News at St. Catherine's
Ukrop Honored on St. Catherine's Day
Polly Ukrop was selected by students and faculty as the senior who best represents Catherine of Alexandria.
Polly Ukrop is admittedly afraid of public speaking. But she put her fears aside Wednesday morning as she addressed St. Catherine’s students, faculty and staff during the St. Catherine’s Day service.
Ukrop was honored during the special service at St. Stephen’s as the senior who best represents the ideals of the school’s namesake, Catherine of Alexandria. It is a tradition that dates back to founder Virginia Randolph Ellett and has evolved over the decades.
“Looking out today I see 58 familiar faces that I have grown to love as my graduating class,” Ukrop said during her speech. “I see teachers who have supported me all throughout my 13 years at St. Catherine’s. I see myself as a fourth grader thinking that the day when I sit in front of the church with my senior class would never come.
“As nervous as I am, I can’t help but be comforted just knowing that I am in a community full of people who love and are loved back.”
Head of School Laura Fuller introduced Ukrop. The revealing of the St. Catherine’s Day honoree is kept secret until the service begins. Ukrop’s family snuck into the service after it began to help secure the secret.
Ukrop was selected as member of the Class of 2011 who best embodies the ideals of scholarship, determination, courage, hope and faith. Upper School students and faculty vote for the honor each school year.
“These attributes have garnered (Ukrop) the utmost respect from her teachers and her classmates,” Fuller said before introducing Ukrop. “One of her senior teachers says this about her, ‘She is a remarkable young woman who blends integrity with scholarship, leadership with friendship and a keen intellect with humor and grace.’ ”
The service for this special tradition takes place every year in early November. The story of the school’s patron Saint, Catherine of Alexandria, is told by the Lower and Middle School students. One senior is recognized for best representing the ideals of Catherine and finally the lives of those who passed away from the St. Catherine’s family are remembered.
“Just like all of you gathered here today, Catherine of Alexandria was a brave young girl who stood strong in her conviction,” Fuller told the students. “I challenge you all to reflect on your own beliefs and stay true to your values, just as Catherine did so many centuries before you.”
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Ukrop was honored during the special service at St. Stephen’s as the senior who best represents the ideals of the school’s namesake, Catherine of Alexandria. It is a tradition that dates back to founder Virginia Randolph Ellett and has evolved over the decades.
“Looking out today I see 58 familiar faces that I have grown to love as my graduating class,” Ukrop said during her speech. “I see teachers who have supported me all throughout my 13 years at St. Catherine’s. I see myself as a fourth grader thinking that the day when I sit in front of the church with my senior class would never come.
“As nervous as I am, I can’t help but be comforted just knowing that I am in a community full of people who love and are loved back.”
Head of School Laura Fuller introduced Ukrop. The revealing of the St. Catherine’s Day honoree is kept secret until the service begins. Ukrop’s family snuck into the service after it began to help secure the secret.
Ukrop was selected as member of the Class of 2011 who best embodies the ideals of scholarship, determination, courage, hope and faith. Upper School students and faculty vote for the honor each school year.
“These attributes have garnered (Ukrop) the utmost respect from her teachers and her classmates,” Fuller said before introducing Ukrop. “One of her senior teachers says this about her, ‘She is a remarkable young woman who blends integrity with scholarship, leadership with friendship and a keen intellect with humor and grace.’ ”
The service for this special tradition takes place every year in early November. The story of the school’s patron Saint, Catherine of Alexandria, is told by the Lower and Middle School students. One senior is recognized for best representing the ideals of Catherine and finally the lives of those who passed away from the St. Catherine’s family are remembered.
“Just like all of you gathered here today, Catherine of Alexandria was a brave young girl who stood strong in her conviction,” Fuller told the students. “I challenge you all to reflect on your own beliefs and stay true to your values, just as Catherine did so many centuries before you.”
Located in the heart of Richmond, Virginia, St. Catherine’s School is a private, all-girls pre-K, kindergarten, elementary, middle and high school. We provide a well-rounded educational experience for girls from communities across Richmond, Chesterfield, Henrico and all of central Virginia. St.Catherine’s all-girls educational experience is rooted in more than a century of history and tradition. From our revolutionary past to our dynamic present, St. Catherine’s has always focused on preparing students for a boundless future.
