Head of School Robert Kosasky and Assistant Head of School David Brown each addressed the graduating class in their final day on campus as students. Graduation takes place on Friday at Washington National Cathedral.
“I am fond of saying that if you want to see what a school really values, look at the awards you give to students. The awards we give this morning show that academic effort and success is central to St. Andrew’s identity,” said Head of School Robert Kosasky. “At St. Andrew’s leadership, spirit, relationships, and character are all part of student achievement. This morning’s ceremony honors the accomplishments of the Class of 2017, and of individual students from other grades as well, and the ceremony, I hope, will also speak loudly and clearly to you about the kind of inclusive, positive, growth-minded community to which we all belong.”
Sandy Horowitz, Chair of the Board of Trustees, presented the school’s highest honor, the William Way Award, named for the school’s Founding Board Chair. Jenna Schissler (Emory University) received the award for her overall excellence in the classroom, as an athlete and for her service work, among other accomplishments. Mr. Kosasky presented the Head of School Award to salutatorian Hope Harrison (University of Virginia) and the David Mayhood Award to valedictorian Ely Sibarium (Yale University).
Mr. Brown gave students their final quiz and followed up with some poignant words about character.
“The quiz is over and the test begins,” Brown said. “The real test is out there. Later today, tomorrow, next month, next year – how you live your life. I trust you are equipped to be people of good character. People of strong intellect. For you are well educated.”
Here is the full list of award winners:
Excellence in English Molly Smith
Excellence in History William Yeo
Excellence in Language Jenna Schissler
Excellence in Math Wesley Cheung
Excellence in Performing Arts Justin Harmon
Excellence in Religion Nathan Mosher
Excellence in Science Hope Harrison
Excellence in Visual Arts Will Lucas
Upper School Faculty Prize (Freshman) Colin McDermott
Upper School Faculty Prize (Sophomore) Ava Katz
Swarthmore College Book Award (Junior) Joshua Margolis
Wellesley Book Award (Junior) Joy Reeves
Alexandra Ryan Award (Junior) Maria Naab
Richard Clem Boyd Art Award Emily Gottschalk-Minners
Parents’ Association Award for Sportsmanship Anthony Duruji
Saints Award Dominic Doyle, Caroline Ryan
SGA/Francisco Hope Award J.C. Butz, Bridgette Kontner
Athlete of the Year – Female Caroline Simpson
Athlete of the Year – Male Alex Smith
Senior Paper Award Haylee Hayes, Samantha Winter
Salutatorian Hope Harrison
Valedictorian Ely Sibarium
Leadership in Equity and Inclusion Award John Joyner
David Mayhood Award Ely Sibarium
Head of School Award Hope Harrison
William Way Award Jenna Schissler