Getting to Know Upper School SGA Chaplain Stella Bounds

What is your favorite thing about St. Agnes?

My favorite thing about St. Agnes is the community and the spirit of our school. The girls here at St. Agnes inspire me to be my true self. I also really love the welcoming environment that we have here at SAA. I remember coming in as a freshman and feeling like I had always gone to school here.

What class has been your favorite and why?

My favorite class was definitely Freshman Leadership with Dr. Lovelace. This class was very beneficial in helping me feel comfortable expressing myself and shaping me into being a leader at SAA. We always did hands-on activities that helped me learn how to work on a team. I cannot wait to take the senior leadership elective next year!

How do teachers at SAA make learning meaningful?

We learn a lot of different concepts and subjects. I feel really prepared academically. But it’s their presence in other places like soccer and football games, Ocoee Raft Trip, and dances that says to me, “We care about you, all of you.” Teachers at St. Agnes make learning meaningful by always reaching out and truly being there for us. They are always understanding, making sure we get the most out of their class. This makes learning more meaningful because I feel a true relationship with my teachers.

Why do you like attending an all-girls school?

The environment. It’s welcoming, comfortable, and encouraging. I can truly be myself in every class and feel comfortable sharing my opinions. As girls, we understand each other. Every leadership position is filled by a girl–what a great example for all of us.

Do you have a favorite SAA tradition?

Field Day!! I love the way we dress (class colors and face paint!), the competitions, the cheering, the overall spirit. It always feels very positive, and everyone participates. I always look forward to having fun on Field Day with my friends and my teachers as well!

Why did you want to become the SGA Chaplain?

I really wanted to be able to help guide everyone to a closer relationship with God. I am Catholic but also attend a Protestant youth group, so I believe I have a unique perspective that can help foster a school culture that is focused on God and encourages everyone spiritually, accepting them for wherever they are in their faith journey.

What are your goals as SGA Chaplain?

I strive to involve everyone and to help encourage girls to truly find or deepen their faith. Increasing student involvement in Mass is a major goal of mine. I would love to have more girls sing during Mass, excited to read at Mass, and volunteering to be gift bearers. Student-led worship once a semester is also a goal. I would love to have girls share their faith journeys, encouraging other girls to dig deeper in their faith. I am very excited about our Speaker Series that brings spiritual voices in from our community during Dominican Hour! Spiritual nuggets (in an email) sent every Sunday to inspire everyone for the week ahead is something I have been doing throughout this year and will continue. I’m currently working with Mrs. Odom on starting a weekly prayer service on Thursdays in the chapel.

What other activities are you involved in?

Here at school, I am involved in several things! As the Chaplain, I serve on the Upper School SGA! I also take part in several clubs such as Pep Club, Stars on the Runway, and Blessing Blankets! I am on the soccer team, and I participate on our track team as a pole vaulter. Outside of school I am involved in several activities including club soccer, St. Louis youth group, and Bellevue youth group. I love to run at Shelby Farms and eat at restaurants with my friends and family! I also love to travel and always look forward to trips with my family!

What are your plans after graduation?

After graduation I hope to play soccer at the collegiate level, and I have not yet decided what I will study. I am interested in many different fields such as neurology, psychology, law, and interior design. I am very interested in being a malpractice lawyer. The future is an exciting thing to think about, and I feel like SAA has prepared me to do anything I want to do.