The Upper School student body came together on various Zoom assemblies in early June, and the Class of 2020 came together during Senior Tribute Night on June 11, to acknowledge the many accomplishments of dozens of deserving students. 

 

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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.

Lindsay Putnam '20

Junior Art Prize: Awarded to the junior who has contributed most to the art life of the Academy.

Rebecca Lee '21

Sophomore Art Prize: Awarded to the sophomore who has contributed most to the art life of the Academy.

Noel Washington '22

Freshman Art Prize: Awarded to the freshman who has contributed most to the art life of the Academy.

Emma Knebel ‘23

Upper School Photography Prize: Awarded to the student who has made the greatest contribution to the art of photography at the Academy.

Madeline Vizza '20

Upper School Sculpture Prize: Awarded to the student whose portfolio of sculptural works best demonstrates imagination, skill, and hard work.

Madison Kurtz '20

Angela B. Kast Digital Media Award: Awarded to the student who has consistently shown the highest level of achievement in digital media.

Luke Abraham ‘20

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.

Madison Kurtz ‘20

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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.

Garrett Comrie '20

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.

Jakob Slifker '20

Upper School Symphonic Band Award: Awarded to the student who has made the greatest contribution to Symphonic Band.

Sam Love '20

Upper School String Orchestra Award: Awarded to the student who has made the greatest contribution to the String Orchestra.

Anthony Hu '20

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.

Kenneth Gong '20

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 furthering the fine traditions begun and sustained for many years by the Belfry Club and personal achievement.

Alexandra Kafrissen '20

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.

Michael Wood '20

Carey Trophy: Awarded to the student who has contributed the most as stage crew or technical support for the theatre.

Harry Mirabile '20

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.

Isabella Venziale ‘20

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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.

Samuel Wang '23

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.

Luca Diem '22

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.

Helen Wu '21 and Collin McDonald '21

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.

Jordan Langsfeld '21

The Peter Biggs History Department Prize: Was 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.

Isabelle Goldstein '20 and Pacey Liss '20

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CLASSICAL PRIZES

Edward H. Handy Latin Prize: Awarded to the student who has demonstrated extraordinary interest and competence in the study of the classics.

Alice Su '20

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.

Luke Weidemoyer '23

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.

Casey Traina '22

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.

Patrick O’Hara '21

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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.

Matthew Sender '20

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.

Jonathan Fineman '20

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.

Anthony Hu '20

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.

Caroline Paik '20

The Germantown Academy Chinese Prize: Established by the Academy in 2015 and awarded to the senior with the highest level of achievement in Chinese.

Sasha Capers '20

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.

Melinda Amorosi '23 and Sean McHugh '21

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MATHEMATICS

John W. Cornell Geometry Prize: Presented for excellence for the year in Geometry.

Aisosa Idahosa '23

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.

Matthew Sender '20

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.

Jeffrey Cheng '22

William C. Harwi Mathematics and Physics Prize: Presented to the student in the senior class who demonstrates the greatest perseverance in math and Physics.  

Jash Kakadia '20

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 Alhadad '20

Wilson Oelkers 1760 Mathematics Prize: Given to a student who excels in the study of mathematics and who enhances the learning environment through their cooperative and collaborative spirit.

Nathan Philip '21

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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.

Matthew Sandifer '20

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.

Kevin Cui '21

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.

Jash Kakadia '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. 

Jash Kakadia '20 

Bausch and Lomb Award: Presented for excellence in Biology.

Anthony Kostacos '21 

American Chemical Society Award: Presented for excellence in Chemistry.

Alaina Steck '22

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.

Atharv Awasthi '22

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.

Emily Wang '21

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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.

Katy Cheng '20

Parent-Teacher Association Prize: Presented annually to a student in the Upper School for outstanding poetry.

Patrick Tronoski '22

Alumni Prize - presented annually by the Alumni Association to the junior who makes the greatest contribution in English.

Dillon Agrawal '21

Class of 1896 English Literature Prize: Presented to the senior who makes the greatest contribution in English.

John Karr '20

Freshman English Prize: Awarded to the outstanding student in freshman English.

Logan Shallow '23

John C. Brewer Sophomore English Prize: Awarded to the outstanding student in sophomore English.

Moforehan Abinusawa '22

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.

Cianni Williams '20

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)

J Fassler '20

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.

Cianni Williams '20 her short story “Black Skin”, published in Academy Monthly, March 3, 2020

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.

Helen Wu '21 for her article “The World of Virtual GA” published on the E-Dition the week of 3/16

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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.

Gavin Damon '23 and Fiona McKenna '23

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.

Moforehan Abinusawa '22 and Henry Morrissey '22

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.

Perry Irons '21 and Robert DiDonato '21

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.

Meaghan Toscano '20 and William Martin '20

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.

Sophia Towne '21

Girls Athletic Association Bowl: Presented to a senior for sportsmanship and athletic ability.

Madelyn Burns '20

Bernard Dallas Award: Presented to a senior who has contributed the most to the athletic program with leadership, athletic ability, and sportsmanship.

Shane Harkins '20

James Buckley Prize: Awarded to the two seniors for sportsmanship and significant contribution to the athletic program.

Elle Stauffer '20 and Tayshaun Mack '20

Phyllis Morrison Biddle Award: Recognizes those seniors who have played three sports for all four years.

Matthew Sandifer '20

Madelyn Burns '20

Meaghan Toscano '20

Sasha Capers '20

Sarah DiLello '20

Lily Ernst '20

Isabelle Goldstein '20

Grace McGettigan '20

Gianna Murgia '20

Kathryn Sands '20

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CHARACTER and 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.

Clare McMichael ’23 and Alexander Farina '23

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."

Christine Meng '22 and Jacob Hsu '22

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.

Sophia Towne '21 and Dean Millard '21

Beard Memorial Award: For the student who has done the most to foster the spirit, cherish the tradition, and promote the interest of the Academy.  Mr. William K. Beard, a member of the Board of Trustees for many years, first presented this award in memory of his wife, Vida Fleming Beard.  Their six sons were graduated from G.A. with an unbroken attendance from 1903-1923.

Elizabeth Van Blarcom '20

Beard Memorial Award: For the student who has done the most to foster the spirit, cherish the tradition, and promote the interest of the Academy.  Awarded in memory of Donald Swan Beard, '22, whose untiring efforts and leadership as President of the Board of Trustees contributed in large measure to the relocation of Germantown Academy at Fort Washington, and to its dedication and education of girls as well as boys.

Alexander Brown ‘20

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.

Caroline Paik '20

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.

Maeve Diver '21

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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.

Ella Brant '21 and Bredt Leon '21

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."

Catherine McFadden '20

Academy Service Award: To a member of the senior class who has given service to the Academy, the students and the community at large.

Isabella Venziale '20

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.

Sabreen Mohammed '20

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SCHOLARSHIP PRIZES

Michael Groll Memorial Award: Awarded to a senior "whose scholarship is most esteemed by the faculty."

Matthew Sandifer '20

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.

Sabreen Mohammed '20

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.

Kevin Cui ‘21

Jefferson Book Award: Awarded to the member of the junior class who best embodies leadership, commitment to community, and overall academic excellence.

Eileen Zhang '21

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.

Helen Wu '21 and Colin McDonald '21

Yale Book Award: Awarded to the member of the junior class who best displays outstanding personal character and intellectual promise.

Bredt Leon '21

Princeton Book Award: Awarded to the member of the junior class who best demonstrates outstanding academic achievement and exemplary service to community.

Emily Wang '21

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.

Jash Kakadia '20

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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.

Harry Hou '21

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.

Priyanka Anand '21

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.

Sarah Rojas '21

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.

Justin Weiss '21

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GRADUATION PRIZES (Awarded on Senior Tribute Night)

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.

Vraj Satashia '20 and Lilyana Ernst '20

Head of School Prize: Awarded to the two students of the graduating class who, while at Germantown Academy, have made the best use of their talents.

Zachary Thurlow '20 and Cianni Williams ‘20

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GRADUATION SPEAKERS (Named on Senior Tribute Night)

Chosen by the Faculty: Sasha Capers '20

Chosen by the Students: Seamus Dean '20