Amanda Tracy ’24
May 2023
The Outstanding Senior Award is presented by the Alumnae Association Board of Directors to a member of the senior class who has demonstrated outstanding devotion to Saint Mary’s College.
The recipient of the Outstanding Senior Award exemplifies the spirit and values of her school and is distinguished by scholarship, leadership, and outstanding dedication to Saint Mary’s through participation in both curricular and extracurricular activities. As the valedictorian represents the mind, and the Lumen Christi recipient reflects the soul, the Outstanding Senior embodies the heart of Saint Mary’s.
The 2024 Alumnae Association Outstanding Senior is Amanda Tracy.
Graduating with a major in Elementary Education and minors in Early Childhood Education and Mild Intervention, Amanda is distinguished by her commitment to serving with and for others.
Amanda’s nominator, cross-country Coach Jackie Bauters, spoke at length about Amanda’s impact on the Saint Mary’s community. Saying Amanda “exemplifies what it means to be a Saint Mary’s Belle,” and that she has inspired the cross-country team, which she captains, to “find the joy in being part of something bigger than themselves”.
Not only an accomplished athlete, Amanda’s educational pursuits have also been recognized with the 2023 Schmuhl Early Education Award for Excellence in Early Childhood Education, the 2024 Outstanding Early Childhood Education Practitioner Award, the 2024 Mary A. McDermott Award, and with All-Academic Honors which celebrates both her athletic and academic achievements. As a two-year captain, Amanda’s zest for life has helped the coaching staff rely on her to create a team environment centered around core values that encourage community in athletics, as students, and in service. Under her leadership, the Saint Mary’s cross-country team has seen incredible success as competitors and students.
Amanda’s faith life has also enhanced her Saint Mary’s experience. Participating in weekly Mass on campus, Amanda has extended her faith into service through the Riley Family Outreach Committee and regular volunteering within the community. Her commitment to service is also demonstrated through her extracurricular involvement, showing Amanda’s desire to make the most of her Saint Mary’s experience. Amanda has participated in the Education Club and Dance Marathon all four years at Saint Mary’s. Now, combined with her Student Athletic Advisory Committee service, Amanda has sought opportunities to help others with an open and kind heart.
Beyond the academic accolades, the athletic accomplishments, and the commitment to service, Amanda’s zeal is what her community and nominator call attention to. Knowing her future as an educator will allow her to continue life as a personal and professional leader, her coach, and nominator, Jackie Bauters says, “Amanda’s positivity and excitement for life will undoubtedly inspire and positively impact the children she will teach.”
The Alumnae Association Board of Directors proudly honors Amanda Tracy as the Outstanding Senior of 2024.