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Newman Oxford Scholars

Cultivating Leaders

Newman Oxford Scholars are dedicated to making a positive impact on the world. Inspired by the legacy of St. John Henry Newman, they are passionate about intellectual exploration and committed to addressing real-world challenges.

Through rigorous academic study and symposium-style presentations, our Scholars develop the critical thinking skills, leadership qualities, and moral compass necessary to become influential thought leaders.

Like Newman during his time at Oxford, our Scholars are encouraged to engage with a wide range of historical and contemporary issues. By examining these topics from multiple perspectives, they gain a deeper understanding of the world and develop the ability to find innovative solutions.

Newman Oxford Scholars: Fall 2025

 

Discover the Newman Oxford Scholars Class of 2026 and their thought-provoking essays on peace. From global leaders like Kofi Annan, Leymah Gbowee, and Jane Goodall, to organizations such as Doctors Without Borders and the Carter Center, each paper offers a unique perspective on how action, advocacy, and collaboration can shape a more peaceful world. We invite you to read their work and be inspired by the ideas and insights these students have uncovered.

  • Alena Bardashova–Peace and Doctors Without Borders
    Explores how Doctors Without Borders (MSF) exemplifies peace through humanitarian work, neutrality, and providing medical aid in conflict zones, emphasizing the role of human dignity and impartiality in maintaining peace. 
     
  • Ella Bernstein–Mamphela Ramphele, Building Peace Through Action
    Highlights Ramphele’s life and activism, showing that peace is achieved not only through awareness of problems but through direct, constructive action that improves communities and promotes justice.
     
  • Summer Binder–Malala Yousafzai
    Examines Malala Yousafzai’s fight for girls’ education, demonstrating that peace extends beyond the absence of war to ensuring access to education and human rights even in dangerous circumstances.
     
  • Madeleine Bugbee–Seeds of Peace
    Discusses the importance of empathy, understanding, and prioritizing others’ needs in fostering peace, showing how individual and community engagement contributes to lasting harmony.
     
  • Abigail Edwards–Malala Yousafzai: A Voice for Peaceexamines Malala Yousafzai’s advocacy for girls’ education under Taliban rule, showing how peace requires opportunity, equality, and nonviolent courage. She highlights Malala’s survival of an assassination attempt, and creation of the Malala Fund as examples of empowering others to build lasting peace.
     
  • Thomas Gaskill–Peace and AI: Stuart Russell
    Analyzes the role of artificial intelligence in promoting or threatening peace, arguing that AI designed to maximize human flourishing can act as a tool for global stability.
     
  • Brody Hansel–The U.S. Military Fighting for Peace
    Explores the complex role of the U.S. military in achieving peace, emphasizing that preparation and strength can prevent conflict even when diplomacy alone may not suffice.
     
  • Sofia Kerrigan–Peace and the Carter Center
    Examines how the Carter Center addresses conflicts fueled by ethnic, religious, and cultural differences, focusing on promoting understanding, dialogue, and peaceful resolution.
     
  • Gabriella Macias–Essay on Peace: United We Dream
    Focuses on the UWD organization and its approach to peace through justice, inclusion, and empathy, highlighting how advocacy for vulnerable populations contributes to social cohesion.
     
  • Chase Mandel–Kofi Annan: a Leader for Peace
    Celebrates Annan’s diplomatic efforts and global leadership, emphasizing the universality of humanity and the importance of cross-cultural understanding in sustaining peace.
     
  • Reagan McIntosh–Jane Goodall
    Examines Jane Goodall’s environmental work and advocacy, showing that respect and empathy toward all living beings are integral aspects of peace.
     
  • Elizabeth Negri–Translating Peace
    Argues that peace involves holding space for others through listening and recognition, emphasizing mindfulness and valuing every individual’s contribution.
     
  • Kaylin Suacci–Peace and Empowerment: Ilona Maher
    Examines how Ilona Maher fosters peace through empowerment, confidence, and mentorship, showing that supporting others’ self-confidence and challenging societal expectations can create personal and community harmony.
     
  • Rodric Smith–Peace and Reconciliation
    Highlights reconciliation as a critical component of lasting peace, bridging divided communities and facilitating healing beyond mere forgiveness.
     
  • Grace Thumhart–Leymah Gbowee: Ending Wars with Peace
    Focuses on Gbowee’s leadership in Liberia, demonstrating how unity, nonviolence, and courageous conviction can end conflict and foster sustainable peace.
     
  • Johnny Ybarra–Peace and the United Nations: Upholding Global Stability
    Explains the UN’s multifaceted approach to peace through peacekeeping, development, humanitarian aid, and disarmament, arguing that lasting peace requires continuous, collective effort.
     

Fall 2025: Newman Oxford Scholars Explore the Many Facets of Peace

"True peace comes through unity, nonviolence, and courageous conviction — building bridges, not walls.”
–Grace Thumhart

This fall, Cardinal Newman High School’s Oxford Scholars presented their annual symposium, sharing compelling research and insights on peace with parents, students, and faculty. The students explored peace from global diplomacy and humanitarian work to education, empowerment, and societal and technological challenges.

Johnny Ybarra examined the United Nations’ role in sustaining peace, emphasizing that “Peace is not a final destination, but a continuous, collective effort, one that depends on courage, cooperation, and the will to build a better future together.” Abigail Edwards and Summer Binder highlighted Malala Yousafzai’s advocacy for girls’ education, showing that lasting peace requires opportunity, equality, and resilience. Binder noted that “Peace isn’t always about stopping wars; it’s fighting for normalcy in times of utter disaster in order to maintain basic human needs.”

Read More about Fall 2025: Newman Oxford Scholars Explore the Many Facets of Peace

Newman Scholars Gallery Fall 2025

 

Students chosen to be Newman Oxford Scholars are expected to:

  • Enroll in a challenging course of studies including Honors and Advanced Placement classes;
  • Achieve a cumulative GPA which places them in the top 10% of their class at the end of their junior year, students must have attended two years at CN to qualify;
  • Maintain the highest standards of behavior as prescribed by the school and affirmed by the Dean of Students;
  • Actively pursue co-curricular, extra-curricular, and service opportunities;
  • Serve as models for fellow Newman Oxford Scholars and for students in the entire community;
  • Participate in workshops and enrichment activities.

The Scholars and Their Papers