On Monday, April 8, Marian High School gathered as a community to honor the accomplishments of students during the school’s annual Honors Celebration, recognizing achievements in academics, character, and leadership.

The morning continued with the celebration of the Chaldean Catholic Mass—an annual Marian tradition that both celebrates the school’s strong Chaldean population and highlights the unity and shared faith between the Latin and East Syrian Rites. This year’s liturgy held special significance, as four Marian students received their First Communion during the Mass. The students had prepared throughout the year through the Order of Christian Initiation of Teens (OCIT), an sacramental preparation program offered in partnership with Brother Rice High School.

The morning began with reflections on student success, as members of the Marian community were honored for their academic excellence, leadership, and personal growth.

"This morning we’re going to take a moment to recognize some of you for our Marian end-of-year honors," shared Counseling Chairperson Mrs. Christina Krogh. "Regardless of whether you hear your name called today, we are proud of all you have accomplished this year."

Academic Honors

The event began with recognition of Marian’s First and Second Honors students—those who have maintained a GPA between 3.1–3.49 (Second Honors) or 3.5 and above (First Honors) in a single semester. These students' names are displayed on the honor roll plaque outside the Front Office.

Next, the High Honors Achievement Award recognizes students who have demonstrated sustained academic excellence:

• Freshmen: Earned a cumulative GPA of 3.5+ in one semester

• Sophomores: Maintained a 3.5+ GPA over three semesters

• Juniors: Maintained a 3.5+ GPA over five semesters

Department Certificates of Achievement

Each academic department honored outstanding students for their performance, passion, and hard work in specific subject areas. Recipients were nominated by teachers in each department.

English Department

• 9th Grade: Gracelyn Riga

• 10th Grade: Elizabeth Plunkett

• 11th Grade: Clair Dauer, Giselle Sesi

• 12th Grade: Lucia Saad

Fine and Performing Arts Department

Visual Arts 2D

• 9th Grade: Alaina Hill, Anna Scalise, Marisa Davis

• 11th Grade: Clare Tappan

• 12th Grade: Claire Newman

Visual Arts 3D

• 11th Grade: Jordyn Farida, Ella Swanson

• 12th Grade: Lauryn Billingsley

Vocal Arts

• 9th Grade: Easton Frauenheim

• 10th Grade: Ella Adams

• 11th Grade: Madelyn Prantera

• 12th Grade: Rhea Sanders

Drama

• 9th Grade: Allyson McAllister

• 10th Grade: Ella Adams

• 11th Grade: Claire Fagan

• 12th Grade: Charlotte DuBay

Mathematics Department

• 9th Grade: Ella Armstrong, Sienna Houbba, Gracelyn Riga

• 10th Grade: Ava Jotanovic, Lucille Clark

• 11th Grade: Megan Critchfield, Clair Dauer

• 12th Grade: Clare Brozek, Clara Kaszubski, Chloe Kelenski, Ada Kowalewski, Scarlet Sesi

Modern Language Department

German

• 10th Grade: Summer Borromeo

• 11th Grade: Megan Critchfield, Alexandra Bailey

Spanish

• 9th Grade: Arianna Stapleton, Sophia Pellegrino

• 10th Grade: Emma Truza, Olivia Marshall

• 11th Grade: Kamryn Draper, Giselle Sesi

• 12th Grade: Sophia Kainaya, Myrna Gilbert

Science Department

• 9th Grade: Elizabeth Torok, Gracelyn Riga, Camryn Luxon, Ellen Jansen, Grace Toma

• 10th Grade: Olivia Rotter, Kayden McKay, Gina Azar, Maria Kalaj

• 11th Grade: Madelyn Prantera, Jordyn Fardia, Emerson Turkot, Madelyn Kouza

• 12th Grade: Addison Smidt, Madison Furlani

Social Studies Department

• 9th Grade: Elizabeth Torok and Gracelyn Riga

• 11th Grade: Megan Critchfield, Elisabeth Klawender

• 12th Grade: Lucia Saad, Clara Kaszubski, Madeline Buley

Theology Department

• 9th Grade: Valencia Shabo, Maria Burlingame, Julia Vachon

• 10th Grade: Sofia Kouza, Caroline Carter, Carmen Shammami

• 11th Grade: Meredith Hermann, Madelyn Prantera

• 12th Grade: Susannah Klein, Isabella Marougi

Senior Department Medals of Honor

The Medals of Honor are awarded to senior students who demonstrate extraordinary accomplishment and dedication within an academic department. These medals will be presented at the Baccalaureate ceremony on May 12.

• English Department Medal: Madeline Buley

• Visual Arts 2D Medal: Isabella Musachio

• Visual Arts 3D Medal: Isabella Musachio

• Vocal Arts Medal: Ava Olah

• Drama Medal: Rhea Sanders

• Mathematics Department Medal: Charlotte Bingham

• Modern Language – Spanish Medal: Ella Kennedy

• Science Department Medal: Myrna Gilbert

• Social Studies Department Medal: Ruby Jansen

• Theology Department Medal: Myrna Gilbert

Special Awards

Marian High School Citizenship Award
Each year, one student from every grade is chosen to receive the Marian High School Citizenship Award. These young women serve as role models for all, and live each day with respect for others, themselves, and the Marian community.  

• 9th Grade: Gracelyn Riga

• 10th Grade: Gabrielle Wenzel

• 11th Grade: Megan Critchfield

• 12th Grade: Charlotte Bingham

Freshman Class Spirit Award 
This award recognizes a student whose positive attitude, enthusiasm and overall spirit has contributed to uniting the freshmen class as members of the Marian community.

• Recipient: Chloe Konja

Dads’ Club Service Award
Recognizes a junior student who has provided service to her school and class with a spirit of selflessness

• Recipient: Gabrielle Kouza

Sr. Elizabeth Girardot, IHM Social Studies Scholarship
Given each year to a junior who most exemplifies the legacy of Sr. Elizabeth’s goal to encourage students to participate in politics and international relations

• Recipient: Madeline Sellke

Billie Jo Wanink Award
Billie Jo was a member of Marian High School’s first graduating class in 1963. She was President of Marian’s Board of Directors in 2005 and our Distinguished Alumna in 1996. Billie Jo was deeply passionate about Marian and very involved as an alumna. After graduating from Marian and the University of Missouri, she had an illustrious career in interior design and contract furnishing, owning her own successful business. New this year, this award recognizes one junior with a passion and dedication for Fine Arts.

• Recipient: Claire Fagan