Los estudiantes, ganadores de Pass the Ring

April 2, 2024

(l. to r.) Margaret Huff (’97, sponsor); this year’s winners from the sophomore class, Francesca A. and Faye L.; and Katie Swetala (’99, sponsor)

Three years ago, two STA alumnae decided to give back to their beloved Academy in a unique way.

In 2022, Margaret Huff (’97) and Katie Swetala (’99) started Project Pass the Ring to encourage and empower the young women of STA to share their experiences from time at the Academy.

Every year, Project Pass the Ring provides two students with $500 toward the purchase of their class rings. To apply, interested STA sophomores first write an essay or describe in a creative medium of their choice what they have learned from their time at the Academy and how it has influenced their character. Final candidates are then chosen to present a brief speech at a class meeting to describe the impact they want to make during the remainder of their time at STA. After the presentation, each student draws two questions at random and addresses the topics at hand. This shows their ability to think on their feet and make a meaningful connection with others. The goal of the exercises is to help prepare students for the types of situations they will encounter as they apply for colleges, internships and jobs.

This year, after careful consideration, Huff and Swetala had a difficult decision to make based on the outstanding responses. In addition to choosing two students – Francesca A. and Faye L. –  for the $500 awards, they also provided $25 to all finalists for use at the Star Shop.