Students Enter Top Honors Colleges

Twenty-two members of the Class of 2025 earned spots in honors colleges at 15 colleges and universities across the country. These programs allow students to have a more enriched and specialized college experience due to their academic excellence. 

The number of St. Mary’s students selected for honors colleges or special programs has doubled in recent years, indicative of how St. Mary’s students are received by universities with increasing selectivity, Director of College Counseling Beverly Brooks shared.

At St. Mary’s, the College Counseling team gets to know each girl well over her four-year Upper School journey, and students are empowered to explore all the options available at the college level.

“We encourage our seniors to consider the honors college at all of the universities to which they apply, as long as the program makes good sense for that specific student. Some colleges have particular programs that suit the passions and preferences of our girls, and because we're a small school, we're able to help each senior make the decisions that best fit who she is and who she wants to become,” Brooks said.

Mollie Wexler, who will enroll in the honors program at Northeastern University, credits the College Counseling team with helping her handle such a stressful process. 

“They’re incredibly supportive. They help you with every step along the way and show you exactly what you need to do. They made sure I did everything on time, and they were always willing to help, even if it’s beyond what’s expected,” Mollie said. “They make sure that you’re following all the steps, because there are many, many steps to the college process.”

After this process, Casey Scobey earned a spot in the honors college at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, and is excited to receive the “big school” experience combined with the specialization of a smaller program. 

“The honors college is going to allow me to have a smaller community within such a big school,” Casey said. “It provides some smaller class sizes that are similar to what I’m used to at St. Mary’s, and I get to hone in on Tennessee’s resources while still having the big school feeling.”

Mollie is also glad to have a more individualized experience while engaging with other students with similar interests. 

“We get an honors academic advisor, so it will be helpful to get more one-on-one attention like we had at St Mary’s,” Mollie said. “I'm also in a living-learning community in the honors program, so I’m excited to live with people who have the same interests as me.” 

Brooks shares that honors colleges can provide the best of both worlds for our graduates. 

“Girls are afforded all of the resources and opportunities that come with attending a large, public university while benefiting from the small classes and connections that are the hallmark of their St. Mary's experience. Attending honors colleges and special programs can include advantages like additional mentorship, specific housing, priority registration, smaller classes, study abroad opportunities, and more,” she said.

Congratulations to all of our students who earned a spot in these programs! We are so proud of these girls!

• Hana Barber | Baylor University
• Evie Bartlett | Colorado State University
• Ali Barton | Texas Christian University
• Naomi Betapudi | Southern Methodist University
• Marlee Bostick | The University of Alabama
• Mary Elizabeth Dyer | The University of Tennessee, Knoxville
• Addison Elliott | The University of Arkansas
• Evie Fore | The University of Arkansas
• Kyra Jalenak | Tulane University of Louisiana 
• Lila Johnston | Auburn University
• Brooks May | The University of Mississippi
• Virginia McLean | The University of Alabama
• Lily Mirza | The University of Texas at Dallas
• Ashlynn Ostner | Louisiana State University
• Natalee Owens | University of South Florida
• Abby Rothrock | Clemson University
• Casey Scobey | The University of Tennessee, Knoxville
• Natalie Smith | The University of Mississippi
• Parrish Smith | The University of Mississippi
• Charlotte Stakem | Auburn University
• Allie Thomas | The University of Tennessee, Knoxville
• Mollie Wexler | Northeastern University