Knightly News

We are pleased to announce the 2025 Episcopal Webster Scholars!

Abigail Harr

An academic, artist and volunteer, Abigail Harr says her friends describe her as a go-getter. “I enjoy trying new things and setting goals, even if it means taking risks,” she says.

Abigail loves musical theatre and has earned everything from lead roles to ensemble parts. “The auditioning process has taught me to be confident, and that I should be my number one supporter,” she says. “This confidence has helped me to try new activities such as sports, sewing, media arts, and to become more involved in my classes.” Abigail looks forward to sharing her talents on the Visual & Performing Arts Center stage as an Episcopal student.

She also looks forward to the benefits of the Episcopal College Counseling process. “I’m currently unsure of where I want to attend college, but I know Episcopal has one of the best college counseling programs available,” she says. “I really like that students take tours to see what type of colleges are the best fit for them.”

With a track record of successfully trying new things, Abigail is sure to thrive at Episcopal. She was honored as a finalist for Student of the Year at both Northwestern Middle School and Copper Mill Elementary. She has participated in the Middle School District IV Honor Choir and the LMEA District IV Elementary Honor Choir. She is a member of the Northwestern Middle School Junior Beta Club and was recognized for extraordinary efforts in the National Junior Beta Club with 21.5 merit hours. Abigail placed first in the seventh grade nonfiction Zachary Area Reading Council competition and earned the Exemplary Science Academia Award. She earned the President’s Award for Educational Excellence, which honors elementary, middle and high school students for academic excellence. She received similar recognition from the Zachary Kiwanis Club.

In addition to academics and arts, Abigail enjoys athletics, especially soccer. Abigail also explores culinary interests and earned first place in the East Feliciana 4H Regional Fall Cookery Contest in the sugar/candy category and second place and Blue Ribbon at the Southeast Regional 4H Culinary Arts Contest. Recently, she was invited to represent East Baton Rouge in the 4H Food Challenge competition at the 2025 Mid-South Farm & Gin Show in Memphis, Tennessee. Abigail also finds time to make a difference in her community by volunteering with her church.

Laura Mapes

“Empathetic, generous, kind, and hardworking” are words Laura Mapes says her friends use to describe her. This well-rounded high achiever considers Episcopal a second home. Laura is actively involved in math competitions and has represented Episcopal well, with her Pre-Algebra Team finishing in the top five multiple times. She is a member of the Math Counts Club, the Middle School varsity cheer squad and the Thespian Honor Society, Troupe 88800.

A pianist, Laura competes in the Louisiana Federation of Music Club’s Junior Convention. She has earned superior ratings for three consecutive years at the solo festival and Honorable Mention at the Baroque and Romantic Festival presented by the Baton Rouge Music Teachers Association.

Laura is passionate about space exploration and is a member of the Baton Rouge Astronomical Society and the Natural Sky Task Force of Baton Rouge. She has earned U.S. Space Camp Wings from Space Camp in Huntsville, Alabama, U.S. Space Camp Wings from the Space Academy and Aviator Wings from the Aviation Challenge, Mach II. To achieve this, Laura completed an intense curriculum focusing on space exploration, aerospace technology, leadership and team-building skills, and water and land survival.

A volunteer apprentice with the Highland Road Park Observatory, Laura completed 96 hours of training and the facility’s Science Academy program. As an apprentice, she assists with the educational programs for children. “As a firm believer that education is not only the basis of society, but also the solution to most of its problems, I feel extremely blessed that God has given me the responsibility and joy to assist in shaping the minds of young members of our community,” she says. “The HRPO (Highland Road Park Observatory) youth programs reach students not only from Baton Rouge, but as well as from surrounding parishes of different social and economic backgrounds. To see them grow as young scientists, as I once was myself, while acquiring a sense of belonging and self-worth is spiritually rewarding.”

Webster Scholars Award Honors Episcopal Legend

Webster Scholars are bright and motivated rising ninth grade students who distinguish themselves as academic and community leaders. This is the most prestigious award granted by Episcopal. Recognition is based on GPA, ACT scores, a student statement, a writing sample, teacher recommendations, demonstrated leadership skills and an interview with school administrators.

The Webster Scholars program is named for Episcopal’s first Head of School, the Rev. Ralph Webster. Father Webster was instrumental in establishing Episcopal School of Baton Rouge, calling it a “bold new venture.” Honoring outstanding students with the Webster Scholars Award continues that bold vision by ensuring that bright and motivated students have the opportunity to grow academically, artistically, athletically and spiritually. 

Please join us in congratulating these outstanding students! Share a comment in the comment section below.

The Episcopal School of Baton Rouge 2025-2026 application is now available! ​For more information on the application process, to schedule a tour, or learn more about the private school, contact us at [email protected] or 225-755-2685.