At its June 10 commencement ceremony, Springside Chestnut Hill Academy (SCH) honored graduate Ryanne Leslie with its highest accolade, the SCH Shield Award. This marks only the fifth presentation of the award since its inception in 2019.

The SCH Shield Award commemorates Richard A. Hayne, a longtime board chair renowned for his ability to inspire "unbounded curiosity and independent thought while maintaining a courageous and resilient spirit with thoughtfulness and integrity."

Leslie, who at age 9 began fencing and recently claimed the under-20 world championship fencing title with Team USA, was recognized for her dedication, resilience and intellectual curiosity. The faculty praised Leslie's disciplined balancing of a competitive international fencing career with her academic responsibilities at SCH, noting her "remarkable discipline, diligent organization" and "courage, ambition" and lauding her as "mature beyond her years."

In addition to her academic and athletic accomplishments, Leslie serves as an integral member of the Honor Council.

Leslie plans to attend Notre Dame, where she aims to continue the tradition of Olympic fencers. However, her ultimate goal extends beyond personal success. She seeks to increase accessibility to fencing, particularly for underrepresented communities.

“The sport is expanding; things are changing,” Leslie said. “I believe in helping minority youth achieve their dreams. I want to serve as that representation for the next generation."