Seniors Shine at Research Symposium

Five members of the Class of 2025, Alec Dabney, Sergio Diaz, Vinh Lai, Anderson Scott, and Nathan Wellman, took part in the inaugural High School Research Symposium hosted by Saint Ignatius High School. As candidates for the prestigious International Baccalaureate Diploma, these Edsmen presented the findings of their yearlong research projects, impressing attendees with their intellectual curiosity, analytical depth, and confident communication.

Each presentation highlighted a significant body of academic work: original, independently conducted research papers—either the IB Extended Essay or an IB Internal Assessment. Guided by a faculty advisor and rooted in a topic of personal interest, these projects require deep research, critical thinking, and academic precision. At the Symposium, students not only presented their findings but also engaged with peers from other schools, gaining valuable experience in scholarly dialogue and academic communication.

“This was a celebration of student achievement,” says Dean of Academics and IB Coordinator Nick Kuhar. “The event provided a meaningful opportunity for our students to present their incredible work while refining skills that will be essential in higher education and beyond.”

That achievement was on full display as the St. Edward presenters explored a wide range of thought-provoking topics:

• Alec Dabney ’25 – Portrayals of Racial Prejudice in Colors and When They See Us

• Sergio Diaz ’25 – Health in Relation to Landscape Architecture

• Vinh Lai ’25 – What Were the Most Significant Factors That Led to Hitler’s Invasion of the USSR in World War II?

• Anderson Scott ’25 – The Anglicization of the Netherlands and Its Effect on the Preservation of Dutch Language & Culture

• Nathan Wellman ’25 – To What Extent Does the American Incarceration System Affect Children With a Parent in Custody?

All five students are part of St. Edward’s IB Diploma cohort—40 members of the Class of 2025 committed to completing this globally-respected program. Through core components like the Extended Essay and Internal Assessments, they develop essential skills that prepare them for success across disciplines and in real-world settings, including the ability to:

• engage in personal exploration by delving deeply into a topic that fascinates them;
• formulate an appropriate research question by identifying and refining a question that guides their inquiry;
• develop an argument, sharpening analytical and critical thinking abilities; and
• communicate ideas effectively by articulating their thoughts clearly and coherently.

By sharing their work at the High School Research Symposium, Alec, Sergio, Vinh, Anderson, and Nathan embodied the spirit of IB at St. Edward: bold inquiry, meaningful dialogue, and a commitment to learning that drives positive change in the world.

Over the past five years, 93% of Edsmen pursuing the full IB Diploma have earned it—13% above the global average. Since 2014, a total of 348 St. Edward graduates have earned this distinguished academic credential.