Grad Profile 2025

ELECTRICAL ENGINEERING WITH A MINOR IN MUSIC University of Notre Dame Katie Costigan

LIBERAL ARTS, VARSITY ROWING Yale University Rachel Dirks

Starting at Havergal in Grade 7, Katie quickly found her place in the arts community. With a passion for music, she joined the choir, took part in school plays and served as an Arts Prefect in her graduating year. In Grade 10, she displayed courage by going on exchange to France, leaving behind the comforts of home to gain independence, build lasting memories and improve her French speaking skills. Building on that experience, she enrolled in AP French in Grade 11 to further strengthen her proficiency in the language. With an aptitude for problem-solving, Katie enrolled in AP Calculus and took multiple sciences in high school, leading her to explore the intersection of sound, technology and innovation as she studies Electrical Engineering with a minor in Music at the University of Notre Dame. She leaves Havergal with the joy of school spirit in her heart, which has motivated her to get involved in the Notre Dame community. She looks forward to joining one of the university’s choirs, becoming a member of a women’s engineering society and cheering on the football team, face paint and all.

Rachel was excited to begin her Havergal journey in Grade 6 because her sister, a recent Grad, felt the community had really helped prepare her for university. After playing high-level squash for several years outside of school, Rachel tried out for Havergal’s Rowing Team in Grade 9 and immediately immersed herself in the sport. The experience taught her how to work hard and balance her time while she bonded with the tight-knit rowing community, which extends across the grades in the Senior School. She credits her rigorous rowing schedule for strengthening her academic discipline, especially in challenging courses like AP Calculus. She also served on the Student Council in her senior year, which was a great way to stay involved in school life and make small changes to help the community. Currently, Rachel is exploring new ideas at Yale University, where she is studying a Liberal Arts curriculum while she rows on the school’s Varsity Rowing Team. She’s curious about a career in science, medicine or architecture and looks forward to discovering what the future holds for her as she broadens her horizons.