Top Honors Announced for the St. Agnes Academy Class of 2019

St. Agnes Academy is pleased to announce the top honors in the Class of 2019. Congratulations to Valedictorian Mary Wilson Screws, Salutatorian Katie Mae Ryan, and Third Honors Abby Williams. 

Valedictorian – Mary Wilson Screws

Mary Wilson Screws has distinguished herself as a scholar, a leader and an athlete. In the fall she will enroll at Vanderbilt University on a Naval Reserve Officers Training Corp National Scholarship. She plans to major in Neuroscience and pursue a medical career in the Navy.

A true servant leader, Mary Wilson has served the SAA community in many roles. She is the Vice President of the Student Government Association, as well as the Co-Captain of the Mathletes team, and Vice President of the STEM Club. She was class treasurer for three years, and served as a Peer Mentor as well as tutor in the Math Lab. She has been a dedicated participant in Bridge Builders, attending monthly events and a summer leadership conference.  She also attended the United States Naval Academy Summer Seminar. A four-year-member of both the varsity soccer and basketball teams, she is a Commercial Appeal Finalist for Scholar Athlete of the Year and was voted by her class to receive the Babe Ruth Sportsmanship Award.  Mary Wilson is a National Merit Commended Scholar and achieved AP Scholar with Distinction honors. She is a member of the Aquinas Chapter of the National Honor Society, World Language Honor Society, Mu Alpha Theta, National English Honor Society, and the Rho Kappa National Social Sciences Honor Society.

In addition to Vanderbilt, Mary Wilson has been offered admission to the following schools: the United States Naval Academy where she was awarded an NROTC Scholarship; Calhoun Honors College at Clemson University where she was awarded a Clemson University Scholarship and an Out-of-State Tuition Scholarship; Oxford College at Emory University; Furman University where she was a awarded a Bell Tower Scholarship; Loyola University, Chicago where she was awarded a Loyola University Presidential Scholarship; Rhodes College where she was awarded a Rhodes Presidential Scholarship; University of Georgia Honors Program where she earned a UGA Scholars Award, the University of Memphis where she was awarded a Tennessee General Assembly Merit Scholarship, Cecil C. Humphreys Presidential Scholarship, Valedictorian Scholarship, and a Tennessee Hope Scholarship; University of Notre Dame; University of Richmond; and the University of Tennessee Chancellor’s Honors Program where she was awarded a Volunteer Scholarship, UT Chancellor’s Award and a Distinguished Tennessean Award.   She is the daughter of Stacy and Bryan Screws.

Salutatorian – Katie Mae Ryan

St. Agnes Academy Salutatorian Katie Mae Ryan is a National Merit Finalist and AP Scholar with distinction. In the fall she plans to enroll at Carnegie Mellon University in the School of Drama.  

Katie Mae has served as the St. Agnes Student Government Chaplain for four years exhibiting dedication and inspiration to her peers. She volunteers as a Retreat Leader and Peer Mentor, serves as captain of the Knowledge Bowl team, competes with the SAA Mathletes, and is a member of the St. Agnes STEM Club. She is a member of the Aquinas Chapter of the National Honor Society, Societe Honoraire du Francais, Rho Kappa National Social Studies Honor Society, Mu Alpha Theta, International Thespian Honor Society, and National Beta Honor Society.  Katie Mae is as at home on the stage as she in the classroom.  She is a member of the St. Agnes vocal groups, Ladies Firstand Starlettes,and she has appeared on the stage in numerous productions.  In 2018 she attended the prestigious Tennessee Governor’s School for the Arts.

In addition to Carnegie-Mellon Katie Mae was also accepted to the following schools: Case Western Reserve University where she was awarded a University Scholarship; Indiana University Hutton Honors College where she was awarded a Dean’s Scholarship and the Richard and Virginia Stoner Scholarship; Oklahoma City University where she was awarded a Provost Scholarship; Wake Forest University; the University of Evansville Honors College; the Theatre School at DePaul University where she was awarded a Theatre School Scholarship; and the University of Memphis where she was awarded a Cecil C. Humphreys Presidential Scholarship. Katie Mae is the daughter of Amy and Bill Ryan.

Third Honors – Abby Williams

Abby Williams earned Third Honors in the St. Agnes Class of 2019.  In the fall Abby will enroll at Princeton University on a Naval Reserve Officers Training Corp National Scholarship.

A leader throughout high school, Abby was named Miss St. Agnes 2019.  She has been class president for four years. She is president of the National English Honor Society and is also a member of the Aquinas Chapter of the National Honor Society, the Rho Kappa Social Studies Honor Society, Mu Alpha Theta, and the Beta Club. She is a Peer Mentor, the Co-Director of the STEM After-School Program, and Co-Director of the SEARCH Christian Retreat. A four-year-member of the varsity track and field team, Abby won a state title in the 4 x 800 meter relay in 2018. She is captain of the track and field team and the cross-country team and competes on the swim team.

In addition to Princeton Abby was also accepted to the following schools: Christian Brothers University where she was awarded a Presidential Scholarship, Trustee Interview Award, Engineering Scholarship, and a Catholic High School Award; Purdue University College of Engineering; Saint Mary’s College where she earned a Presidential Scholar for Academic Excellence Award; the United States Naval Academy where she earned an NROTC Scholarship; the United States Coast Guard Academy; the University of Notre Dame; and the University of Tennessee where she was awarded a Volunteer Scholarship and a Tennessee Hope Scholarship. She was also awarded an Air Force ROTC Scholarship. Abby is the daughter of Lisa and Brian Williams.