Twenty-six seniors were inducted into Germantown Academy's Cum Laude Society chapter during a special ceremony on June 5. (SEE PHOTOS)

The group recognizes the members of the graduating class who, throughout their Upper School careers, embody the Society's mission to promote excellence, justice, and honor. The Society inducts those students demonstrating a superior academic record in the most rigorous coursework, a deep commitment to integrity and a strong adherence to the GA Honor Code, and a passion for learning both in and out of the classroom.

Head of School Rich Schellhas 1760, who also serves as the President of GA's Cum Laude Society chapter, along with GA Cum Laude Secretary, Assistant Head of School Nidhi McVicar, and Director of College Counseling Karen Mason, were on hand to induct the new members. Upper/Middle School Assistant Librarian Rod Thomas was the featured speaker.

"Cum Laude is not just for high flying scholars," said Schellhas. "While extracurricular merits do not play a part in the selection of candidates, your commitment to arête, dike, time or excellence, justice and honor, sets you apart.  As the selection committee reviews candidates, we examine your entire high school academic record very closely for the depth, breadth, and rigor of your course load; we consider what type of scholar you are, both in and out of the classroom; we take seriously your commitment to the Honor Code; and we ask ourselves if you lead with integrity and true interest in and passion for learning."

In total, GA is permitted to admit up to 20 percent of each graduating class into the hallowed ranks of Cum Laude. Following the junior year, GA admits 10 percent of the class, and then in June of senior year, the faculty admits another 10 percent based on their performance during their final year at GA.

The inductees are listed below. Congratulations!

Melinda Amorosi
Raina Bandekar  
Jordan Boymel  
Yash Chadda  
Ella DeCardona  
Ryleigh Dougherty
Alexander Farina
Aisosa Idahosa  
Jacob Kafrissen
Aayush Kevadia   
Emma Knebel  
Stella Lee
Hannah Manusov
Zachary Mateo  
Ruby Moyer
Charles Ota
Maria Petko
Joseph Richards
Sarah Beth Sandifer
Aarav Satashia
Logan Shallow
Anish Sriram
Eli Torrey
Samuel Wang
Luke Weidemoyer  
Taylor Weiss