AP environmental science and ecology honors students explored the Big Cypress National Preserve and Everglades system to directly observe the ecological interactions, environmental conditions and anthropogenic impacts they study in classes. Opportunities to experience conservation areas like this provide a strong knowledge base and connection to the natural world, fostering environmental stewardship, critical thinking and informed decision making.

This afternoon, nine seniors, plus one in absentia, were inducted into the Saint Edward’s School Chapter of the Cum Laude Society. This prestigious society honors academic excellence in secondary schools and upholds the values of excellence (Areté), justice (Diké) and honor (Timé). The ceremony began with a warm welcome from the chapter’s secretary, Academic Dean and Co-Director of College Counseling Mrs. Sternberg, followed by an inspiring keynote address by Faithful Leadership teacher and Saint Edward’s alumna, Mrs. Tori Barnett ’00.

Afterward, Augie Barreirinhas, Noah Hernandez, Addison Logemann, Sienna Mallon, Max Plotkin, Conor Powell (in absentia), Sommer Soderman, Grace Starr Griffeth, Ava Steinfurth and Jay Sullivan were officially welcomed into the society by the chapter's president, Upper School Dean Mrs. Padgett, and celebrated for their exceptional academic achievements. To close the ceremony, inductees Augie, Grace and Addison performed a beautiful rendition of Sky Full of Stars by Coldplay, and Father Barrett offered a heartfelt benediction.

Please click here for an album of photos, and click here to rewatch the ceremony. Please note that the volume is low, so you may need to turn it up to hear clearly.

Marine science honors students spent the day sampling the lagoon from top to bottom as part of their lagoon research project. Seagrasses, algae, mud, fishes, invertebrates and water chemistry were investigated with time during the lunch break for a bit of football and soaking up the sun.

Seniors Sadie Howarth, Sienna Mallon, Jay Sullivan, Sofia Corominas de Wit, Conor Powell, Augie Barreirinhas, Gaby Collazo and Isa Argote were inducted this week into history honor society Rho Kappa. The recognition represents years of hard work and dedication to independent study in humanities. Each student had a moment to talk about their passion for social studies and the teachers who influenced them. Each student received a purple rope that will be worn at graduation. The ceremony was topped off by a delicious, celebratory cake with teachers and parents.

Ms. Esposito's US choir class was honored to welcome Dr. Jacob Craig, Director of Music and Arts at First Presbyterian Church of Vero Beach, as a guest to their class last Friday. With extensive experience in choral conducting and performance, Dr. Craig brought his expertise to a dynamic workshop on the song Ride On King Jesus. He worked closely with students on vocal placement, tone and song interpretation, offering insightful feedback and guidance that deepened their understanding and elevated their performance.

On Saturday, Feb 1st, the following mathletes attended the statewide Mu Alpha Theta competition at King High School in Tampa: freshman Alexander Wolek (Algebra 2), sophomore Rosalie Miller (Precalculus), junior Reese Fox (Precalculus), freshman James Peponis (Calculus) and senior Sienna Mallon (Calculus).

On Saturday, Feb 15th, the following mathletes attended the February regional competition at Olympia High School in Orlando: freshman Nahlia Hebig (Precalculus), sophomore Rosalie Miller (Precalculus), and junior Matthew Stern (Calculus). Barely missing a top-10 award, Rosalie finished with a 13th place (out of 42 students) in her division's individual test, and teammate Nahlia finished 23rd. In the Calculus individual, Matthew finished 46th out of 92 students. Competing in the team round against other Precalculus teams that had up to 4 members, Rosalie and Nahlia earned the 4th best team score out of 11 teams.

The following mathletes will be attending the April 4th-5th State Convention in Orlando: Alexander Wolek (9th), Nahlia Hebig (9th), James Peponis (9th), Rosalie Miller (10th), Matthew Stern (11th), and Conor Powell (12th). They will be spending the month of March preparing for the various competitions that occur during the 2 days such as the Team Bowls, Topic Tests, Gemini, Relay, Hustle, Ciphering, Trivia Game, Integration Bee, Speed Math, Mental Math, and Poster Competition. Let's wish our Pirates luck in the various events!

US Art Students visited the VBMA on February 21 and 27 to see the French Moderns exhibit.

Ecology honors students spent the day boating, exploring and learning about the largest river restoration project in the world at the FAU Kissimmee River Field Lab. Students investigated the water quality, vegetation, fishes, invertebrates and bird species to document the potential return of native terrestrial and aquatic species to the newly restored system.

The Scholastic Art and Writing Awards, established in 1923, is the nation’s longest-running, most prestigious recognition program for creative teens. The artwork was reviewed and recognized by a panel of creative professionals, and awarded for its outstanding merit in originality, skill and the emergence of a personal voice and vision.

Four of our Saint Edward's art students have won Scholastic Art & Writing Awards in the 2025 Competition: Maia Wallace '26 won a Gold Key in Printmaking for her Cat Blues, Antonio Torres '28 won a Silver Key for his drawing, Mi Madre, Maria, Max Plotkin '25 won an Honorable Mention for his digital artwork, The Pearl, and Jack Engel '25 won a Gold Key in Film & Animation for his film Vanished. There were thousands of entries in the "Region-at-Large South Art" level. Gold Keys will go on to compete at the National Level. Congratulations to all!

Congratulations to three of our US students have won awards in the Lagoonapalooza Art & Poetry Contest. Mia Perez '28 won first place for her manatee poster, Bruno Barreirinhas '26 won second place for his "Save the Lagoon" poster and Jack Engel '25 won first place in special categories for his video. We are so proud of their incredible talent and dedication to conservation!

Monday was a day of stories and smiles at Senior Buddies' Reading Day! Seniors and their first-grade pals shared books, treats and laughter in the lower school courtyard. From blankets to benches, every corner was filled with friendship and fun. Please click on the headline for a few photo highlights.

Students in Dr. Infanzón's AP Government class got a hands-on lesson in the election process today, featuring a special visit from representatives of the Supervisor of Elections. The session included insights into voter registration and a fun mock vote on Chick-fil-A menu items. Nuggets won by a close margin, proof that every vote counts!

All college-bound students and families of Indian River County,
 
You are invited to College Night with the Deans on Monday, January 27, at 7 p.m. in the Waxlax Center for the Performing Arts. Our panelists will join us from Wake Forest, FAU, Ohio State and Sewanee. These institutions represent a variety of in-state and out-of-state private and public schools, to give you the opportunity to learn about different admissions programs. The admissions leaders will sit on a panel and will then open the floor for questions. Please come prepared with questions written down.
 
We would like to see everyone attend - this event is free and open to the public! Click here to add this event to your calendar.

Marine science students continued their lagoon sampling days at new shoreline and spoil island locations as part of their lagoon research, funded by the Indian River Lagoon Council and National Estuary Program. Students traveled by boat in the early hours to begin their studies with dolphin mother-calf pairs traveling with the boat. Water quality parameters, seagrass coverage, sediment and biodiversity data were collected to compare lagoon sites. Click here to watch a video of the action.