News Detail | Admissions

Impact Scholars Announced

4/30/2024

The Steward School

Exemplary Spartans receive merit scholarships

Congratulations to Steward’s 2024-25 Impact Scholars, Naomie Crosby ’28 and Henry Pietrantoni ’28. The Impact Scholars program provides $10,000 merit scholarships for tuition in Steward’s Upper School ($2,500 per year) to two outstanding current Steward eighth-grade students. Impact Scholars are chosen based on character and leadership, as well as community service, academic excellence, and extracurriculars, and automatically are offered spots in Steward’s Leadership Program.

Naomie Crosby

Naomie is a dedicated scholar, cheerleader, member of the Spirit Squad, and soccer player. She is also a Girl Scout and competitive dancer.

One of her Steward teachers noted, “Naomie is a leader in the classroom and the Middle School community. The Leadership Program is the perfect avenue for Naomie to continue her leadership development. She has demonstrated the willingness to give back to Steward through sports, advisory, classroom guidance, and Spirit Squad responsibilities.”

Her Girl Scout leader said, “I’ve witnessed Naomie’s remarkable intelligence, fearlessness, and leadership qualities displayed in the classroom, on the stage, and in the field volunteering for Girl Scouts.”

Naomie, who was at a dance competition when she got word that she had been named an Impact Scholar, is passionate about community service. She and her fellow Middle Schoolers regularly volunteer at the Reinhart House, a “home away from home” for families of patients at St. Mary’s Hospital.

Her favorite things about being a Spartan? “The welcoming people,” said Naomi, who joined the Steward community as a fourth grader. “Plus, the variety of sports and clubs” to choose from. “My Steward teachers support me by giving me individual time. If I ask a question, I know that I'm going to get one-on-one time from my teachers … I create real connections with them.”

Henry Pietrantoni

Described as a thoughtful leader with a positive outlook by one of his teachers, Henry is a member of the cross-country team and president of the Middle School Student Council Association. He also shares his love of all things Steward as an Admissions Ambassador, performs in theatre productions, and is a member of the Model UN team and Spirit Squad. Henry enjoys connecting with the community beyond school; most recently, he served as a volunteer at Richmond’s Monument 10k.

“I have a special interest in servant leadership,” said Henry, who will attend a retreat this summer at the Blue Ridge Leaders School. “The week is full of workshops that will teach leadership skills that students can use in our communities and schools.”

“Henry’s character runs deep,” said another of Henry’s teachers. “He epitomizes the notion that character is what you do when no one is looking. He is thoughtful about his actions … because he has a strong moral compass and wants to act in a way that is beneficial to the community.”

Henry was playing piano at home when he found out he’d been named an Impact Scholar.

“My mom told me, and I was very excited," he said. "I couldn't contain all my emotions. I was texting my friends and family members.”

Henry can’t wait to join the Leadership Program. “I'm excited about the opportunities we will have, such as collaborations with University of Richmond and Virginia Tech,” he said. “I'm also looking forward to being surrounded by fellow leaders and learning from them … I know this [program] will benefit me in college and life.”

Congratulations to these two exceptional Spartans!

Back