Congratulations to all of our 2025 graduates!
The following students have received the distinction of valedictorian and salutatorian at their respective schools:
BENEDICTINE COLLEGE PREPARATORY
Valedictorian: George Townley, son of Stephen and Stacie Townley, has a 4.788 GPA. He earned the rank of Major and is the current Battalion Executive Officer for the Benedictine Cadet Corps. He is in the National Honor Society and Benedictine Key Club (vice president). George was on the 2023 state champion football team, 2023 state champion military drill team, and is currently on the varsity tennis team. George will attend the University of Virginia next year.
Salutatorian: Thomas Gasperini, son of Bethany and Geoffrey Gasperini, has a 4.705 GPA. He earned the rank of Captain and is the Commanding Officer of Delta Company in the Benedictine Cadet Corps. He is in the National Honor Society and Benedictine Schola Choir. Thomas was a member of the 2023 and 2024 state champion football teams, 2023 state champion military drill team, and varsity wrestling and lacrosse teams. Thomas will attend the University of Notre Dame next year.
THE BLESSED SACRAMENT HUGUENOT CATHOLIC SCHOOL
Valedictorian: Katherine (Katie) Book, daughter of Kim and Brian Book, has attended BSH for 15 years. She is an active member of the varsity cheer team, National Honor Society, Drama Club (president), and recipient of the Sue Robertson Latin Book Award. Katie’s favorite memory from school is participating in the play “Arsenic and Old Lace.” Katie plans to go to William & Mary in the fall and major in biology.
Salutatorian: Sophia (Sophie) Thompson, daughter of Kelli and Brian Thompson, has attended BSH for 14 years. She is an active member of student government, National Honor Society president, and recipient of the Richmond Panhellenic Book Award. Sophie is also in the student ambassador program, Bible study club, and varsity volleyball team (captain). Sophie’s favorite memory from school is attending sports games with her friends. In the fall, she will attend the University of Virginia to study environmental science with a minor in data sciences.
CARDINAL NEWMAN ACADEMY
Valedictorian: Maria Stallings, daughter of Ben and Lisa, is the founder and president of Cardinal Newman’s Student Council and co-founder of the Cardinal Newman schola that sings at many of our weekday Masses. Maria was the captain of the basketball and volleyball teams. Maria will attend Franciscan University of Steubenville in the fall.
Salutatorian: Emma Lagarde is president of the school’s Students for Life Club and a member of the Student Council. She also plays for the volleyball and basketball teams and has volunteered at the St. Francis – Manchester assisted living facility for over a year. Emma will be attending Ave Maria University in the fall.
CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL
Valedictorian: Sabrina Baker, a member of six honor societies, a competitive dancer, and a three-sport athlete, was accepted to nine colleges and universities including two Ivy League schools and the United States Naval Academy. She intends to study electrical engineering and law and will be pursuing her college education at Duke University with a Naval ROTC scholarship.
Salutatorian: Keira Lozada led the fundraising for the Heartbeat Bear Project, helping parents remember their lost children by recording the child’s heartbeat and pairing it with a stuffed teddy bear. A Jefferson Scholars finalist at the University of Virginia and an award-winning member of the Model UN and Ocean Sciences Blue Crab Bowl teams, Keira intends to study international politics at Georgetown University in the fall.
CRISTO REY RICHMOND HIGH SCHOOL
Valedictorian: Kellys Lucena has completed four years as an intern in our Corporate Work Study program, along with being a member of the student government, National Honor Society, Sociedad Honoraria Hispánica, and a student ambassador. She will attend the University of Richmond next year and plans to major in psychology.
Salutatorian: Synceer Moultrie is a member of the National Honor Society and Sociedad Honoraria Hispánica. He was captain of both the cross country and track teams, along with being a co-founder and leading member of our Innovation, Design, and Engineering Applications program. His most recent Corporate Work Study Partner hopes that “Synceer will someday return to run our entire Water Reclamation Facility.” Synceer will attend William & Mary as a William & Mary Scholar and major in neuroscience.
PENINSULA CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL
Valedictorian: Bryce Baddar has a 4.91 GPA and has a passion for math and science. He looks forward to majoring in engineering at Cornell University and is grateful to his teachers, family, and friends for their steadfast support.
Salutatorian: Zoe Hughes, with a 4.83 GPA, is a member of National Honor Society, Rho Kappa, and Mu Alpha Theta. Zoe served as manager for basketball and volleyball. She will attend Marshall University on a full scholarship to study cyber forensics and security. She is thankful for the guidance of her support system.
ROANOKE CATHOLIC SCHOOL
Valedictorian: Addison Becker, daughter of Brian and Cheryl Becker, attended Roanoke Catholic since kindergarten. She participated in Key Club, student government, and Fellowship of Christian Athletes, holding various officer positions. She was also a team captain in varsity cross country, wrestling, and track. Addison was in her parish youth group and served as a Fearless retreat leader for two years. She will attend Liberty University, majoring in mechanical engineering on a full tuition scholarship.
Salutatorian: Aubrey Aaron, daughter of Misty Lenk and Gavin Aaron, was team captain on the cross-country, basketball, and track teams. Aubrey was in student government (vice president this year), Fellowship of Christian Athletes, drama, Key Club and Guitar Club. She sold commissions through her painting business, published a musical album online, and remained involved in community service. In the fall, Aubrey will attend William & Mary as an undeclared major with an interest in biology.
SAINT GERTRUDE HIGH SCHOOL
Valedictorian: Lydia Madelyn Stumpf served as class chaplain before being elected class president during her junior and senior years. She played tennis, basketball and soccer. She worked on the school yearbook and participated in Model Judiciary. She created a school celebration for International Day of the Girl. Lydia will attend the University of Notre Dame in the fall.
Salutatorian: Maia Elizabeth Jones participates in her school’s leadership program, chairs workshops for underclassmen and highlights the importance of wellness to her peers. Maia has been a Girl Scout for many years and on most weekends, she is an altar server at Our Lady of Lourdes, Richmond. She is a student and mentor to younger dancers at the Central Virginia Dance Academy. She is also a member of the St. Gertrude honors dance ensemble. Maia will attend the University of South Carolina in the fall.
WALSINGHAM ACADEMY
Valedictorian: Joshua Powell has been involved in all aspects of the Walsingham community. Outside of school, Joshua is an Eagle Scout and young adult advisor within scouting. He has been involved in several Walsingham musicals, both on stage and behind the scenes. Additionally, he served as president of Mercy Ministries. Joshua plans to pursue a degree in biology and chemistry, as well as a minor in material science, at Dartmouth College.
Salutatorian: Nicholas Primich has taken a rigorous course of studies at Walsingham. He is a member of the STEM & Applied Mathematics Club, enjoys lab sciences, and has participated in the Math Modeling Competition. Nicholas served as Walsingham’s student body president this year, in addition to being involved in athletics. Nicholas will attend the University of Notre Dame, where he will pursue a degree in biochemistry.
Walter Gannon Diocesan Scholarship
The Walter Gannon Diocesan Scholarship is made possible by a gift from Walter Gannon to the Diocese of Richmond. His mission is to provide accessible education to today’s most capable students.
The scholarship is a one-time award toward academic costs for the first year of college. Each school’s administrator determines the recipient based on their academic level, concern for others, and economic need.
The following students have received the Walter Gannon Diocesan Scholarship:
BENEDICTINE COLLEGE PREPARATORY
Daniel Howerton will attend Virginia Military Institute in the fall. He was selected as the Cadet of the Month for his integrity. He was in the Scola Choir, Color Guard, Key Club, and Chess Club. He was on the state champion rugby, varsity soccer, and track teams. Daniel is in the National Honor Society and won the National Latin Exam Award: Magna Cum Laude twice.
THE BLESSED SACRAMENT HUGUENOT CATHOLIC SCHOOL
Sadie Redlich exudes kindness and joy throughout the school community. She is an active participant in the National Honor Society, and a valuable member of the basketball and soccer teams. Sadie’s character and work ethic have earned her the respect of staff, faculty, classmates and community members. She will attend the School of Nursing at Longwood University in the fall.
CARDINAL NEWMAN ACADEMY
Maria Stallings is an excellent student whose leadership skills, caring attitude toward others, and deep Catholic faith sustain her many contributions to the community. She has served as student council president, captain of the basketball and volleyball teams, and as a member of our schola at weekday Masses. Maria plans to attend Franciscan University of Steubenville in the fall.
CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL
Ena Dawson is a remarkable young woman whose vibrant spirit, tireless dedication, and genuine warmth leave a lasting impression on everyone she meets. She is a student ambassador at school, volunteer at the Virginia Aquarium, and an accomplished Irish dancer who competes at the highest level. She will attend William & Mary.
CRISTO REY RICHMOND HIGH SCHOOL
Daniel De La Rosa was selected in recognition of his exceptional academic performance, outstanding contributions as an employee at Riverfront Investment Group, and strong character. Beyond his academic accomplishments, he is known for his kindness, integrity, and his musical talents. Daniel will attend Washington and Lee University in the fall.
PENINSULA CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL
Maria Rodriguez Cuba is an excellent student who works diligently to achieve academic success. She is actively involved in all aspects of school life, from clubs to community events. Her energetic presence is infectious, and she consistently demonstrates a positive attitude and a willingness to help others. She will attend the University of Florida.
ROANOKE CATHOLIC SCHOOL
Jonathan Bostic is a senior who has been a student at Roanoke Catholic since 8th grade. Jonathan was a member of the varsity football team and participated in both the Medico and Debate Clubs. His favorite subjects are English and math. Jonathan will attend James Madison University to pursue a career as a surgical physician assistant.
SAINT GERTRUDE HIGH SCHOOL
Bailey Burton was captain of the varsity volleyball team, a member of the Club Volleyball national team, and coach at the Richmond Volleyball Club Summer Camp. Bailey was class secretary for four years and a member of Diversity and Stewardship Leadership Committees. Bailey will be attending Wake Forest University in the fall.
WALSINGHAM ACADEMY
Olivia Clark is a very bright student with a heart for helping others. She has helped to organize and facilitate collection drives for the Williamsburg House of Mercy and other community organizations. Olivia attended the Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership Conference and was a delegate to Virginia Girls State. Olivia will study nursing at Longwood University next fall.