We are proud to celebrate the remarkable achievements of Kate Andrews as she prepares to graduate and head to the West Coast this fall to study Molecular, Cell, and Developmental Biology.

Kate’s tenure at Gunston has been defined by a rare combination of elite athletic performance and top-tier academic rigor. She will be attending the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) to pursue her undergraduate studies, a choice she made from an impressive list of acceptances that included Davidson College, William & Mary, the University of Georgia, and Macalester College, among many others. Kate’s academic profile is truly distinguished; she is a regular on the Honor Roll and a dedicated member of the National Honor Society. Her intellectual capabilities were recognized on a national level when she was named a Commended Student in the 2026 National Merit Scholarship Program, placing her in the top 3-4% of test-takers across the country. Additionally, she earned the College Board’s School Recognition Award for her outstanding performance on AP exams and the PSAT, maintaining a GPA well above a 3.5 while balancing a demanding extracurricular schedule.

On the tennis court, Kate has been a dominant force and a cornerstone of the Gunston athletics program. She played a pivotal role in leading the team to four consecutive ESIAC Tournament Championships from 2023 through 2026. Her individual prowess earned her ESIAC All-Conference honors for three straight years, and in 2025, she reached the pinnacle of doubles play by capturing the ESIAC Doubles Championship alongside partner and fellow senior Eleonor Hubbert. Additionally, Kate has been a key member of the varsity volleyball team and captain this past season, during which the team saw their first ESIAC victory.

Kate’s leadership extends far beyond the scoreboard, however. She was selected to participate in the Rotary Youth Leadership Awards (RYLA) conference, an intensive three-day program designed to empower the next generation of community leaders.

Kate’s impact on the Gunston community is perhaps most visible through her commitment to inclusivity and social justice. As a representative at the National Association of Independent Schools Student Diversity Leadership Conference, she engaged with thousands of peers nationwide to develop cross-cultural communication and allyship skills. She also contributed her creative talents to the Debris Literary Magazine. As Kate moves on to UCLA, we remain incredibly proud of the legacy of excellence and empathy she leaves behind at Gunston.