Visitation Students Honored with Academic Awards

Several Visitation students were recognized for outstanding academic achievement in various disciplines at an awards assembly held at the school on May 13.  Following is a list of the girls and their awards.

• Olivia Bennett, daughter of Bruce and Pamela Bennett of Sunfish Lake, has been recognized for superlative achievements in English during her four years in Visitation’s Upper School.  The Mary Agnes O’Connor Medal for English is awarded to a senior who has exhibited outstanding achievement in and passion for language and literature.
• Bailey Brown, daughter of Susan and Christopher Brown of Eden Prairie, has been recognized for her achievements in social studies with the Sister Anne Countryman Award for Excellence in Social Science.  This award recognizes a graduating senior who has consistently demonstrated academic excellence in social science and a high level of awareness of current issues.  The student will also have exemplified social concern and responsibility in her community. 
• Senior Brianna Cunniff, daughter of Beth and Jerry Cunniff of St. Paul, has been recognized for her achievements in the study of the Spanish language during her four years at Vis.  She received the Sister Péronne-Marie Medal for excellence in the study of world language.
• Allison Dohnalek, daughter of Maggie Leighton and Jim Dohnalek, both of Eagan, has been recognized for superlative achievements in English during her four years in Visitation’s Upper School.  The Mary Agnes O’Connor Medal for English is awarded to a senior who has exhibited outstanding achievement in and passion for language and literature.
• Junior Grace Hyland, daughter of Sara and Bob Hyland of St. Paul, received the Okner Prize in Music, given annually to a junior who exemplifies superior musicianship and leadership in Visitation’s performing arts program.  
• Macey Johnson, daughter of Mary Beth and Eric Johnson of St. Paul, received the Sister Jane de Chantal Smisek Medal, awarded to a senior who has exhibited exemplary accomplishment in the visual arts during her years in the Visitation Upper School.  ·
• Abby O’Brien, daughter of Mary and Pat O’Brien of Minneapolis, has been recognized for her achievements in the study of mathematics.  Abby received the Sister Jane Margaret Cullinan Award, given annually by the mathematics department to a graduating senior who has demonstrated unusual ability and insight in the area of mathematics. 
• Senior Emma Schaffer, daughter of Mary and Kevin Schaffer of Woodbury, has been recognized for her achievements in French during her years at Visitation School in Mendota Heights.  Emma was presented with the Sister Péronne-Marie Medal, which honors excellence in the study of world language.
• Beth Sercombe, daughter of Clare and Randall Sercombe of Edina, has been recognized for her achievements in science with the Sister Francis de Sales Larpenteur Award, given annually to a senior with unusual abilities and insights in the area of science. 
• Senior Julianne Siepka, daughter of Beata and Ray Siepka of Eagan, has been recognized with a special academic award for her achievements in Spanish and French during her years at Visitation School in Mendota Heights.  Julianne was given the Sister Péronne-Marie Medal for excellence in the study of world language.
• Rebecca Thavis, daughter of Robert and Juliann Thavis of St. Paul, was recognized for her achievements in theater with the Father Thomas Kolar Award for Excellence in Acting, which recognizes student actors who have excelled in creating believable, honest and true characters for the stage. Becca is a senior.
• Senior Megan Toal, daughter of Anne and Christopher Toal of St. Paul, was given the Sister Marie Therese Conaty Medal for her achievements in the study of the performing arts.
• Margaret Mary Underwood, daughter of Mary and Dent Underwood of St. Paul, received the Sister Mary Frances Reis Excellence in Religion Award, bestowed by the religion department on a graduating senior who has demonstrated uncommon insight and achievement in the study of religion.