Applause and cheers filled the Griffin Auditorium on June 4 as students and faculty gathered at the Student Awards Assembly to honor the work of students, clubs and the graduating Class of 2025. Awards were presented honoring academic and athletic achievements, citizenship and goodwill. The senior clap-out directly followed the assembly.
In his opening remarks, Principal Martin Woods thanked students for an excellent year, praising their enthusiasm and commitment to excellence.
“As we continue to uphold our mission in fostering scholarship, curiosity and belonging, I want to remind you, our students, that you are the reason we’re here,” Mr. Woods said. “We are beyond proud of your resilience, your talent, your spirit and all of which help to make this community so special. I want to say thank you.”
Awards were presented by faculty and administrators, who selected most of the recipients. Department awards were listed in the program. Academic clubs and organizations were also recognized for their accomplishments, and some clubs received the LAB award, which honors clubs that exhibit leadership, action and belonging.
Two seniors provided musical interludes: Leticia Blagitz de Abreu e Silva played the piano, and Henry Auxenfans played the violin.
Senior Isabella Alvarez received the Senior Service award, which is given to two seniors who exemplify the best qualities of U-Highers and who have made outstanding contributions to school life. She said she is grateful and honored by the recognition.
“I was definitely surprised when I saw myself pop up on the giant screen, mostly because I know that so many people from the Senior Class have made amazing contributions,” Isabella said. “Due to this, it felt especially special to be recognized.”
Awards announced at the assembly:
Brent Cawelti Award in honor of the late U-Higher, recognizing seniors who have made considerable progress during their high school years, been academically strong, and participated in co-curricular activities or sports: Noah Hoereth and Juliana Walker
Alan Stern Award in honor of the late alumnus to seniors in the creative arts: Asa Bordelon and Clare McRoberts
Citizenship Awards:
9th grade: Leila Koss, Ellie Rosenberg
10th grade: Zoe Cobb, Aiden Yu
11th grade: Camila Bravo, Victor Chen, Malia Maki, Ty Quiles
12th grade: Lucie Bhatoey-Bertrand, Asa Bordelon, Sonakshi Mutreja, Katie Schmidt
Senior Service Awards: Joshua Carter, Isabella Alvarez
LAB Awards: ArtsFest, BRAVE Board, Black Students’ Association, Eye to Eye, Green Team, Jewish Students’ Association, Latinos Unidos, Ouroboros Review, Science Olympiad, U-High Water Polo
Bill Zarvis Award: Lucy Aronsohn, Orly Eggener, Alex Giles, Julia Grotthuss, Noah Hoereth, Maxine Hurst, Brayden Kenny, Ben O’Donnell, George Ofori-Monte, Dash Smith
James Wherry-Willis Award: Maya Pytel
William “Doc” Monilaw Medalists: Paola Almeda, Krish Khanna, Simon Lane, Juliana Walker
David Scheunemann Award in honor of the late alumnus to a junior with outstanding accomplishments in music, literature,science and with diverse interests: Luka Vegna-Spofford
Faith Dremmer Award in honor of the late U-Higher to a student who manifests her many personal and academic qualities: Brianna Chang
Phoenix Awards:
9th grade: Lucas Harmath-Vaz
10th grade: Orlie Weitzman
11th grade: Ty Quiles
12th grade: Taariq Ahmed
