News at St. Catherine's
Stevens Named St. Catherine’s Day Honoree for the Class of 2023
Emma Stevens was honored at the traditional St. Catherine's Day service.
Emma Stevens heard about the strength of the community at St. Catherine’s when she was a fourth grader considering making the move to the School.
It was just a few months into Emma’s first year that she experienced the embrace of the St. Catherine’s community. A 10-day hospital stay during her fifth grade year – her first at St. Catherine’s – yielded cards from her classmates and visits in the hospital. When she returned to campus, Stevens was fully surrounded by love and support.
“During this frightening and uncertain time, I will never forget the support that I received from the loving community at St. Catherine’s,” Stevens said. “I quickly discovered the inclusive community that exists at St. Catherine’s offered me a place to belong.”
It was in front of that same community that Stevens was introduced as the St. Catherine’s Day honoree for the Class of 2023 during the St. Catherine’s Day Service held at All Saints Episcopal Church. A time-honored tradition, St. Catherine’s Day celebrates the senior who, by the vote of her classmates and faculty, best represents scholarship, determination, courage, hope and faith — the ideals of patron Saint Catherine of Alexandria.
“I hope that all of you have experienced the embrace of St. Catherine’s in a way that is meaningful to you, and that you have in turn given back to our school based on your own unique gifts, skills and talents,” Stevens said.
The service coincided with All Saints Day and included the School community honoring the memory of alumnae, board members, faculty and staff who have died over the past year. Former St. Catherine’s Day honorees attended the service.
Middle Schoolers and Upper Schoolers participated through song, dance and readings. The Middle Schoolers told the story of Saint Catherine, including the five symbols that represent her. Upper School Chorale and the Middle School Choir sang while the Middle School Just Joni dancers performed.
The tradition of St. Catherine's Day dates back to 1924 when the juniors wrote a play about Saint Catherine with Miss Jennie. By the 1940s, it was an annual event.
Watch the Service
More photos
Watch the Service
More photos
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.
