Rooted at Marian … Rising at Nerinx

By Bridjes O’Neil, Marian Middle School

Marian Middle School was built on the belief that opportunity takes root early — especially for girls with immense promise and limited financial means. At Marian, that belief becomes a foundation. For Marian girls, education is a stepping stone to colleges, careers and lives of impact.

The Sisters of Loretto’s educational legacy flows from Marian Middle School to Nerinx Hall High School as, year after year, the majority of Marian alumnae choose to go on to Nerinx, a Loretto-founded school. Since 2006, 24 Marian grads have attended Nerinx, continuing a thriving tradition of leadership, scholarship and purpose. This fall, eight Marian students will return, and Nerinx will welcome three new Marian freshmen.

Sayana Scott

Sayana Scott, Marian alumna class of 2022, embodies the power of the Marian‑to‑Nerinx pathway.

Growing up in Ferguson, Mo., during a period of profound community grief and unrest, Sayana witnessed resilience, solidarity and the strength of a collective voice. When she arrived at Marian, she was quiet and unsure whether leadership was meant for her.

Marian saw differently. Teachers recognized Sayana’s potential and encouraged her curiosity. Participation on a middle school robotics team sparked her interest in precision and analytical thinking — skills that later shaped her goal of pursuing a career in dental health.

As she prepared for high school, Marian’s Graduate Support team walked closely with her through the application and financial planning process, ensuring that uncertainty never became a barrier.

At Nerinx, she flourished. Sayana became a visible campus leader. She learned not only how to lead, but how to create spaces where others felt seen and heard.

“I was once that girl in the corner, terrified to speak,” Sayana says. “But now? I’m a woman building bridges across global cultures — from mission trips with Loretto to studying in Spain. At the Mexican border, among profound strife, I still saw hope, humanity and acts of kindness.”

Sayana will continue her academic journey at the University of Louisville, Ky., building on her Marian foundation and Nerinx experience.

Lonjay Hemphill

Lonjay Hemphill, Marian alumna, class of 2017, says Marian gave her more than just a top-tier education; it gave her exposure to perspectives and experiences that she wouldn’t have had otherwise. She learned to see the world beyond the immediate environment.

“Marian saw my determination and helped me turn that into a strong sense of independence, cultivating the time management and critical thinking that could help me change my trajectory,” Lonjay shares.

As she transitioned to high school at Nerinx, she continued to thrive, but her journey was far from smooth. Her senior year, she struggled with financial aid applications as a first-generation college student. She had no idea what she was doing, and she kept getting denied because she was missing her parents’ tax information. That’s when she turned to the Graduate Support Program at Marian, receiving guidance on the correct next steps and help filing for independence so she could receive scholarships. Throughout college, Lonjay worked tirelessly to support herself, but she never lost sight of her ultimate goal to help vulnerable communities, especially children. Her passion grew from life experiences. Now she’s a Maryville University graduate with degrees in psychology and sociology pursuing an advanced degree in social work at Washington University in St. Louis, focusing on children, youth and family.

“None of this would have been possible without the early foundation that Marian provided me,” Lonjay says.

Katie Rodas‑Santizo

Katie Rodas-Santizo, Marian alumna of the class of 2023, demonstrates how Marian and Nerinx cultivate creative excellence and intellectual courage.

Katie recently won a poetry competition through St. Louis University’s Inspired By Arts Showcase, a regional competition open to high school and college students. The contest invites young artists to draw upon themes from the university’s annual book selection and is co‑sponsored by St. Louis County Libraries. Participants explored challenging topics such as cultural displacement, isolation, family and generational tension, betrayal and the fragility of ordinary life. Katie’s work stood out for its depth, insight and emotional clarity.

This recognition reflects the confidence that Nerinx Hall students develop in sharing their voices beyond the classroom, including on university platforms and in public spaces. That confidence, educators note, is rooted in years of being encouraged to think critically, write boldly and trust their perspective.

An extended investment

The message remains consistent: Marian’s investment does not expire. Through high school, college and early adulthood, Marian continues to provide guidance, advocacy and encouragement. The results speak for themselves — over the past five years, 100% of Marian alumnae have completed high school, with many continuing on to higher education and professional careers.

Tamara Harris, director of college and career success, emphasizes that Marian’s support is designed to last. “Everyone’s path is different. Some have more challenges than others,” she says. “Regardless, we mean it when we say we are ‘Educating Girls for Life.’”

Bridjes O’Neil serves as development and communications manager at Marian Middle School in St. Louis.

Read all of the articles in the summer 2026 issue of Loretto Magazine.