Over her four years at IHA, Grace Mendolia’20 has thrived in most everything in which she takes part. Grace participated as an active member of CARE, Small Christian Communities, and the Culture Club. She served as the president of the French Club during her senior year and a member of the executive board of Future Doctors of America for her junior and senior years. For the past three summers, she was involved with the Center for the Talented Youth Program at Dickinson College, where Grace took three-week college-level courses in neuroscience, genetics, and dissent.

Grace ran for the IHA Cross Country and Track and Field teams since her freshman year. She also excelled in the service opportunities at Immaculate Heart, serving as the vice president for the Christian Service Board her senior year. She has far exceeded the service that is required of an IHA student. Over the last four years, Grace received the Bronze President’s Volunteer Service Award twice, and the Spirit of Service Award, which is given to students for their passion and participation in community service. Grace was also a CARE moderator for the Share House, where she coordinated service opportunities for other students to volunteer there. Because of this, she received an Award for Exceptional Service to the Elderly. Since she was so involved with the service and faith aspects of IHA, Grace has a close relationship with Mrs. Shutrop. Mrs. Shutrop describes Grace as, “one of those ‘once-in-a-lifetime’ students. She is not only incredible in terms of her academic caliber, but her character, leadership, integrity, kindness, and passion set a radical standard for the rest of her classmates. She is exactly what an IHA girl is supposed to be: a woman who sets the bar for all things good for those in her life.”

In the classroom, Grace challenged herself with a rigorous course load. She was inducted into the St. Brigid Society, National Honor Society, Science National Honor Society, Mu Alpha Theta Mathematics Honor Society, and French National Honor Society. Furthermore, she received Distinguished Honors every year. Her favorite class was Chemistry Honors during her sophomore year. She loved Mr. Opremcak’s teaching style because he always challenged her. Mr. Opremcak awarded her with the Soaring Eagle Award in Science, and she plans to continue studying chemistry in college. Most recently and perhaps her greatest accomplishment at IHA yet, Grace earned the title of valedictorian for the Class of 2020! 

In the fall, Grace will attend Dartmouth College, majoring in environmental science or chemistry. She wants to research renewable energy because of her love of the outdoors.

Grace, on the behalf of IHA, we know you have amazing accomplishments ahead during your time at Dartmouth and beyond. We look forward to hearing about all that you achieve and watching where this new adventure will take you. Good luck at Dartmouth!

By Julia Whitney’21, Entertainment Editor