Congratulations to the recipients of the 2026-27 Ray Tate Student-Athlete Scholarship, Asher Alaimo ’27, and twins Gracie Hayden ’27 and Maddie Hayden ’27. The scholarship is named in memory of Ray Tate, the founding president of the Spartan Club, who devoted much of his time and energy to Steward athletics. 

At an Upper School assembly on October 26, Asher, Gracie, and Maddie were celebrated for their excellent character, strong work ethic, and extracurricular involvement — characteristics that all Spartans are encouraged to develop and nurture. As the audience cheered and applauded (including the students’ proud families), the three student-athletes were presented $1,250 scholarships by Mike Proctor, vice president of the Spartan Club. (Gracie and Maddie will share a scholarship!) The scholarships are applied toward the current academic year’s tuition and fees. 

Asher has been a member of the varsity soccer and varsity lacrosse teams all four years of high school. He also plays club soccer for Richmond United. In addition, Asher participated in Summer Experience lacrosse camps, is a member of the Spirit Squad and Business Club, and enjoys chatting with prospective families in his role as an Admissions Ambassador. 

“Arriving at Steward as a ninth grader was a big change for me, but the students and faculty made the switch seamless,” he shared. “From the first time I walked through the doors of the Upper School, I felt supported. That made such an impression that I became an Admissions Ambassador so that I could show prospective students why I love Steward so much. The faculty and staff at Steward are one of my many bragging points that I always mention on my admissions tours.”

Steward’s hardworking coaches are a source of inspiration for Asher.

“Steward coaches are constantly motivating and pushing you to be the best person and athlete you can be — a rare duality,” he said. “They use sports as a way to teach students to not only be better athletes but better leaders and mentees.”

Gracie joined the Steward community as a seventh grader and has been a defensive player for the varsity field hockey and varsity lacrosse teams since ninth grade. A standout athlete, she was named Defensive Player of the Year and earned the Coaches Award for field hockey. She also participates in indoor field hockey during the winter and assists with the field hockey summer camp.

Off the field, Gracie is president of the Women’s Empowerment Club and teamed up with classmates to organize the club’s 2025 conference and 2026 conference. She also serves as editor-in-chief of the school newspaper.  

“I am also a member of the National Honor Society, Hispanic Honor Society, and Art National Honor Society,” she said proudly. “Additionally, I am an alum of the Leadership Program, and I am a member of the Political Discussion Club, and I am proud to serve as senior class president.” In 2025 and 2026, Gracie was accepted into the High School Diplomats scholarship program.  

A standout on the field hockey team, Maddie, who began her tenure at Steward as a seventh grader, hosted monthly field hockey clinics for Lower/Middle School girls in 2025 for her third-year Leadership Program capstone project. “It was a way for me to spread my love for the sport,” said Maddie, who proudly serves as captain of the field hockey team.   

In addition to her love for athletics (Maddie was also a member of the girls varsity soccer team for two years), she is a dedicated member of the Women’s Empowerment Club, Political Discussion Club, Art Club, Helping Hands Club, and the school newspaper. 

Maddie serves as secretary of the Art National Honor Society; is a member of the National Honor Society and Science National Honor Society; and is the vice president of the Fashion Club. She has been an admissions ambassador and a member of the Student Life committee throughout all four years of high school. In addition, she was recently accepted into the sports medicine practicum program in Steward’s Athletic Center. 

“At Steward, I have thrived, formed close friendships, discovered my passions, and developed confidence in myself,” shared Maddie. “Steward has impacted my life in countless ways by allowing me to figure out what I love, form strong connections, and push me to try new things.”

Congratulations, Asher, Gracie, and Maddie!