The Upper School student body gathered for one final assembly in the Arts Center Auditorium on Friday, June 1, 2018 for the annual Prize Day ceremony, a GA tradition to acknowledge the many accomplishments of dozens of deserving students. (SEE PHOTOS)
"While Prize Day often times is viewed simply as a moment in time to celebrate the success of our students – in the classroom, on the stage, and on the playing fields – more often than not, it is also a genuine reflection of their growth," said Head of Upper School Chris Nelson. "Whether toiling relentlessly to master the Fundamental Theorem of Calculus, repeatedly running lines in order to perfect a scene, or putting in the time well after practice to refine a skill, we take this moment at the close of the school year to not only celebrate the destination, but to praise the journey."
At the end of the ceremony, Ye Primer editor Madison Press '18 presented a copy of the new yearbook to Upper School History Teacher Bob Moyer. The Ye Primer staff dedicated this year's yearbook in honor of Mr. Moyer.
VISUAL ARTS
Upper School Drawing & Painting Prize
Established in 1967 by Mr. Christian B. Newswanger. Awarded to the student who has contributed most to the art of drawing and painting at the Academy.
Elizabeth Wescott '18
Junior Art Prize
Awarded to the junior who has contributed most to the art life of the Academy.
Kristine Wang '19
Sophomore Art Prize
Awarded to the sophomore who has contributed most to the art life of the Academy.
Lindsay Putnam '20
Freshman Art Prize
Awarded to the freshman who has contributed most to the art life of the Academy.
Christian Colman '21
Upper School Photography Prize
Awarded to the student who has made the greatest contribution to the art of photography at the Academy.
Chloe Ashdale '18
Upper School Sculpture Prize
Awarded to the student whose portfolio of sculptural works best demonstrates imagination, skill, and hard work.
Joshua Felgoise '18
Angela B. Kast Digital Media Award
Awarded to the student who has consistently shown the highest level of achievement in digital media.
Dylan Korman '18
Purchase Prize
Students submit 3 pieces of work to be juried by the Art Department. The selected piece of work is then purchased and put on display at GA.
Cali Metzker '18
PERFORMING ARTS
Upper School Music Prize
Established in 1960 and endowed by the late Mrs. A.S. Tourison, Jr. Awarded to that student who has made the greatest contribution to the musical life of the Academy.
Quinton Ritchie '18
Singing Patriots Award
Established in 1961 by Dr. Charles T. Maclary. Awarded to a student who has made the greatest contribution toward maintaining high standards of excellence in the chorus.
Andrew Piszek '18
Upper School Symphonic Band Award
Awarded to the student who has made the greatest contribution to Symphonic Band.
Anjalee Bhuyan '18
Upper School String Orchestra Award
Awarded to the student who has made the greatest contribution to the String Orchestra.
Jack Kolodny '18
The Rudolph S. Baizley Class of 1932 Jazz Prize
Awarded to the student who has made the greatest contribution of talent and service to the jazz program of the Academy.
Andrew Sandifer '18
Biggs Belfry Award
Created by the Biggs children, all of whom: Alice - Class of 1973; P. Thompson - Class of 1975 and President of the Belfry Club in 1974-75; Mary-Ellen - Class of 1977; and S. Brooks Biggs - Class of 1979 were either pin members of or gave active support to the Belfry Club of Germantown Academy.
This award is presented annually for DEMONSTRATED EXCELLENCE over a period of at least two years. By excellence is meant a continuous demonstration of skill, commitment, effort and enthusiasm for the twin goals of: (1.) furthering the fine traditions begun and sustained for many years by the Belfry Club and (2.) personal achievement.
Vinit Joshi '19
Upper School Drama Award
Presented to a student in any Theatre Arts Class who has demonstrated excellence in both academics and performance.
Lauren Paynton '20
McHugh Award
Awarded to the person who has contributed the most to Belfry life.
Danny Ritz '19
Carey Trophy
Awarded to the student who has contributed the most as stage crew or technical support for the theatre.
Talia Petras '18
The Peter Geraldino Memorial Prize
Given each year to an Upper School student whose exceptional character is grounded in kindness and whose artistic endeavors are distinguished by excellence in both musical and dramatic performance.
Isaac Wilkins '18
HISTORY
Freshman E.I.H. Howell Prize
Created by Mr. Howell of the Class of 1856 and for many years a Trustee. Awarded to a student who has combined competence in the use of historical materials with an understanding of historical concepts in the search for objectivity and truth.
Sarah Rojas '21
Sophomore E.I.H. Howell Prize
Created by Mr. Howell of the Class of 1856 and for many years a Trustee. Awarded to a student who has combined competence in the use of historical materials with an understanding of historical concepts in the search for objectivity and truth.
William Cahill '20
The William B. Bristol, Class of 1932, Prize
For scholarship in Advanced Placement History to the two students who have excelled at both World and American Advanced Placement History.
Priya Padhye '19 & Derek Walkush '19
Robeson Lea Perot Memorial History Prize
Presented to the student who writes the best essay on a subject pertaining to American History. Mr. Perot graduated in 1888 and was a member of the Board of Trustees.
Maia Jenckes '19
The Peter Biggs History Department Prize
Inaugurated in 1981, it is awarded annually to two students in the graduating class. Nominations, beginning as early as freshman year, are made by all members of the department teaching the qualifying courses. To be considered as a possible recipient, each nominee must meet three department requirements:
- A.)A level of achievement commensurate with the nominee's ability shall have been consistently maintained.
- B.)Interest, inquiry and integrity shall have been demonstrated and sustained in each course.
- C.)A minimum of three history courses shall have been taken while at the Academy, one of which mush have been a full-year elective.
Kelsey O'Hara '18 & Edmundo Pribitkin '18
CLASSICAL PRIZES
Edward H. Handy Latin Prize
Awarded to the student who has demonstrated extraordinary interest and competence in the study of the classics.
Miles Hanamirian '18
Hassinger Memorial Prize
Established in 1900 by the Class of 1891 in memory of their classmate, Charles Megargee Hassinger, for excellence in second year Latin.
Emily Wang '21
Wallace S. Truesdell Memorial Latin Prize
For excellence in third year Latin. Given by the Academy Club in memory of Mr. Truesdell, a teacher of the classics at the Academy, 1891-1925. Mr. Truesdell helped organize the Academy Club in 1924.
Tiffany Zhong '20
Carl J. Truesdale Latin Prize
Established in 1963 by the Academy to honor the memory of Mr. Truesdale, a Latin teacher at the Academy from 1930 until his death in 1961. It is awarded to the student in advanced Latin who has demonstrated outstanding scholarship combined with literary appreciation.
Danny Ritz '19
MODERN LANGUAGE
Ulmer Memorial Prize
In memory of William A. Ulmer of the Class of 1835, and of George Linn Ulmer of the Class of 1885, to the student attaining high achievement in advanced French.
Sarah Lindgren '18
Ulmer Memorial Prize
In memory of William A. Ulmer of the Class of 1835, and of George Linn Ulmer of the Class of 1885, to the student attaining high achievement in advanced Spanish.
Edmundo Pribitkin '18
Jim Farwell Memorial French Prize
Established by the Class of 1982 and awarded to the student in grade 12 who in the judgment of the Modern Language Department has been most instrumental in fostering interest in the French culture.
Madison Press '18
Jim Farwell Memorial Spanish Prize
Established by the Class of 1982 and awarded to the student in grade 12 who in the judgment of the Modern Language Department has been most instrumental in fostering interest in the Spanish culture.
Rachel Kliger '18
The Germantown Academy Chinese Prize
Established by the Academy in 2015 and awarded to the senior with the highest level of achievement in Chinese.
Cali Metzker '18
Modern Language Department Prize
Awarded to two students who have demonstrated their passion and appreciation for the study of multiple languages and cultures, and who have gone above and beyond the classroom experience.
Sarah Brier '18 & David Fakhraee '18
Germantown Academy Speaking Prizes
For the highest level of oral proficiency.
French - Sophie Kallenbach '18
Spanish - Vincent Paik '18
Chinese - Derek Walkush '19
MATHEMATICS
John W. Cornell Geometry Prize
Presented for excellence for the year in Geometry.
Harry Hou '21
Charles J. Wister Prize
For high achievement in advanced Mathematics. President of the board of Trustees, 1882-1910, Mr. Wister gave his life-long devotion to the Academy.
Miles Hanamirian '18
C. Robins North Mathematical Prize
Established by the Class of 1889 in memory of their classmate. For the student who attains a record of high achievement in advanced Algebra.
Matthew Sender '20
William C. Harwi Mathematics and Physics Prize
Presented to the student in the senior class who demonstrates the greatest perseverance in math and Physics. (presented by math chair at prize day).
Tyler Dolan '18
Nathaniel Kingsbury Memorial Award
To the senior who over a period of years has shown perseverance in the study of mathematics, delight in problem solving, and overall character both in and out of the classroom.
Sarah Lindgren '18
Wilson Oelkers 1760 Mathematics Prize
Given to a student in the junior year who excels in the study of mathematics and who enhances the learning environment through their cooperative and collaborative spirit.
Ethan Cody '19
SCIENCE
William Martin Roberts Memorial Prize
Presented to the student who has attained a record of high achievement in Biology. Mr. Roberts was a Senior Teacher at the Academy from 1920 to 1953.
Anna Hennessey '18
Harry R. Williams Memorial Prize
Established in 1919 by his parents for Mr. Williams, a member of the Class of 1917. For a student attaining high achievement in Chemistry.
Tyler Dolan '18
Frederic E. Whitney Memorial Prize
Established by the Class of 1919 in memory of Mr. Whitney, science teacher at the Academy from 1905-1919. For the student who achieves excellence in Physics.
Caroline Kessell '18
William C. Harwi Mathematics and Physics Prize
Presented to the student in the senior class who demonstrates the greatest perseverance in math and Physics.
Tyler Dolan '18
Bausch and Lomb Award
Presented for excellence in Biology.
Zoe Torrey '19
American Chemical Society Award
Presented for excellence in Chemistry.
Matthew Sandifer '20
American Association of Physics Teachers Prize
Given each year to a student whose intellectual curiosity and persistence have led to sound understanding of the principles of physics.
Dillon Agrawal '21
Rensselaer Medal
Given each year to a junior in the top 10% of their class who excels in both advanced math and science classes and exhibits significant involvement in extracurricular activities.
Yi-Di Wang '19
ENGLISH
The Carl Franklin Sheppard Memorial Prize
For excellence in English, primarily for written but occasionally for spoken expression. Specifically for correct grammar and usage, clarity, brevity, and absence of redundancy.
Nicole Marion '18
Parent-Teacher Association Prize
Presented annually to a student in the Upper School for outstanding poetry.
None Available
Alumni Prize
Presented annually by the Alumni Association to the junior who makes the greatest contribution in English.
Priya Padhye '19
Class of 1896 English Literature Prize
Presented to the senior who makes the greatest contribution in English.
Isaac Wilkins '18
Freshman English Prize
Awarded to the outstanding student in freshman English.
Sarah Rojas '21
John C. Brewer Sophomore English Prize
Awarded to the outstanding student in sophomore English.
Isabelle Goldstein '20
Ralph Allen Prize for Excellence in Writing
Awarded to the senior who, over a period of years, has demonstrated both a passion for and excellence in writing in several genres, from poetry to analysis, from memoir to fiction.
Sophie Kallenbach '18
Virginia B. Day Prize
Awarded annually to the senior who best exemplifies sensitivity and concern for the welfare of others and a love of literature and theatre. (Awarded jointly with Performing Arts).
Asya-Shane Milton '18
Michael S. Kane '73 Memorial Prizes for Published Writing
Presented each year in memory of Michael Kane, Class of 1973, who distinguished himself at Germantown Academy as a superb student and a great lover of books.
Prize for Creative Writing
To the student who writes the finest poem or creative prose published in an Upper School publication within the last 12 months.
None Available
Prize for Expository Writing
To the student who writes the finest article, essay, editorial, or other expository prose published in an Upper School publication within the last 12 months.
David Fakhraee '18
"Embracing the Long History of Iran," Academy Edition, Dec. 2017
ATHLETIC AND SCHOLARSHIP PRIZES
Leopold Memorial Prize
Presented in honor of Dr. Raymond S. Leopold of the Class of 1902. Awarded in freshman year for the best effort in athletics and scholarship.
Charlotte Dilello '21 & Michael Rowan '21
Osbourn Memorial Medal
Presented by the Academy Club in honor of Dr. Samuel E. Osbourn, Headmaster 1915-1948. Awarded in sophomore year for the best effort in athletics and scholarship.
Madelyn Burns '20 & Matthew Sandifer '20
Gummey Memorial Prize
For a member of the junior class who makes the greatest endeavor in athletics and scholarship. Dr. Frank B. Gummey, '85, long-time Trustee and friend of the School, was an outstanding athlete in both school and college.
Charlotte Rapp '19 & Grant Giampalmi '19
William David Lyons '46 Memorial Cup
Presented by his parents to members of the graduating class who, in the opinion of the Head of School and the Faculty, are outstanding in combining the qualities of academic achievement, leadership and athletic effort.
Kelsey O'Hara '18 & Tyler Dolan '18
Blazer Pin Award
Awarded to the junior who demonstrates the combined qualities of leadership, determination, and capability on the athletic field, in the classroom, and through participation in extra-curricular activities.
Zoe Torrey '19
Girls Athletic Association Bowl
Presented to a senior for sportsmanship and athletic ability.
Alexa Naessens '18
Bernard Dallas Award
Presented to a senior who has contributed the most to the athletic program with leadership, athletic ability, and sportsmanship.
Andrew Sandifer '18
James Buckley Prize
Awarded to the two seniors for sportsmanship and significant contribution to the athletic program.
Juliana Sarisky '18 & Michael Capone '18
Phyllis Morrison Biddle Award
Recognizes those seniors who have played three sports for all four years.
Kelsey O'Hara '18
Anna Hennessey '18
Jacqueline DeRusso '18
Michael Roman '18
CHARACTER & INFLUENCE PRIZES
Owen J. Roberts Memorial Prize
Established by the Academy in memory of Justice Roberts, Class of 1891, lifelong public servant and Associate Justice of the Supreme Court, 1930-1945. To be awarded to a student in freshman year who best exemplifies the originality of thought and independence of judgment which characterized the life and work of Justice Roberts.
Priyanka Anand '21 & Adam Georgopoulos '21
M.C. Kimber Memorial Prize
Established in 1878 by a bequest of Mrs. Margaret C. Kimber in memory of her son Marmaduke Cope Kimber, a teacher in the Classical Department. Presented to a sophomore student who in the judgment of the Head of School has shown "diligence of study, and good behavior toward teachers and schoolmates."
Sabreen Mohammed '20 & Jash Kakadia '20
E.I.H. Howell Award
Presented by Mr. Howell of the Class of 1856 and for many years a Trustee. Awarded in the junior year for character, school spirit, and influence upon classmates.
Emma Caplan '19 & Elijah Wroten '19
Nahill Memorial Medal
Established in 1964 by the Class of 1960 in memory of their President, George Gregory Nahill. to be awarded to the students of the senior class who, by vote of the class, has done the most to further class unity.
Rachael Villari '18 & Quinton Ritchie '18
The Osbourn Award for Ethics
Endowed by the Class of 1944, goes to that senior who has made a significant achievement in academics or other activities while adhering to the high ethical standards encouraged by our headmaster, Dr. Samuel E. Osbourn.
Particular emphasis is placed on good character demonstrated by integrity and morality, a harmonious relationship with faculty and fellow students, diligent effort in all pursuits and an awareness of duty to school and community.
Nicole Marion '18
The Christopher J. Nunes Memorial Prize
Award to the junior who best embodies the spirit of Christopher J. Nunes, Class of 2014, who passed away during his senior year after a noble battle with leukemia. The recipient should live as Chris lived. He or she should be a proud yet humble scholar who relishes intellectual debate, demonstrates an avid interest in the arts, and is an 'unsung hero' who pursues passions for the joy of the pursuit without regard for the spotlight. The recipient receives a plaque of recognition and the privilege of using Chris's parking spot during the twelfth grade.
Daryl Dohner '19
SERVICE PRIZES
Carol R. Buckley Community Scholar Award
Given to one or two students in the junior class who, upon entering senior year, are recognized for outstanding contributions to Germantown Academy through service to the GA community, positive influence and leadership, school spirit, and academic effort.
Pooja Anand '19 & Timothy Ruth '19
Rotary Club of Ambler Community Service Scholarship
In honor of Dr. K. Stanley Nagahashi, awarded to a student who has exhibited outstanding leadership qualities and has demonstrated the primary object of Rotary Internationals motto of "service above self."
Madison Press '18
Academy Service Award
To a member of the senior class who has given service to the Academy, the students and the community at large.
Colleen Carrigan '18
The Very Reverend John N. Peabody '32 Award
Given each year to a member of the graduating class who, through his or her efforts within the Upper School=s Community Service Organization, best exemplifies the extraordinary spirit of Jack Peabody, Dean of the Episcopal Cathedral of the Incarnation in Baltimore. Dean Peabody is honored for his work as a neighborhood activist who secured rights for and services to the poor, and for his untiring efforts in support of world peace.
Isabelle McFadden '18
SCHOLARSHIP PRIZES
Michael Groll Memorial Award
Awarded to a senior "whose scholarship is most esteemed by the faculty."
Isaac Wilkins '18
John Kenneth Pickering Award
Given each year by the parents of the Class of 1991. This prize is awarded to that student in grades eleven through twelve who with most distinction, according to the faculty, has shown joy in learning, pride in hard work, and intellectual interests that are various and deep - in short, to a student who truly is a student.
Max Korman '18
Harvard Book Award
Awarded to the member of the junior class who displays excellence in scholarship and high character, combined with achievement in other fields.
Zoe Torrey '19
Jefferson Book Award
Awarded to the member of the junior class who best embodies leadership, commitment to community, and overall academic excellence.
Pooja Anand '19
University of Pennsylvania Book Award
Awarded to a member of the junior class who best exemplifies the qualities and characteristics of Benjamin Franklin – a scholar, innovator, and one who serves the community. Typically within the top five percent of their class and a leader in one or more of the following: student government, music, drama, athletics, journalism or community service.
Brynne DiDonato '19 & Eric Nawrocki '19
Yale Book Award
Awarded to the member of the junior class who best displays outstanding personal character and intellectual promise.
Y-Di Wang '19
Princeton Book Award
Awarded to the member of the junior class who best demonstrates outstanding academic achievement and exemplary service to community.
Scott Cho '19
Phi Beta Kappa Prize
Awarded by the Philadelphia Chapter of Phi Beta Kappa to the student in the senior class who excels in scholarship and who possesses inherent integrity and character.
Caroline Kessell '18
The McNeil Patriot Scholarship Award
Awarded to four students in the junior class who have built an uncompromised reputation in the following areas: leadership, personal character and conduct, scholarship and full engagement in the extra-curricular life of the school. The four awards are named in honor of four legendary GA educators:
Peter Biggs 1760 - whose teaching of history and unyielding ethical values inspired a love of learning and a respect for scholarship and discipline in a generation of GA students, and whose service as Assistant Head of the School, at that difficult time of transition when GA was establishing itself in Fort Washington, was a model of unselfish devotion to the needs of the larger community.
Danny Ritz '19
Virginia Belle Day 1760 - whose teaching of English and drama, and whose warmth of personality, inspired a love of learning and a love of school in a generation of GA students, and whose leadership as the first Dean of Girls made possible the successful transition of Germantown Academy from an all boys to a fully coeducational institution.
Kristine Wang '19
Suzanne Baird Perot 1760 - who, as the school's first psychologist, and as an English teacher in the Upper School, shared, with a generation of students, teachers, and parents, her extensive knowledge of how students learn, how relationships flourish, and why good stories and good writing matter, and, who, as Dean of the Faculty and Studies, provided the quiet, steady, but passionate in-school leadership that helped create and achieve ambitious Strategic Plans in 1992 and in 1997 that enhanced the school=s reputation for educational excellence and entrepreneurial spirit.
Priya Padhye '19
E. Daniels Rankin 1760 - whose teaching of history, especially his creation of the course on Civil Liberties, inspired a love of learning and the development of a social conscience in a generation of GA students, and whose signature role as the founding Dean of the Faculty symbolized the full emergence of the Academy=s focused desire to establish professional standards for the hiring of faculty and for overseeing their professional growth and personal well-being.
Derek Walkush '19
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