Well-Deserved Kudos

Congratulations to Xavier Nelson ’25, who was named one of the Top 7 Most Positive Male Athletes in Virginia! Positive Athlete celebrates high school student-athletes and coaches who give back to their schools and communities and have an upbeat attitude. More than 12,000 student-athletes and coaches from over 3,300 high schools around the country were nominated this year, and fewer than 1% were recognized as award winners. An awards ceremony took place on July 11 at Virginia Commonwealth University. Kara Bacile, Steward’s assistant director of athletics, nominated Xavier.

Xavier said he felt “simply blessed” when he found out he was an award recipient.

“I do not need validation for what I do, because I know in my heart that I have done the right thing,” noted Xavier. “It did feel reassuring, though, when Coach Bacile nominated me for the award and I ended up winning. This award is a gentle reminder of how many people I can impact, whether I know someone is watching or not.”

In 2021, Xavier was named the Debbie Robson Merit Scholarship recipient. The scholarship provides four years of full Upper School tuition for a rising ninth grader who is new to Steward. Recipients are chosen for their academic distinction and extracurricular involvement in areas such as athletics, arts, innovation, or community service. Throughout his four years at Steward, Xavier was a dedicated student, compassionate community member, Leadership Program participant, and standout athlete. 

In 2024, Xavier and three fellow Robson Scholars teamed up to create an experiment for the Cubes in Space program, a global STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) program for students 11-18. The students’ story was featured in Richmond Magazine. 

Xavier served as the senior speaker at Steward’s 2025 graduation ceremony, and his from-the-heart speech brought the audience to its feet for a standing ovation. 

“This isn’t just my story,” said Xavier to his classmates. “Remember: We are destined to change the world!” In the fall, he will attend Rochester Institute of Technology, where he will be a Presidential Scholar, RIT’s highest academic honor. He plans to major in civil engineering. He is also a recruited athlete at RIT following four years on Steward’s basketball team, including two as captain. 

“At Steward, I learned the importance of community,” said Xavier. “I wouldn't be here today without my teammates, coaches, teachers, parents, and others who I learned from throughout my career at Steward. From receiving the Debbie Robson Merit Scholarship and meeting her son Kip to participating in two internships, I have learned that this community is filled with highly educated, knowledgeable, and super-connected individuals who want to help the next generation.”

We are so proud of you, Xavier!