization.

Kathya is the recipient of a Rhodes College Founder's Award, Indiana University Bloomington McCammon OEM Match Scholarship, University of California San Diego Merit Scholarship, Mississippi State University Freshman Academic Excellence Scholarship,

State of Mississippi Tuition Assistance Grant, University of Tennessee, Knoxville Volunteer Scholarship, and the University of Memphis Provost Scholarship.

Madelyn Allison earned Third Honors in the Class of 2025. She will attend the University of Arkansas as a member of the Honors College, where she plans to major in Biology, on a Pre-Dental track.

Madelyn is a four-year member of the SAA volleyball team, serving as Team Captain senior year.  She received an All-Region Honorable Mention designation her junior year. She is an active member of the Pep Club (Secretary-Jr. and President-Sr.) and served as Event Coordinator for the student-led Athletic Council. Madelyn has participated in both Beta Club and Key Club, as well as the Ducks Unlimited Varsity Chapter. As a senior she was named to the Miss St. Agnes court.

Madelyn was named an AP Scholar and was awarded a Bronze Medal for her performance on the National Spanish Exam. As a junior, she was given the prestigious Yale Book Award. She is a member of the National Honor Society, Spanish Honor Society, English Honor Society, Mu Alpha Theta Math Honor Society, and the Rho Kappa National Social Studies Honor Society.

Madelyn has been awarded a State of Arkansas Academic Challenge Scholarship, University of Arkansas Honors College Academy Scholarship, University of Arkansas Frances Behnke Honors College Academy Scholarship, and an Auburn University Academic Charter Scholarship.