This past week, exciting news for Agnes Irwin students arrived on campus, as senior Mackenzie Murphy was named a finalist in the 2011 Jefferson Scholars competition at the University of Virginia and the AIS Diving team broke school records at the Eastern Interscholastic Swimming and Diving Championships that took place February 26-27 at LaSalle University.

Mackenzie was nominated by Agnes Irwin for the Jefferson Scholars competition, and has gone through a rigorous selection process before being designated as one of approximately 100 finalists from around the world. Alumni and friends of the University reviewed transcripts, extracurricular activities, essays, teacher recommendations, and interviewed Mackenzie as well before selecting her as a finalist. Mackenzie will travel to UVA the weekend of March 23-27 to compete at the Jefferson Scholars Selection Weekend, where she will participate in seminars, exams, and interviews in hopes of winning one of about 30 scholarships that are given each year.

In AIS Athletic news, the diving team delivered an outstanding performance at the 2011 Eastern Interscholastic Swimming and Diving Championships. Eighth grader Marin Bloise broke the previous Upper School record of 370.90, which she set last year as a seventh grader, with a new record of 403.30. She came in 5th place overall. AIS divers Lauren Wilcox ’11 placed 7th, Molly Becker ’12 placed 14th, and first year diver Amanda Bunten ’11 rounded out the group with a 15th place finish.

Congratulations to these outstanding students!