Tartan Scholars Class of 2009

The Tartan Scholars Class of 2009 continued the tradition of academic achievement set by the previous two graduating classes. Below is a summary of their St. Margaret’s experiences and college plans. Their names have been withheld to honor their privacy:

• The first graduate a star athlete and leader. He was elected Team Captain in three varsity sports (Cross Country, Wrestling and Track), serving as Captain for two years in Cross Country and Track. Through significant commitment to athletics, he compiled eight varsity letters during his four years at St. Margaret’s. This student will be remembered as one of the fastest runners in school history, breaking the school record in the 800m by over four seconds (1:56.87), setting the school record in the 4 x 100 relay (44.85), and sprinting to second place all-time in the 400m (51.39). He was named All-CIF two years in the 800m and led the Cross Country team to the State Finals this fall for the first time in four years.  He was named 1st Team All-League three years in Cross Country, four years in Track and one year in Wrestling. St. Margaret’s Track Coach describes Student #1 as “an outstanding leader who is very determined, self-disciplined and fun.”

  In the classroom, the first graduate achieved Honor Roll nearly every semester. He collaborated with St. Margaret’s Strength and Conditioning Coach to learn more about physical therapy and serving as a personal trainer for his Independent Senior Project. The first graduate was admitted to Northern Arizona University, University of Oregon, and Lewis and Clark College in Portland, Oregon, where he will attend and compete on the Cross Country and Track teams. 

• The second graduate is a shining example of service, dedicating her early years at St. Margaret’s to developing and leading the Con Corazon Club. Under her leadership as Club President, Con Corazon became one of the most active clubs on campus and organized several fundraisers and trips to build houses in Mexico. In addition, she served as Lead Volunteer Coordinator for Breakthrough San Juan Capistrano, an outreach program for low-income, high-potential middle school students. This summer, she will serve as a classroom teacher for Breakthrough. The second graduate’s extensive service commitment was recognized last year when the faculty awarded her the Dominic Ondryas Award, the highest honor given to a St. Margaret’s student for service to the community.

  In the classroom, the second graduate consistently challenged herself by taking the highest level of Honors and AP courses. She excelled academically and earned Headmaster’s Honors every semester. She was also active in athletics, competing on the Varsity Basketball and Softball teams. As Co-Captain for the past two years, she led the Basketball team to a league championship and the CIF quarter-finals. In recognition of the way she embraced the opportunities available at St. Margaret’s this student was recently awarded the Faculty Plate. The Faculty Plate is given to the senior “who has made the most of her St. Margaret’s experience and who clearly manifests the Latin inscription on the award plate, suo marte or ‘by one’s own prowess,’ in her years of endeavor in the St. Margaret’s community.” This student completed her Independent Senior Project in a local law office. She was admitted to Boston College, Occidental College, Pitzer College, University of California Santa Cruz, University of California San Diego, University of California Irvine, and Barnard College in New York, where she will enroll this fall.

• The third graduate is a true academic scholar who consistently challenged herself with Honors and AP courses, including two mathematics courses in her senior year. She earned Headmaster’s Honors every semester and impressed teachers with her tremendous effort and enthusiasm in the classroom. She was very active beyond the classroom as well. She competed in Swimming and Softball (where she earned the Coach’s Award in 10th grade) and played four years of basketball. As Co-Captain of the Varsity Basketball team this year, she was praised by the coach for her “excellent example and ability to motivate and encourage her peers.”

  The third graduate has a deep commitment to community service and helped lead the Con Corazon Club as Vice-President. She is completed her Independent Senior Project by working closely with two doctors, an OB/GYN and a plastic surgeon. She was admitted to University of California Davis, University of California Irvine, University of California Santa Cruz, University of San Francisco, Whittier College and Occidental College, where she will enroll this fall.