Celebrating Excellence: Senior Awards Night 2024

Senior Awards Night recognized the incredible achievements of the class of 2024. The night was filled with joy, celebration, and Santa Margarita traditions as seniors were acknowledged for their accomplishments.

The Caritas Award is one of the most prestigious awards a senior can receive. It was founded over 25 years ago by former SMCHS physics teacher Ed Cunningham, who believed it isn’t about what you do but about who you are.

“The Caritas Award celebrates that human connection between student and teacher, the glimpse of God’s love, Caritas Christi, that transcends grades, athletic and artistic abilities, future goals and dreams, and all the other experiences of high school,” said SMCHS President Andy Sulick ’91.

Lauren Kirby ’24 is this year’s Caritas Award recipient. Kirby is known around campus for her dedicated involvement in numerous things, such as ASB and peer ministry. She is also known for enthusiastically and endearingly ending afternoon prayer each day with “Have a fabulous day, SM!”

ASP Teacher Mrs. Sara Brakke described Kirby as the purest example of Caritas Christi.

“Lauren has been a joy and blessing in my life, filling my heart with hope and love daily since her freshman year. Her devotion to her faith has been contagious. She truly lives out her discipleship, loving and following Jesus,” said Brakke.

Additionally, the recipient is given a financial award donated by an SMCHS alumni and former Caritas Award winner; the recipient receives $3,000 toward their college tuition and $2,000 to designate to a Catholic/Christian charity of their choice. The following seniors were nominated by faculty and staff for the Caritas Award for the impact they have made within the Santa Margarita community:

Ashley Cheng

Audrey Crafts

Robbie Troyan

Tyler Davis

Click here for the comprehensive list of Senior Award recipients.

Outstanding Student in English:  Katarzyna Struve

Outstanding Student in Math: Bernardo Nascimento

Outstanding Student in Performing Arts: Robert Troyan

Outstanding Thespian Award: Sarah Atia

Outstanding Student in TAPA: Jacob Wheat

Outstanding Student in Theology: Jane Handa

Outstanding Student in Science: Bernardo Nascimento

Outstanding Student in Social Studies: Lillian Proctor

Outstanding Student in World Languages: Alexa Hassler

Outstanding Student in Visual Arts: Sydney Sindoni

ASB President Award: Randi Ingoglia

St. Margaret Mary Alacoque Christian Service Award: Priya Purohit

Outstanding International Student: XiHao He

CIF Female Scholar of the Year: Xihan Lin

CIF Male Scholar of the Year: Aaron Huang

Trinity League Female Scholar of the Year: Leigh Chien

Trinity League Male Scholar of the Year: Cameron McNamee

SMCHS Female Scholar Athlete of the Year: Audrey Crafts

SMCHS Male Scholar Athlete of the Year: Zachary Gibson

Female Athlete of the Year: Faith George

Male Athlete of the Year: Logan de Groot

Valedictorians: Maia Choe, Kylie Kwon, Emma Lee, Kelly Lu

Salutatorian: Logan Kim

2024 Caritas Christi Award: Lauren Kirby