Tartan Student Achievements: Academic Decathlon, YoungArts and More! 

Several Upper School students at St. Margaret’s have been recognized recently for their achievements in academics, athletics and the arts. Here are a few amazing things our Tartan students are up to:

 

 

St. Margaret’s Upper School student Zoe Chen won the 2024 United States Academic Decathlon Individual Competition, taking first place in Division I by winning seven out of eight subjects in the prestigious event. 

 

It was Zoe’s second consecutive year winning the Academic Decathlon, as she also placed first in 2023. 

 

The rigorous competition requires participants to have a high level of academic knowledge across a broad range of subjects. Participants take part in three rounds of online competition before advancing to the national competition. The 2024 competition had a theme of technology and humanity and featured eight subjects: art, economics, literature, mathematics, science, social science, music and essay. 

 

 

Upper School student Nicole Chen was named a 2025 YoungArts winner in the Design category, one of 800 students nationwide honored for artistic achievement. 

 

The Design category features portfolios in architecture, product, graphic and fashion design, and is one of 10 artistic disciplines recognized by YoungArts. Nicole receives a monetary prize in addition to mentor support and networking opportunities through YoungArts.

 

 

Two St. Margaret’s Upper School students—Evan Causee and Kate Purpura—were named 2025 Student Athletes of Character by the Orange County Athletic Directors Association.

 

The award recognizes high school student-athletes who demonstrate exceptional sportsmanship, leadership and positive character traits beyond just athletic performance. 

 

Kate is a two-time team captain and decorated tennis player at St. Margaret’s, while Evan was all-CIF in cross country and also participates in soccer and track.