Student leader known for humility wins Aquinas Medal
March 2, 2026
2025-26 Aquinas Medal winner Alana Espenlaub, center, is shown with her parents, Travis and Suzanne Espenlaub, after being honored during a Feb. 25 assembly at Saint Joseph School in Martinsburg.
MARTINSBURG, WV - The leader of Saint Joseph School’s student council was lauded for her humility and selflessness as she was named the recipient of the most prestigious honor awarded to a student from the Diocese of Wheeling-Charleston.
Alana Lia Espenlaub, 14, of Bunker Hill, was awarded the 2025-26 Aquinas Medal during a Feb. 25 assembly after Mass in the Martinsburg school’s gym in front of family members, staff and students in grades kindergarten through nine.
The award is named for Saint Thomas Aquinas, the patron saint of scholars.
“St. Thomas labored, as do our schools, to impart and share the knowledge of the faith and an awareness of God to those who learned from him,” Principal Maria Byrd said.
The medal is awarded to a student at each of the 24 Catholic schools in the diocese for embodying excellence in learning, faithful discipleship, leadership, and service to school, parish and community.
Before introducing Espenlaub as the recipient, Byrd shared insight from peers and teachers about the eighth-grader, who played volleyball for the Crusaders, is president of the Youth Leadership Association and also is a member of Genesis, the show choir at Saint Joseph
School. She was praised for her academic commitment and approaching learning with curiosity, respect, discipline and a desire to grow.
“When in doubt, this student is humble in asking questions, not only to ensure her own understanding but to uphold the standard of excellence expected at St. Joe’s and for the benefit of the student’s peers, Byrd said.
In a biographical form she completed, the daughter of Suzanne and Travis Espenlaub said being in a Catholic school is special to her because, “I am able to meet so many amazing people that share the same faith as me. The people in it make me feel like everyone is a part of one big family, especially my teachers.”
Among her major achievements are making the honors list for academics, participating in social studies and science fairs and serving as captain of the volleyball team. She also plays indoor volleyball for a competitive team outside of school, plays beach volleyball for a local club and participated in the Berkeley County Youth Flag Football League. Some interesting tidbits Alana shared about herself include that she loves surfing and baking and has a sister who plays college volleyball.
Alana Espenlaub, third from left, was honored for being the 2025-26 Aquinas Medal winner at Saint Joseph School during a Feb. 25 assembly at the Martinsburg school. Celebrating with her are, from left, Janet O’Connell, leader of the school’s Youth Leadership Association; Principal Maria Byrd; and Alana’s parents, Suzanne and Travis Espenlaub.
Alana plans to attend Saint James School in Hagerstown, MD, after completing eighth grade at SJS. She aspires to play beach volleyball at a university in the South. While she’s not sure what she wants to study in college, she is interested in forensic science or joining the U.S. Navy.
One thing Alana’s peers and teachers are sure of is that she truly loves the world and desires to see peers succeed. She is known for being a willing helper and treating others with dignity and respect.
“This student embodies selflessness through words and actions, which makes visible to the rest of us … the love and the presence of Christ in our midst,” Byrd said.
Honoring Alana Espenlaub, center, the 2025-26 Aquinas Medal winner at Saint Joseph School, are Principal Maria Byrd, left, and the Rev. Thomas Gallagher, pastor of St. Joseph Parish.