This past Thursday, St. Luke’s School held its annual upper school awards ceremony in which they honor the accomplishments of students during the school year. Each year, a wide array of awards are presented. For a full list of the awards presented this year, click here. 

The astonishing news, however, is the number of Sentinalians – members of SLS’s newspaper The Sentinel – who were recognized for their achievements. Of the thirty awards given, twelve were presented to current or former members of The Sentinel. 

Sentinalians of all ages were recognized. Catherine Woods ‘27 received the Leadership Award, which recognizes two students in 10th grade who demonstrated notable leadership behaviors. According to the faculty, these students showed what it means to find your voice and make a difference. Catherine was praised for her willingness to step up and lead when no one else would. Sra. Meatto, her award’s presenter, explained that Cat’s bravery and drive have helped others mature and reach success. Cat started writing for The Sentinel this year, including articles on literary influences of Lana del Rey and  Senator Cory Booker’s marathon speech.

The bulk of the awards given to Sentinalians were given to the members of the junior class. The juniors are awarded the coveted university book awards. These prizes are a version of subject awards, but instead of celebrating excellence in a certain area, they celebrate excellence in various university-associated characteristics. 

The first Sentinalian to be recognized was Patrick Gunn ‘26 who received the Dartmouth Alumni Book Club Award. This award recognizes a junior who demonstrates high academic achievement and strong character; who has made a positive impact on the life of the school; and who excels in at least one non-academic area. Gunn takes only advanced and honor level classes. He pursued an independent study this year in testing melittin’s effects on lung adenocarcinoma. He was also accepted into the Advanced STEM Scholars program, and pursues his STEM passions through his articles (like his recent one on the science behind muscular training). Gunn is known by many to be a kind and selfless person. Gunn is a member of many clubs, and can often be seen carrying trays of baked goods to give to teachers. 

Junior and seasonal Sentinalian Madeline Brown ‘26 was awarded the St. Lawrence University book award, presented to the junior who has made exceptional efforts in leadership, service, or activism in building and supporting an inclusive community. Brown has greatly improved the quality of student life at St. Luke’s through her work as leader of the St. Luke’s GSA. Brown also stars on St. Luke’s varsity volleyball team, where she is both a strong player and encouraging presence. For the Sentinel, Brown writes niche articles on topics such as mushrooms!

Former sports editor and future Editor – in – Chief,  Jared Gordon ‘26 won the UVA Jefferson Book Award,given to a junior who embraces creativity and innovation and embodies the spirit of discovery, much like the University of Virginia’s founder, Thomas Jefferson. The recipient is a demonstrated citizen leader who works to improve their community locally or globally. Gordon wrote mostly sports articles for the Sentinel but has interests across multiple areas. At school, he leads multiple clubs and initiatives, like the one he founded, CARE that helps to connect volunteers with nonprofits in need! 

Eight Sentinel seniors were honored at the upper school awards ceremony. Notably, two former sentinalians – Emma Sherter ‘25 and Nate Lewis ‘25 – were awarded the Richard J. Pedrick Award and the honor of Gratitude Speaker, respectively. 

The Pedrick Award recognizes a senior who exemplifies leadership, dedication, intelligence, athletic participation, good sportsmanship, and love for her fellow human beings. This award perfectly describes Sherter. She wrote for the Sentinel, plays varsity soccer and golf, leads St. Luke’s WISE club, and is the Upper School Community Service Leader. Through her service work, Sherter has helped countless people in need. She has organized food drives for Filling in the Blanks, blanket making for Circle of Care, and organized service trips to Inspirica. Sherter will be attending Haverford College next year, and will be playing for their women’s soccer team. 

Nate Lewis will be speaking at this year’s commencement as the Gratitude Speaker. Nate is one of many Lewises to be on the Sentinel. His older sisters Cessa and Ale both wrote for the Sentinel, with Ale serving as  Editor – in – Chief for two years. Lewis is an important part of the St. Luke’s community. He is known by many for his kindness and positivity. Nate plays varsity tennis and runs for the varsity cross country team. 

Next, current president Lucie Geist ‘25 won the Senior Loyalty Cup. The Senior Loyalty Cup recognizes a senior whose contributions and dedication to SLS have distinguished him or her as an outstanding leader. Geist has been on the Sentinel seasonally for the Sentinel since sophomore year. Geist writes articles on niche topics such as country music as well as relevant on-campus topics, such as highlighting seniors instrumental to the SLS community. Lucie has journalism in her veins: her dad and grandfather were both journalists. Geist is also a Global Scholar who presented about “Our Neighbors’ Encroaching Organized Crime Schemes: The Power of Mexican Drug Cartels.” Outside of the Sentinel, Lucie is on the Girls Varsity Field Hockey and Girls Varsity Basketball team.

Additionally, impactful Sentinalian Isabela Orsatti ‘25 also won an award! Orsatti was given the Jordan Robinson ’20 Award. The Jordan Robinson Award is given to a senior whose actions demonstrate a commitment to social justice and human rights in the St. Luke’s community and beyond. Orsatti is a part of a multitude of communities at St. Lukes. She’s a part of a wide variety of clubs at school and is a STEM scholar who examined the negative effects of food additives on buccal epithelial cells .Everywhere she goes she shares her unique perspective she honed while moving around the world with her family. 

Last but not least, Editor – in – Chief Kate Hammer ‘25 and Executive Editor Lexi Brady ‘25 won the Nobbe award. The Nobbe award recognizes a member(s) of the St. Luke’s Community who is most instrumental in forwarding journalism. Both Brady and Hammer have been writing for the Sentinel since their freshman year. Their hard work and dedication helped the St. Luke’s community became invested in the Sentinel, and prompted the number of daily Sentinel readers to grow. 

Clearly the Sentinalians are not unidimensional. Members of the Sentinel make impacts all over the school and beyond. The Sentialians are instrumental in forwarding and unifying the St. Luke’s community. And, who knows, maybe one day we’ll see a Sentinelalian on a bigger stage receiving an even bigger award – perhaps a Nobel Peace Prize or a Pulitzer….?