Marina will join a group of 50 students from schools across the country who have demonstrated leadership, empathy, and a commitment to fostering cultures of care and connection within their communities. As a member of the National Council, Marina will continue serving as an active participant in Loyola Academy's Hope Squad while collaborating with Hope Squad's national leadership team to help inform programming, participate in webinars and trainings, and advocate for mental health awareness among peers.

Hope Squad, which launched at Loyola Academy in 2020, is a peer-to-peer suicide prevention and mental wellness program that trains students to recognize peers who may be struggling and connect them with trusted adults and appropriate support resources. Since its inception, Loyola’s Hope Squad has encouraged students to lead meaningful conversations surrounding mental health, empathy, connection, and wellness within the school community.

"Marina's selection to the Hope Squad National Council is a reflection of her compassionate leadership and her commitment to supporting others," said School Counselor Mrs. Erin Shapiro, who moderates Hope Squad with School Counselor Mrs. Amanda Strauss and College Counselor Ms. Liz Riggs. "Hope Squad empowers students to care for one another in meaningful ways, and Marina has embraced that mission wholeheartedly. We are proud to see her represent Loyola Academy on the national level."

Through her involvement with Hope Squad, Marina exemplifies Loyola Academy’s mission of forming women and men for others by helping foster a community where students feel seen, supported, and valued. Alongside her fellow Hope Squad members, she has helped encourage conversations surrounding mental health, empathy, and wellness while reminding students that they are never alone in moments of struggle. Together, Loyola's Hope Squad members continue to model compassionate leadership and care for others through their commitment to accompaniment, connection, and hope.

National Council members begin their terms this summer and will serve throughout the 2026–2027 academic year. Hope Squad leaders across the country work together to expand conversations around mental health awareness, reduce stigma, and encourage students to seek help and support when needed.

2025–26 Hope Squad Members

Seniors:
Maddy Aguilar
Michaela Burm
Danny Cahill
Michael Crawford
Rose Harlan
Olivia Kniazewski
Peter LaFontaine
Ellory Madison
Lily Marino
Mia Marino
Kaitlyn McGovern
Maggie Schomer
Bleu Strnad
Rachel Takyi
Colin Vardijan
Lizzy Xanos
Ayden Yates
Aman Yohannes

Juniors:
Lauren A'Hearn
Luke Alvarez
Max Colpi
Kathleen Devine
Yianna Drossos
Nora Durya
Charlotte Glen
Noah Morales
Brendon Ohlinger
Griffin Oiler
Luciana Perez
Valentina Sandoval
Marina Sentic
Ellie Tolentino
Joseph Wagner
Presley Zimmerman

Sophomores:
Kaosarat Alatise
Kweku Boateng
Elise Carsten
Anthony Cascio
Kristin Chen
Emma Clarke
MaryGrace Conelly
Addison Drekoff
Patrick Horton
Maggie O'Connor
Mya Ortiz
Todd Pham
Vanessa Smith
Shane Starmann
Tucker Tracy
Chloe Tran
Riley Williams
Drako Zavala