Alumni
Alumni Events

Our Young Alumni Are Doing Great Things

This group of college students is succeeding in leadership, academics, the arts, and athletics.
GRACIE GOODPASTURE '19

A year after winning the Girl Scouts' highest honor, Gracie Goodpasture '19 has added another accolade to her impressive academic career — a Fulbright honor.

As part of the Fulbright U.K. Summer Institutes program, she will study sustainable agriculture in Wales during the summer of 2022. This aligns with her biology major at Roanoke College and lifelong interest in agriculture, chickens, and farm-to-table education. She also hopes this summer study will enhance learning about the link between nutrition and some childhood cancers.

“In sixth grade, I heard Mr. [Head of School Dan] Frank speak about his Fulbright teaching experiences all over the world,” Ms. Goodpasture said. “It inspired me, and I knew then that I would like to have similar experiences someday. I’m so excited to learn about the Welsh culture and meet other students from the U.S. and U.K.!”

The Fulbright U.K. Summer Institute allows participants to explore the culture, heritage, and history of the United Kingdom while experiencing higher education in their field of interest at a U.K. university. Following her study, Ms. Goodpasture will serve as an ambassador for the Fulbright Commission and its host institution(s).

ALLISON LANGENBURG '20

Allison Langenburg '20 stands out as a scholar and an athlete.

The state-champion swimmer and National Merit Commended Scholar made her mark during her time at Steward, and she’s poised for success at the U.S. Air Force Academy (USAFA) as well. Ms. Langenburg was one of a small number of first-year cadets to be selected for the USAFA’s Scholars Program, which places her at the top of an already elite group of students. The Scholars program creates a “cadre of superior Air Force officers and academic leaders who are prepared for challenging command positions and continued academic work.” Additionally, she has been named to the Superintendent’s List, which recognizes both academic and military performance.

"To me, being selected for the Scholars Program was more a blessing and honor than an achievement,” Ms. Langenburg said. “Accepting my appointment to the Academy was one of the best decisions of my life. I’ve grown more as a person here in a single year than I ever could have on my own at another university.”

NOAH NICHOLS '20

As an Upper School student, swimmer Noah Nichols '20 received All-American honors. Mr. Nichols, who was recruited to swim for the University of Virginia, has made a splash in competition this year too. In June, he was invited to swim in the U.S. Olympic Swimming Trials. Earlier this year, he won the silver medal at the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) tournament, where his finish now stands as the second-fastest time ever for the 100-yard breaststroke in the ACC (as well as a personal and UVA record)! He is the fifth-fastest college freshman ever in this event, and feels closely connected to his college teammates.

“This year has been a crazy transition for me,” Mr. Nichols said. “From being at home surrounded by family every day, to having to form a new family, this year has certainly brought its challenges. I highly encourage everyone to find a group in college that enjoys the same things as you do. You will struggle and grow together in ways you could never do on your own.”

LIZZIE PARRIS '19

Lizzie Parris '19's major at Virginia Commonwealth University is communication arts, which centers around the relationship between art and narrative through drawing. Though she just finished her sophomore year, she’s already using this visual storytelling expertise to create positive change in the Richmond community.

As part of her Visual Design class this past year, she partnered with the Sierra Club Falls of the James Group to design a poster advocating one of its initiatives. Ms. Parris' work, pictured on the next page, was featured in a display at Gallery5 in Jackson Ward.

“I chose the issue of maintaining the Zero Fare Transit policy that’s currently in place for the GRTC transportation system as a result of COVID,” Ms. Parris said. “I took inspiration from the Art Deco poster movement because it had lots of design elements that complemented my policy issue, since so many of the posters from that era advertised traveling and the new age of modern transportation.”

This summer, Ms. Parris' community commitment continued with her work at Camp Mont Shenandoah in Millboro Springs, Virginia. She created a six-week curriculum that builds foundational art skills with projects that challenge the imagination and call for creativity for campers aged 7-16.

EFTON REID '20

Basketball standout Efton Reid '20 graduated from Steward a year early and spent the past year playing with IMG Academy’s postgraduate team in Bradenton, Florida. There, the 7-foot-tall center contributed to the team's undefeated 25-0 season by averaging 16 points and 11 rebounds while gaining national attention for his skills on the court. This year he ranked #24 among national recruits and #3 at his position, continuing the dominance he displayed while playing with the Spartans.

After receiving 17 offers from colleges and universities across the country, we are pleased to hear that Mr. Reid has settled on the next phase of his career: Louisiana State University! Geaux Tigers!

SONALI SANJAY '20

“I decided to run for class president because I wanted to help create more opportunities for my class to get to know each other and create shared, memorable experiences – opportunities that were harder to find and enjoy during a socially distanced freshman year,” Sonali Sanjay '20 shared with us about her leadership role in Duke University's Class of 2024. “I always enjoyed my time being a class officer at Steward and holding leadership positions in other extracurricular activities, so I wanted to continue those experiences in university!”

The leadership and communication skills she’s using in student government will also serve her well in other current endeavors, which include being co-student leader for Duke’s undergraduate research program, Muser, as well as her future career.

“I fully believe that combining financial analysis/strategy with social responsibility and entrepreneurship can help us as a society give back to the communities that need it the most,” Ms. Sanjay said. “Also, shoutout to Mrs. [Upper School Dean Melissa] Freed and Steward’s Entrepreneurship Program. The experiences I had were so formative.”
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