Spartan Snapshot: Leaving your Legacy at SPA

What will your legacy be? On Wednesday, January 14, Grade 12 students gathered for a re-imagined Senior Retreat centered on a powerful theme this powerful theme. As our seniors begin their final semester at St. Paul Academy and Summit School, they face a lot of "lasts," but Dr. Amy Stading — Upper School science teacher, senior advisor, and senior project coordinator — wanted students to remember that they'll always belong at SPA.

The retreat brought alumni/ae back to campus to share stories, wisdom, and reassurance that life after SPA is not the end but a continuation. As our seniors prepare to graduate in June, we are showing them a glimpse into what it means to be a part of the alumni/ae community: one that will continue to support, inspire, and connect them long after they leave our halls.

The morning featured two alumni/ae panels, giving students a chance to hear from people who have been in their shoes. Our Young Alumni/ae panel, featuring Henry Wertkin ‘22, Audrey Senaratna ‘24, and Cerena Karmaliani ‘25, spoke about the transition from SPA to college.  And on the Huss Center for Performing Arts stage, alumni/ae from decades past — Alex Jones ‘05, Rachel Scobie ‘94, and Mercedes Henderson Clark ‘88 — reflected on legacy, personal growth, and the impact of their time at SPA. 

By bringing alumni/ae voices to campus and creating connections between generations, the Senior Retreat reinforced a simple but important message: Once you're part of SPA, you'll always belong.