Twelve Students Receive Book Awards

This year twelve outstanding members of the St. Agnes Academy Class of 2026 received Book Awards at the annual  Undergraduate Awards Assembly. Book Awards are presented by colleges and alumni associations to high school juniors who excel not only academically but also embody a college or university’s core values through their intellectual endeavors and engagement with the world of ideas.

The Bowdoin College Book Award recipient was Fallon Drzyzga. This award is given in recognition of a student who demonstrates extraordinary service to the common good and an unusual passion for inquiry, discovery, and innovative thinking.

The Clarkson University Achievement Award recipient was Claudia Durante. This award is given in recognition of a student who demonstrates outstanding leadership qualities, an academic interest in engineering, science, business, or health sciences, and is a positive contributor to the school and community.

The Clarkson University Leadership Award recipient was Emma Gamez-Mejia. This award is given in recognition of a student who demonstrates outstanding leadership qualities, an academic interest in engineering, science, business, or health sciences, and is a positive contributor to the school and community.

The Hollins University Creative Writing Book Award recipient was Natalee Campbell.  This award is given in recognition of a student who demonstrates an interest and talent in creative writing, as well as sustained excellence in academic performance.

The Johns Hopkins University Book Award recipient was Sasha Wilson. This award is given in recognition of a student who demonstrates a desire for intellectual and moral growth, an uncommon interest in, and capacity for, independent and original scholarship, the strength of character necessary, and employs the results of their scholarship for the betterment of society.

The Marist University Book Award recipient was Louisa Howard. Marist University is committed to providing a global education and creating the next generation of students for the 21st century. It seeks to educate students for the 21st century via implementing the core values of the university, namely, a commitment to service, a sense of community, and excellence in education. This award recognizes a student who exemplifies one or each of these values.

The Miami University Book Award recipient was Maria Angeles. This award is given in recognition of a student who demonstrates exceptional achievement in writing and critical thinking, reflecting the values of Miami University: Love and Honor, academic excellence, intellectual curiosity, ethical leadership, and a commitment to communication.

The Sacred Heart Book Award recipient was Teiona Echols. Sacred Heart University embraces a vision for social justice and educates students in mind, body, and spirit to prepare them personally and professionally to make a difference in the global community. This award recognizes a student who has excelled in any of these areas while contributing to their community.

The Tulane University Book Award recipient was Emma Caesar. This award is given in recognition of a student who embodies Tulane's motto of "Not for oneself, but for one's own" and demonstrates excellence in academics, leadership, and public service.

The Union University Book Award recipient was Mary Caroline Waggoner. This award is given in recognition of a student who is an exceptional young writer demonstrating both intellectual prowess and a commitment to thoughtful engagement with the world and reflects the University's core values: Christ-Centered, Excellence-Driven, People-Focused, and Future-Directed.

The University of Virginia Jefferson Book Award recipient was Sarah Juarez. This award is given in recognition of an outstanding student who embraces creativity and innovation, embodies the spirit of discovery, much like the University’s founder, Thomas Jefferson, and is a citizen leader who works to improve their community locally or globally.

The Yale University Book Award recipient was Lilliana Vescovo. This award is given in recognition of an outstanding student who is academically deserving, community-minded, and driven to excel with: (1) A sharp and inquiring mind coupled with a capacity and desire to use it, (2) Motivation to stretch one's capacity, and (3) Moral concern and consideration for others.