Editor’s Note: This article was also published in the Benet Herald 2025 Graduation Edition.
With a long history of academic excellence, the vast amount of artistic opportunities to succeed, and an athletic department consistently competing for State Championships, who wouldn’t want to come to Benet? On December 7th, Benet held its annual entrance exam with a large number of students testing to become a redwing. After this exam, Benet awarded the top 40 performing students with presidential scholarships to highlight their achievements upon admission. The first set of presidential scholarship recipients include the top 10 scorers on the entrance exam with each receiving a $4,000 scholarship for their first year and an additional $1,000 each subsequent year they are enrolled. For the remaining 30 presidential scholars, each recipient receives a $1,000 scholarship for each year they attend the school. Benet Academy also has the Sean Patrick Richards Scholarship. This is in honor of the late Sean Richards, who passed away prior to his Freshman year at Benet. The Scholarship is awarded to three incoming freshmen who embody Sean’s warm spirit and kindness in partnership with the Love Like Sean Foundation. Last but not least, there is the Service Award Scholarship which recognizes Benet students who exemplify a strong dedication to service, and who make a positive impact on their school communities.
In addition to the vast amount of scholarships offered, the administration is very excited to announce that Benet has a historically large incoming class for the 2025-2026 school year. The Class of 2029 is approximately 342 students, which is about 10% larger than the traditional Benet class size average that is between 300 and 315 people. Though there is no singular factor that caused this sudden increase in enrollment, there are numerous things that Benet has done well over the past year to lead to this. To start, Benet has increased the availability of shadow days and created more opportunities for parent visits. Additionally, the new Welcome Center was introduced to Benet Academy this year creating a special formalized space specifically for the potential students and their families. Sitting right as you enter the doors in St. Joseph’s circle, the Welcome Center is a new place to not only be welcomed but feel welcomed. This space has a great energy and makes prospective students feel special and appreciated, contributing to the spirit of the space and making Benet Academy feel more like home.
In terms of how we can continue this interest level Mr. Grigas remarks, “I don’t think there is one magic thing that we as a school need to do to continue to grow. It is more about doing all the things that we currently do just 1-2% better.” These steps towards making Benet better do not just include our administration but they are inclusive of our Benet community at large. It’s being willing to help out at a Step- Up Day, or making a shadow student laugh in class, or talking about a sport that they are interested in, or even representing Benet in a good manner at a sporting event that positively contribute to welcoming in new students.
