STA Alumnae Sponsor Project Pass the Ring

April 3, 2023

Pass the Ring finalists and sponsors (l to r): Ella J., Sidney B., Katie Swetala (’99, sponsor), Margaret Huff (’97, sponsor), Nora K. and Amelia S.

Two STA alumnae are in the second year of an exciting program at the Academy. Margaret Huff (’97) and Katie Swetala (’99) were grateful for the experiences at STA and wanted to give back in a unique way – one that would allow them to interact with students and make a direct impact. They initially approached Megan (Fitzgerald, ’89) Schaefer, then STA Director of Marketing & Development, and brainstormed ways they could support the mission of the school. Specifically, they wanted to explore how they could encourage and empower young women to find their voice. As a result, Project Pass the Ring was born.

Every year, Project Pass the Ring provides two students with $500 toward 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. Four 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 using a rubric provided by STA Director of Experiential Learning Kelly Finn, Huff and Swetala had a difficult decision to make based on the outstanding responses. In addition to choosing two students – Ella J. and Sidney B. –  for the $500 awards, they also offered $100 each to the other two finalists – Nora K. and Amelia S. – toward purchase of their class rings.

“Finding your voice and using it in a positive, productive manner is such a valuable life skill. It is a privilege to return to campus and be a part of the girls’ lives in this way. Katie and I appreciate the opportunity and look forward to doing this for years to come!” – Margaret Huff