The SCC (Southern Connecticut Conference) hosted its 25th Annual Scholar Leader Banquet on March 25, 2019, at Anthony's Ocean View in New Haven. Forty-six scholar leaders, chosen by their respective school principals, were recognized for outstanding scholarship and leadership in their respective schools and external communities.

Finn O’Connor

Academically as a student at Prep, Finn has achieved Summa Cum Laude honors during all his four years, and he was the recipient of the Harvard Book Award at the National Honor Society Awards Ceremony in the fall. He also excels on the field as a member of the lacrosse team, where he has played varsity goalie for the last three years. In 2018, the team won the SCC Championship and advanced to the Class L Quarterfinal. Finn stands out as a leader within his senior class in the area of Campus Ministry. He has served as a Freshman Retreat, Sophomore Retreat and Kairos leader. He decided to lead those retreats with peer students after having impactful experiences of his own. Outside of Prep, he is a volunteer at the Boys and Girls Club of Stamford, serving as a tutor and mentor to underprivileged kids in the Stamford area.

Thomas Rudden

Thomas is a Summa Cum Laude honor student, receiving the Cornell University Book Award at the National Honor Society Awards Ceremony in the fall. Thomas is actively involved in the Prep Players, the school’s theatrical group, performing in the school productions. He has also been active in social justice issues on campus. He and several classmates founded REIGNS, the first Gay-Straight Alliance at Prep. The club offers a space to discuss current events and organize diversity forums. Thomas also planned the student walkout to protest gun violence last March. In Prep's Campus Ministry, Thomas recently co-directed a Kairos retreat experience for upperclassmen. Kairos is led by students and its purpose is to create a stronger faith, community and brotherhood. Additionally, Thomas has taught first grade religious education for four years at St. Thomas Aquinas parish in Fairfield.

As a separate honor, Thomas received the Bill O'Brien Community Service Scholarship at the dinner. He was selected based on his healthy balance of school and community activities that are "value-added" and embody the “spirit and passion” of Bill O’Brien, former commissioner of the SCC. Thomas contributed a writing piece in addition to his resume of activities/achievements for his consideration for the scholarship.