Abigail “Abi” Loiterstein, a Ladue Horton Watkins High School senior, has been awarded the prestigious Amy Shelton McNutt Scholarship, a full-ride to William Woods University (WWU), where she will pursue a degree in American Sign Language (ASL) Interpreting. This scholarship, presented annually to an incoming student, recognizes outstanding academic achievement and character—qualities Abi embodies wholeheartedly.

For Abi, the moment she learned of her scholarship was unforgettable. “I was in shock for a while,” she shared. “I just started pacing around my house and called my parents immediately, and we went out for dinner to celebrate!”

Her passion for ASL started early. Around sixth grade, she and her friends began learning sign language during gymnastics practice. While most moved on, Abi kept learning. Her defining moment came when she worked with a camper who was hearing impaired at her summer camp job. “Not only did I feel good about bridging connections between him and his peers, but I was enjoying it and looking forward to it,” she said.

Abi reflected on her dedication when asked what set her apart as a scholarship recipient. “I think I got it because I went in knowing exactly what I wanted to do, what I wanted to get out of the school, how I wanted to get it, and most importantly, why I was there in the first place.”

At William Woods, she is especially excited to learn about theatrical interpreting. She dreams of working with Deaf West Theatre in Los Angeles to help bridge the gap between hearing and Deaf theater communities.

Abi credits her parents and siblings for their unwavering support throughout her educational journey and expresses deep gratitude to the LHWHS College and Career Counseling Office. “The Ladue College and Career Counseling Office was so helpful to me,” she shared. “Mr. Sisk made me feel safe in the college search process, and it all felt really easy.”

The senior offers this advice for fellow students interested in ASL: “ASL is not just English with your hands. It has its own grammar, culture, and history. If you want to learn, go beyond sign apps—learn from Deaf people and licensed interpreters. And if you’re unsure whether to start, just go for it! Maybe come find me at WWU, and we can sign together.”

Congratulations, Abi! Your passion and commitment to the Deaf community are inspiring and embody what it means to be a difference-maker in Ladue Schools. We look forward to seeing all you accomplish at William Woods University and beyond.