The Colonnade 2019 Colonnade 2019 | Page 9

WE S T E ARE W A R D NEWS STEWARDS: KYNDALL DIAMOND ’19 AND ALEX FABIATO ‘19 The Ray Tate Student-Athlete Scholarship is awarded each year to seniors who have made outstanding contributions to Steward Athletics and school life. The 2018 recipients of this award are seniors Kyndall Diamond and Alex Fabiato. We caught up with these outstanding Spartans to discuss their passion for sports and aspirations for the future. What sports have you played during your time at Steward? Alex: I have played varsity basketball since I started at Steward sophomore year. Kyndall: I have played varsity lacrosse since eighth grade. I also played varsity basketball in tenth grade and volleyball in Middle School What does receiving this honor mean to you personally? Alex: Receiving this honor means a lot to me because it feels like my hard work is paying off. It’s fulfilling and motivating to have that effort acknowledged, and it makes me want to keep working hard. Kyndall: Being chosen as the recipient of the Ray Tate Student-Athlete Scholarship is an enormous honor. I know there are a lot of other people who could have been chosen, and I appreciate that all of my hard work has not gone unnoticed. Do you have a philosophy or guiding principle when it comes to athletics? Alex: I live by the guiding principle, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” This always reminds me that anything is possible. Kyndall: Playing sports has taught me the importance of teamwork, and to always go hard for what I want. I have learned to never give up, and to always give it my all. Before the very first draw goes up to start each lacrosse game, I close my eyes and take a deep breath, reminding myself to stay calm and to do what I need to do. The only thing I can control at this moment in time is this game. What’s your favorite sports-related moment from your time at Steward? Alex: My favorite moment when it comes to Steward athletics was winning a game against Virginia Home School last year in front of all my teachers, classmates, and friends from my former school. Kyndall: Last lacrosse season, a game against Cape Henry went into double overtime. Then the last draw went up, and we got it and took it straight to goal. When I say I have never felt more blessed then, to be a part of something so fantastic, I mean it. My team has been through thick and thin, and to see our hard work pay off so tremendously made me feel like we have come so far. I have such a strong group of girls by my side each and every day. Will you pursue athletics in college? Alex: Yes, I’m committed to play basketball at Randolph-Macon College next year, and I’m very excited. I’ve always wanted to play a collegiate sport, and in eighth grade, collegiate basketball became my dream. I’m very blessed to be given this opportunity. Kyndall: Next year, I will be continuing my academic and athletic career at Marymount University in Arlington, Virginia. I will be playing defense and/or midfield there. After college, I hope to go into the cybersecurity field and find a job in Washington, D.C. SAVE THE DATE January 31 Fine Arts Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony February 7-9 Winter Play, Who Am I This Time? (And Other Conundrums of Love) February 12 Visiting Innovator March 2 Parents Association Gala and Auction at the VMFA March 20 Entrepreneurship Forum March 22 Lower School Oratorical April 4 Senior Showcase April 6 Steward Spring Invitational and Debbie Robson Pancakes for a Purpose/Fun Run April 25-27 Spring Musical, Honk! May 9 Lower School Spring Program May 16 Spring Instrumental Concert May 22 Upper School Recognition Assembly and Spring Choral Concert May 30 Grade 5 Recognition Assembly May 31 Grade 8 Recognition Assembly June 2 Baccalaureate June 3 Graduation The Colonnade | 9