Isabella McKenna Selected as Salutatorian for the Class of 2025

We are excited to announce Isabella McKenna as the Salutatorian for the Class of 2025. “Becoming Salutatorian was something I did not expect at all,” says Isabella. “Yet when I heard I was selected, I was beyond honored and grateful. Carondelet and the class of 2025 have truly given me so much.”

Throughout her time at Carondelet, Isabella has consistently demonstrated academic excellence, maintaining a strong GPA and excelling in mathematics. She progressed from Pre-Algebra in her freshman year to mastering Algebra 1, Geometry, and Algebra 2 by the end of her sophomore year, and completing AP Calculus AB as a senior. Beyond her rigorous coursework, Isabella has actively sought opportunities to broaden her knowledge and explore potential career paths. She interned at Be the Leap, a global design firm based in Berlin, where she worked on web and mobile applications, and at Ensemble Media, a branded entertainment company, where she led business operations and helped launch a program with Snap Inc. Isabella has also deepened her expertise through taking a microfinance course at Brown University and an Essentials of Leadership class at UPenn Wharton. Outside of her academic and professional accomplishments, Isabella is a competitive ballroom dancer, training under renowned dancer Timea Potys and earning multiple first-place titles in Latin ballroom competitions.

“Carondelet has helped me become the full version of myself by giving me the confidence to share my gifts with others. I have learned the importance of turning faith into action and the value of getting involved in the community. I feel as if I have become a strong leader who is not afraid of judgment, but rather, confident in the positive impact that I can have on others.”

For the last three years, Isabella has been an active member of Carondelet’s Spiritual Life Council (SLC), where she has participated in countless service projects, student-led liturgies, and community events. “SLC has been a major part of my experience at Carondelet,” says Isabella. “I started SLC barely knowing what I was doing to now, three years later, giving the homily at this year’s Sisterhood Mass.”

“I envision using my talents and education to uplift and connect people—whether through business, service, or faith,” shares Isabella. “From teaching Confirmation class at St. Perpetua to interning at mission-driven companies, I’ve learned the power of leadership rooted in empathy. I want to build a career that blends creativity, strategy, and service, possibly through my own business one day, so I can create opportunities for others, especially the underrepresented. Whatever I do, I hope to use my voice and values to create community and meaningful difference.”

Isabella plans to attend Notre Dame in the fall and major in English. Thereafter, she hopes to pursue an MBA and someday own her own business.