Congratulations to Class of 2026 students Jeffrey Sproull and Lilly Thoman, who have big plans for the fall: Jeffrey will attend the U.S. Naval Academy, and Lilly is headed to the U.S. Military Academy at West Point.

The application process at the Naval Academy was long and challenging, shared Jeffrey. 

“Candidates submit a pre-application, complete a physical fitness test and medical and optometric exams, and interview with a local Blue and Gold Officer (a Field Force representative),” he explained. Jeffrey’s official application included several essays and a nomination from Congressman Rob Wittman.

“I can't imagine going through this application process without our amazing College Counseling team,” said Jeffrey, who worked closely with Director of College Counseling Heather Jeter over the past several years. “I spent so much time with Mrs. Jeter in her office, figuring out the different application portals, organizing deadlines, and going over my essays. Having her in my corner the whole way was a game-changer, and I am so grateful to her for her patience and guidance.”

Jeffrey said the Naval Academy is the right fit for him “because I know that it will push me to my limits academically and physically. It will challenge me to become worthy of taking on the responsibility that is placed on officers in the U.S. military.” He will major in history, a subject he has long been interested in. “I find the study of the past, and how we can apply the lessons it teaches us to the future, fascinating,” he said.  

At Steward, Jeffrey completed the three-year Leadership Program, was inducted into the National Honor Society, ran cross country, and was a member of the swim team and lacrosse team. He also founded the Upper School Adventure Club, was a member of the Model UN Club, and played saxophone in the concert, jazz, and pep band. In 2024, he was named a Richmond Forum Scholar, and in 2025, he was awarded a Ray Tate Student-Athlete Scholarship. 

“In my years at Steward, I have been challenged by my teachers, coaches, and peers to be more disciplined and more organized,” he said. “As a result, I feel that I am becoming the best version of myself.” 

“I knew for quite a while that I wanted to apply to an academy,” shared Lilly, a basketball standout at Steward who was named VISAA DII 1st Team All-State in 2026. She was also the first basketball player in Steward’s program history to achieve 500 career assists.  “After getting an offer to play basketball at West Point,” she said, “I was eager to start the application process and start the new journey of my life.” 

Lilly began by applying for congressional nominations for the academy during her junior year and collected letters of recommendation from teachers and coaches. “I met with Mrs. Jeter multiple times, even outside of school, to have my transcript sent to West Point and to prepare for my interview,” she shared. “She was always willing to answer any questions I had or reassure me that everything would happen the way it should.”

The academic rigor that West Point is known for appeals to Lilly.

“It feels similar to Steward,” she said. “This means constantly being challenged to be a dedicated learner. I am so grateful for my Steward peers, who have pushed me to be the best person I can be, whether on the basketball court or in the classroom.” When she met some of the people at West Point, “I knew the academy was for me.” Lilly plans to follow a social science track at West Point and eventually branch out into military intelligence. 

On campus, Lilly served as an Admissions Ambassador, was president of the Athletics Mental Health Club, and volunteered with Special Olympics basketball. She also shared her energy and blue-and-gold pride as a member of the Prom Committee, Spirit Squad, Student Council Association, Jewish Student Union, and Fellowship of Christians in Universities & Schools. In 2025, she was inducted into the National Honor Society and was awarded a Ray Tate Student-Athlete Scholarship, and in 2026, she was a member of the Richmond Times-Dispatch/Sports Backers Acting Living Leadership (ALL) Stars Program cohort.

College readiness is an integral part of the Steward experience. We are proud that 100% of our graduates are offered admission to four-year colleges and universities. In addition, nearly 100% of Steward’s graduates are offered admission to a top-choice college or university. 

Mrs. Jeter said, “It is exceptional for a school of our size to have two seniors who are headed to United States military academies. The last time we had two Spartans at academies simultaneously was when Allison Langenburg and Mark Carnes, both Class of 2020, were at the U.S. Air Force Academy together. Lilly and Jeffrey are continuing an outstanding tradition, and I’m incredibly proud of their efforts and accomplishments.”