Chiara Faiola and Kyle Woodruff were announced as the 2021 valedictorian and salutatorian, respectively.
Faiola, daughter of Daniele and Marco Faiola of Auburn, MA, earned the highest grade point average in the class of 2021. She has taken 14 honors and AP® level classes during her time at Marianapolis and was inducted into both the National Honor Society and the Spanish National Honor Society. Faiola will deliver the valedictory address at commencement on May 22.
Faiola was the recipient of the Fr. Albin Sheputa Award, Sophomore Chemistry Award, and the University of Rochester Bausch & Lomb Honorary Science Award. She is also a two-sport captain and a WINEPSSA Soccer All-Star. Faiola says that her years at Marianapolis have made her a more open and outgoing person.
“I became more open about who I was and was able to confidently express myself and my passions. I’ve started to overcome my introverted nature and become more outgoing, putting myself in new situations and moving out of my comfort zone, which has allowed me to grow as a person,” Faiola said.
“[Chiara] is described by her teachers as being one who truly cares about others and has the fine ability to bring people together towards a common goal,” Associate Head of School Karen Tata said.
Faiola will be attending the University of New Haven and pursue a Bachelor’s in Biology and a Master’s in Cell and Molecular Biology in four years as part of their accelerated program.
Woodruff, son of Patricia and Michael Woodruff of Southbridge, MA, earned the second-highest grade point average in the class of 2021. He has taken 14 honors and AP® level courses at Marianapolis and was inducted into both the National Honor Society and the Chinese National Honor Society. Woodruff will deliver the salutatory address at commencement on May 22.
During his time at Marianapolis, Woodruff has been an Ambassador Club Captain, Orientation Leader, Head Peer Leader, a member of the Captains’ Council, and a two-sport varsity captain. Woodruff attribute his success at Marianapolis to his environment and the opportunities provided to him.
“The factors that I would attribute to my success would be a welcoming environment, stimulating courses, a close-knit group of friends, and the freedom that comes with scheduling,” Woodruff said. “It’s a common saying that people are a product of an environment, and I think that it applies to my experience at Marianapolis. The school provided the materials, choices, freedoms, and experiences; I did the best that I could to take advantage of those resources the best that I could.”
“[Kyle] is described by his teachers as a quiet, consistent, reliable member of the community who always conducts himself with integrity. He has the capacity and desire to help others at all times,” Tata said.
Woodruff will be attending the University of New England as a Marine Biology major.