Impact Scholars Announced

Congratulations to Steward’s 2025-26 Impact Scholars, Faith Akinfolajimi ’29 and Holden Teague ’29. The Impact Scholars program provides $10,000 merit scholarships for tuition ($2,500 per year) in Steward’s Upper School 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.

 

Faith Akinfolajami
Faith, a scholar and leader, shares her talent on the field hockey and lacrosse fields; lends her voice to the chorus; has participated in theatre productions; and was selected to attend a diversity conference at St. Steven’s and St. Agnes School. 

In a letter of reference, one of Faith’s teachers noted, “She has a presence on campus and is an effervescent leader in the Middle School community. She is kind, conscientious, empathetic, hard-working, and determined.” A coach who has worked closely with Faith for several years said, “Faith knows how to grab the attention of her peers in a manner that is positive and impactful. She leads with everyone in mind, leaving no one behind.” 

Giving to those in need is important to Faith, who regularly participates in community service. Most recently, she lent her support to a book drive to support literacy in Ghana and helped out at a church-sponsored car wash. 

Faith looks forward to expanding her leadership skills, and said, “This scholarship is an opportunity for growth personally and academically.” 

Holden is passionate about a lot of things, including academics, music, golf, serving others, and life as a Spartan. He is also keenly interested in aerospace engineering. 

A cellist for the past eight years, Holden is a member of the Richmond Youth Concert Orchestra and has performed at many Steward events. 

In a letter of recommendation, Holden’s cello teacher cited his outstanding character and perseverance, adding, “Because Holden is a very talented musician, I give him ever more challenging music to learn. Every time he performs in a recital, he plays the piece better than I’ve ever heard him before, showing incredible composure and an ability to focus well beyond his years.” 

One of Holden’s Steward teachers praised his academic dedication and well-rounded character. 

“He has a math and science brain but has also excelled in the English classroom. Whether it is creative or analytical writing, sharing perspectives about a text, or being an all-around engaged and enlightened student, Holden is all of that and more,” wrote his teacher. 

Of the many sports Holden has played (golf, soccer, basketball, and tennis), golf is his favorite. In addition to playing for Steward, he is a member of the PGA Jr. Golf League.

Volunteering is also close to his heart. Holden recently teamed up to pack and serve lunches to the unhoused, and he has volunteered at Richmond’s Ronald McDonald House. 

“The Impact Scholarship really means a lot to me,” said Holden. “It’s a chance to go beyond what I’ve experienced.” 

Congratulations to these two exceptional Spartans!