Awards and Prizes 2011
Special recognition at year's end.
It’s the Thursday evening before Commencement. All their bags are packed, they’re ready to go—but not until the next day (underclassmen) or the one after that (juniors and seniors). One final gathering of the inner circle—students, teachers, and faculty families: the All-School Banquet. Like the New Year’s Banquet in September, it takes place under the Pergola’s aged pepper trees in the softening light and gently dropping temperatures of early evening. Advisee groups sit together to enjoy the meal served by the 9th graders, after which the faculty announce Academic Commendations and other School Awards, class presidents make toasts, and the School Chair and Head of School give farewell messages.
The celebration begins with Domine (Thacher’s traditional grace) and concludes, as so many important communal occasions involving food here do, with The Banquet Song. Now, though, at year’s end, the new” students are sufficiently seasoned to know the words and sing out strong and true: “May old Casa Piedra not fade from our hearts, ‘til our hearts cease their restless tattoo…” (In a week’s time, alums from 22 to nearly-ninety will come back to campus to sing for their supper, the words returning easily, though perhaps unsung for years between their last Thacher banquet and the present.)
The Seniors (caught on Thursday evening in that bittersweet time of cherishing each last millisecond while counting down to the diploma hand-off) will sing it one more time together the next evening at “their” banquet, gathered with faculty, parents and friends under the Big Top where, on Saturday morning, they will receive they will celebrate an end and a beginning.
The following Commendations, awards, and prizes were given at the All-School Banquet and the Senior Banquet. If you’re wondering about the middle names, Thacher tradition holds that when a student receives an honor publicly, his or her full name is read. An asterisk indicates the top scholar or scholars in the discipline at that grade or level.
The Herbert Sisters’ English Riding Trophy, for exceptional dedication, commitment, and talent in the English Riding Program: Russell Dallas Thayer
The Edward R. Spaulding Tennis Cup, to the School Tennis Champion: William Oliver Halsted
The Elizabeth Helms Adams Perpetual Sportsmanship Award
While being an accomplished athlete is an integral part of earning this award, athleticism is, by no means, this honor's most important criterion. Commitment to excellence, teamwork, ability to elevate the play of others, and, above all, sportsmanship are the qualities for which this trophy is awarded, by vote of the Athletic Council. For her outstanding athletic career at Thacher and an amazing senior year as an inspirational leader on three varsity teams—captain and Most Valuable Player on the best volleyball team in recent history, captain and MVP of our Condor League Championship basketball team, and captain, MVP and Most Inspirational Player on the lacrosse team: Mackenzie Loretta Boss
The Charles L. Tutt Silver Bowl for Integrity and Responsibility, to honor those qualities of character not always recognized in the traditional awards, not primarily of leadership, but of integrity and responsibility, of fortitude in the face of adversity, and of consideration for others: From the moment this young woman stepped on campus projecting her mile-wide smile and refreshing and omnipresent cheer, she has been an example of how to act when life gives you lemonade and when life gives you lemons. To her, the response is always the same: look for the best in the situation at hand and move forward with a plan and a genuine appreciation for the good that exists. Whether leading the Green Teamers with positive encouragement during Gymkhana or mothering her Casa girls with true love and devotion, she has steadfastly put others before herself in all regards. She does it all: theatre tech of many kinds; AP "whatever the subject" tutor; stage manager; cake baker; dispute mediator; and in all cases the roles are built around helping others. Of course, the many small, subtle gestures have been there as well. From dropping anonymous notes in the mailboxes of friends who've had a bad day to listening for hours to peers who are going through difficult stretches to taking girls into town for some quality one-on-one time, she has been a great friend. She, as much as anyone, has upheld Thacher's ideals of Honor, Fairness, Kindness and Truth -- and has shared some of that bright Colorado sunshine with everyone in her path: Sienna Melina Courter
The Thacher Cup
This award is presented to that senior who, in the judgment of the faculty, best demonstrates those qualities the School holds as central: academic excellence, extracurricular achievement, moral leadership and concern for others. A dedication to excellence, innate intellectual ability, and a genuine love of learning combine in this year’s recipient to make a remarkable student. Never short on ideas, always willing to explore and dig deep, determined to not only find the solution, but fully understand it, he animates every classroom he enters. His humor, warmth and kindness combine with his integrity and honesty to make him a fine counselor and prefect. His dedication to his peers, his generousity and his sincerity embody the spirit of the Thacher community. Clearly, chivalry is not dead. He leads by example in the performing arts, at the barns and on the Gymkhana Field. And when he sings, in Chamber singers or when bringing characters as disparate as Benny Southstreet or Roger Davis to life, he draws in his audience with his strong voice, his authenticity and his expression. Whether it's guns and swords, guitars and songs, or spurs and an orange banner this student has a tireless enthusiasm for all Thacher activities and has been a remarkable example for all. William Alexander Rutter.
Back
The celebration begins with Domine (Thacher’s traditional grace) and concludes, as so many important communal occasions involving food here do, with The Banquet Song. Now, though, at year’s end, the new” students are sufficiently seasoned to know the words and sing out strong and true: “May old Casa Piedra not fade from our hearts, ‘til our hearts cease their restless tattoo…” (In a week’s time, alums from 22 to nearly-ninety will come back to campus to sing for their supper, the words returning easily, though perhaps unsung for years between their last Thacher banquet and the present.)
The Seniors (caught on Thursday evening in that bittersweet time of cherishing each last millisecond while counting down to the diploma hand-off) will sing it one more time together the next evening at “their” banquet, gathered with faculty, parents and friends under the Big Top where, on Saturday morning, they will receive they will celebrate an end and a beginning.
The following Commendations, awards, and prizes were given at the All-School Banquet and the Senior Banquet. If you’re wondering about the middle names, Thacher tradition holds that when a student receives an honor publicly, his or her full name is read. An asterisk indicates the top scholar or scholars in the discipline at that grade or level.
ENGLISH
9th
Melani Reiko Shahin*
Minah Mi Young Choi
Auden Rose Ehringer
Hsin-Yu “Felicia” Jiang
Kathryn Deanna Kellner
Jamie Thomas Rush
Caroline Sheldon Vohr
10th
Justin Thomas Myles*
Julianna Gamble Childs
Elena Marron McGahey
Paul Vincent Cresanta
Madeleine Claire McMorrow
Grace Catherine Farese
Melanie Gayle Reimer
11th
Alice Flora Hyde*
Anouk Marie-Justine Ackerman
Christina Ann Eilar
Eva Leona Batalla-Mann
Jackson Samuel Howard
Paige Catherine Bowie
Katherine Choe-Yung Yu
12th
AhKeyah Marie Allahjah
Trevor John Mulchay
William Anthony Callan
Noelani Maia Suheila Nasser
Bryanna Rose Lloyd
Tawni Blaze Stoop
The Jack Boyd English Prize for the best work in 12th grade English: Sienna Melina Courter and William Alexander Rutter
The Nash Robbins Short Story Prize: William Anthony Callan
The William Bishop Nixon Poetry Prize: Brandon Matthew Green
MATHEMATICS
9th
Truman Theodore Hanks*
Hsin-Yu “Felicia” Jiang*
Erich Noa Herzig
Caroline Sheldon Vohr
Alexander Zaldastani
10th
Paul Vincent Cresanta*
Jung Min “Josh” Cho
Justin Thomas Myles
Amy Elizabeth Feldman
Jacob James Nelson
Elena Marron McGahey
11th
Lucy Ji Yoon Han*
Anouk Marie-Justine Ackerman
Geneva Elise Miller
Charles Uchida Evans
So Hyun “Bridget” Park
12th
Jesse Harrison Garrett
Raquel Mae Reisinger
Bryanna Rose Lloyd
William Alexander Rutter
Margaret Elisabeth Miller
Olivia Sarah Stonehouse
The Morgan Ward Prize, to the senior who has done the best work in mathematics: Trevor John Mulchay
FOREIGN LANGUAGE
Level I
Reed Oliver Gulick-Stutz*
AhKeyah Marie Allahjah
Jung Min “Josh” Cho
Jackson Ford Dolphin
Hsin-Yu “Felicia” Jiang
Wade Philip Warren
Level II
Justin Thomas Myles*
Emily-Catlin Hart Jordan
Jarrett Thomas Kong
Jacob James Nelson
Amar C. Patel
Madeline MacGregor Taylor
Ana Belen Urgiles
Jack Raynor Weil
Level III
Grace Catherine Farese*
Jung Min “Josh” Cho
Walker Guthrie Conyngham
Lucas Alexander Currie
Julian Valentin Garcia-Kasimirowski
Jackson Samuel Howard
Geneva Elise Miller
Justin Thomas Myles
Level IV
Elena Marron McGahey*
William Anthony Callan
David Kakuei Chao
Paul Vincent Cresanta
The Foreign Language Award, to the senior who has demonstrated excellence in and a passion for language acquisition: Elizabeth Watson Pike
SCIENCE
9th
Truman Theodore Hanks*
Jackson Paul Baldwin
Pascal Yves Cevaer-Corey
Mateo Cohen Davis
Grant Kennedy Ellman
Reed Oliver Gulick-Stutz
Hsin-Yu “Felicia” Jiang
10th
Paul Vincent Cresanta*
Justin Thomas Myles*
Jung Min “Josh” Cho
Tae Jung Kim
Irene Limb
Elena Marron McGahey
Ana Belen Urgiles
Jack Raynor Weil
11th
Anouk Marie-Justin Ackerman (AP Biology)
Sarah Elizabeth Cresto (AP Biology)
Charlie Uchida Evans (AP Physics, AP Environmental Science)
Shane Patrick Griffee (AP Environmental Science, Veterinary Medicine)
Alice Flora Hyde (AP Chem., AP Env. Sci., Science and Society Seminar)
Kalieb E. Kelbisow (AP Physics)
12th
William Anthony Callan (AP Environmental Science)
Christopher Sedgwick Dienst (AP Psychology)
Benjamin Charles Eastburn (AP Psychology)
Bryanna Rose Lloyd (AP Psychology, Astronomy)
Noelani Maia Suheila Nasser (AP Psychology)
William Alexander Rutter (Cellular & Molecular Biology, Human Anatomy, Veterinary Medicine, AP Chemistry, AP Physics C, AP Psychology)
Leeah Marie Stickelmaier (AP Psychology)
Olivia Sarah Stonehouse (AP Biology, Science and Society Seminar, Veterinary Medicine)
The Physics Award: Raquel Mae Reisinger
The Chemistry Award: Geneva Elise Miller
The Biology Award: Jesse Harrison Garrett
The Environmental Science Award: Alice Flora Hyde
The Psychology Award: Jesse Harrison Garrett
HISTORY
9th
Melani Reiko Shahin*
Jonathan Yang Ming Chang
David Kakuei Chao
Reed Oliver Gulick-Stutz
Hsin-Yu “Felicia” Jiang
Anasazi Vanessa Levy
10th
Elena Marron McGahey*
Julianna Gamble Childs
Grace Catherine Farese
Kelsey Ann Hartman
Justin Thomas Myles
Ana Belen Urgiles
Ashley Regan Wachtell
11th
Anouk Marie-Justine Ackerman
Paige Catherine Bowie
Peter Davidson Galer
Jackson Samuel Howard
Katherine Choe-Yung Yu
12th
Christopher Sedgwick Dienst
Benjamin Charles Eastburn
Carson Christopher Land
The History Prize: Alice Flora Hyde
FINE ARTS
9th
Madison Rubeli*
Lillian Claire Boyle (Studio Art)
Jonathan Yang Ming Chang (Music)
Reed Oliver Gulick-Stutz (Music)
Leah M. Ho-Israel (Studio Art)
Kathryn Deanna Kellner (Studio Art)
10th
Paul Vincent Cresanta (Music)
Alexandra Taylor Demopoulos (Ceramics)
Amy Elizabeth Feldman (Photography)
Silvina Viri Hernandez (Music)
Grady Lemieux Jacobsen (Photography)
11th
Christina Ann Eilar (Music)
Jackson Samuel Howard (Music)
Emily-Caitlin Hart Jordan (Photography)
12th
Sienna Melina Courter (Studio Art & Art History)
Benjamin Charles Eastburn (Studio Art & Music)
Elizabeth Watson Pike (Art History)
William Alexander Rutter (Music)
John Dwight Sligh (Music)
Tawni Blaze Stoop (Music)
AP Art History top scholar: Jesse Harrison Garrett
Wood Design top scholar: Raquel Mae Reisinger
The Harry Llewellyn Bixby Dramatic Cup, in recognition of contributions to the Thacher Drama Program: Grace Marie Lowe and William Alexander Rutter
The Eric Bechtel Dachs Prize for Technical Theatre, for dedication, imagination and expertise in technical theater: Sienna Melina Courter, Bryanna Rose Lloyd, Trevor John Mulchay, Leeah Marie Stickelmaier
The Darrah Corbet, Jr., Studio Prize: Cynthia Santos
The Marcus Hele Dall Award, for the best work in photography: Ashley Regan Wachtell
The Rhode Island School of Design Art Award, for uncommon dedication, commitment and achievement in the Visual Arts: Francesca Velardi Fataar
The Agnes M. Lord Music Award: Brandon Matthew Green and Grace Marie Lowe
The Class of 2000 Dance Award, for dedication, leadership and accomplishment: Valorie Nichole Denton-Moore and Francesca Velardi Fataar
The Public Speaking Contest Prize Awarded in this, its inaugural year, to that student who, in the opinion of the Faculty Judges and the School Chair, has delivered the most eloquent, thoughtful and carefully prepared speech in the School-wide competition: Valorie Nichole Denton-Moore
The Public Speaking Contest Prize Awarded in this, its inaugural year, to that student who, in the opinion of the Faculty Judges and the School Chair, has delivered the most eloquent, thoughtful and carefully prepared speech in the School-wide competition: Valorie Nichole Denton-Moore
The Moffitt Saddle, to the junior whose energy, enthusiasm, and dedication to the Horse Program reflects that of Dr. Herb Moffitt CdeP 1937: Cayce Aida Cover
The Bissell Gymkhana Trophy, to the high-point man or woman: Christopher Bishop Colson
The Bissell Gymkhana Trophy, to the high-point man or woman: Christopher Bishop Colson
The Vaquero Cup, for all-around excellence in riding, shooting, and gymkhana: Christopher Bishop Colson
The Charles L. Pratt Trapshoot Plate, to the student(s) with the highest score:
Carson Dino Rabuzzi Leydecker, Cody Wayne Renfrew, and William Alexander Rutter (24/25)
The Top Wrangler Buckle, to that senior who throughout his or her Thacher career has shown great endeavor and success in all aspects of the Horse Program: riding, camping, and leadership: William Alexander Rutter
The George Beckwith Gymkhana Trophy, to the captains of the winning gymkhana team (Blue Team): Christopher Bishop Colson, Marco Aurelio Hernandez, John Dwight Sligh
The George Beckwith Gymkhana Trophy, to the captains of the winning gymkhana team (Blue Team): Christopher Bishop Colson, Marco Aurelio Hernandez, John Dwight Sligh
The Hollister Wheaton Trapshoot Award, to the parent and student with the highest score: Lee Novich and his son Simon Joshua Novich (19/25)
The Best Camper Award, to the student who has done the most camping and helped significantly with the running of the Camping Program: Raquel Mae Reisinger
The Best Camper Award, to the student who has done the most camping and helped significantly with the running of the Camping Program: Raquel Mae Reisinger
The Marvin Shagam Award, to that student who has made a difference in The Thacher Community through force of character, goodness, courage, vision, and love for all God’s creation, rather than for leadership in academics and athletics: Joseph Mac Weld Bell
The Cum Laude Society
Founded in 1906, Cum Laude is modeled on Phi Beta Kappa, the 231-year old honor society. Election to Cum Laude commends those students who have met the highest criteria of academic achievement and integrity throughout every semester of their time at Thacher. No more than 20% of the senior class may be elected; half that may be voted in as juniors. Additionally, to be chosen, a student must also hold dear the qualities of “Excellence, Justice and Honor” named in the Society’s motto: Areté, Diké, Timé.
Members of the Class of 2011, elected in their junior year:
William Anthony Callan
Benjamin Charles Eastburn
Jina Yun
Richy Jiwoo Yun
Members of the Class of 2011, elected this year:
Mary Ellen Martha Funke
Jesse Harrison Garrett
Bryanna Rose Lloyd
Colin Post McMahon
Rebecca Lauren Murphy
Noelani Maia Suheila Nasser
Raquel Mae Reisinger
William Alexander Rutter
Members of the Class of 2012, elected this year:
Anouk Marie-Justine Ackerman
Derek Nolan Gulick-Stutz
Alice Flora Hyde
Major School Prizes, awarded at the Senior Banquet
The Elizabeth Helms Adams Perpetual Sportsmanship Award
While being an accomplished athlete is an integral part of earning this award, athleticism is, by no means, this honor's most important criterion. Commitment to excellence, teamwork, ability to elevate the play of others, and, above all, sportsmanship are the qualities for which this trophy is awarded, by vote of the Athletic Council. For her outstanding athletic career at Thacher and an amazing senior year as an inspirational leader on three varsity teams—captain and Most Valuable Player on the best volleyball team in recent history, captain and MVP of our Condor League Championship basketball team, and captain, MVP and Most Inspirational Player on the lacrosse team: Mackenzie Loretta Boss
The Thacher Lettermen's Club Perpetual Trophy
Athleticism, commitment to excellence, teamwork, ability to elevate the play of others, and sportsmanship are the qualities for which this trophy recognizes. This year, it is presented, by vote of the Athletic Council, to a young man whose athleticism and dedication were apparent from the get-go and whose leadership has only grown: this year, captain, Most Valuable Runner and Most Inspirational Runner on a powerful cross country team which won the League Championship and advanced to the State Championship Meet where he placed 4th in our division for all of California; captain, MVP and Most Inspirational Player on a varsity soccer squad ranked among the top ten teams in our division; and captain, leading point man and Most Inspirational Player on a lacrosse team that advanced to the semifinals playoffs: William Anthony Callan
The Newton K. Chase Community Service Award, to that student who, through volunteer work in the community, has demonstrated an unselfish interest in and concern for others. This award is a way to recognize and to thank those students who have set an impressive example for their peers by giving so generously and selflessly of their time and energy, as the heart and soul (and the strong arms) of some of our programs. The initiative these students have taken – acting upon personal passions, making connections in the community, and facilitating real and meaningful involvement in programs beyond Thacher’s gates – speaks volumes about their leadership ability, their generosity of spirit, and their commitment to their causes. Moreover, the fact that their actions were entirely self-motivated and divorced from any titular expectations makes their efforts all the more laudable. For their unwavering dedication to taking steps toward making a difference in our world, their ability to galvanize their peers, and their willingness put in the requisite elbow grease to ensure the success of their endeavors, we applaud and thank them: Joseph Mac Weld Bell and Avery Claire Hellman
The School Chair Award
Keenly perceptive, exceptionally organized, as focused as a Zen Master, and as energetic as a band leader, our School Chair this year has invested enthusiasm and spirit into every Assembly; brought accountability, transparency, and deep communication to every branch of student government; and has been an approachable listener to all, from the smallest freshman to the most experienced faculty member. Her style is one of incredible thoughtfulness, hers a balance of light touch and laser-like drive. She has brought a new standard to the position of School Chair through her great efforts and exemplary follow through. We have been most fortunate to have been blessed with Avery Claire Hellman’s leadership.
Athleticism, commitment to excellence, teamwork, ability to elevate the play of others, and sportsmanship are the qualities for which this trophy recognizes. This year, it is presented, by vote of the Athletic Council, to a young man whose athleticism and dedication were apparent from the get-go and whose leadership has only grown: this year, captain, Most Valuable Runner and Most Inspirational Runner on a powerful cross country team which won the League Championship and advanced to the State Championship Meet where he placed 4th in our division for all of California; captain, MVP and Most Inspirational Player on a varsity soccer squad ranked among the top ten teams in our division; and captain, leading point man and Most Inspirational Player on a lacrosse team that advanced to the semifinals playoffs: William Anthony Callan
The Newton K. Chase Community Service Award, to that student who, through volunteer work in the community, has demonstrated an unselfish interest in and concern for others. This award is a way to recognize and to thank those students who have set an impressive example for their peers by giving so generously and selflessly of their time and energy, as the heart and soul (and the strong arms) of some of our programs. The initiative these students have taken – acting upon personal passions, making connections in the community, and facilitating real and meaningful involvement in programs beyond Thacher’s gates – speaks volumes about their leadership ability, their generosity of spirit, and their commitment to their causes. Moreover, the fact that their actions were entirely self-motivated and divorced from any titular expectations makes their efforts all the more laudable. For their unwavering dedication to taking steps toward making a difference in our world, their ability to galvanize their peers, and their willingness put in the requisite elbow grease to ensure the success of their endeavors, we applaud and thank them: Joseph Mac Weld Bell and Avery Claire Hellman
The School Chair Award
Keenly perceptive, exceptionally organized, as focused as a Zen Master, and as energetic as a band leader, our School Chair this year has invested enthusiasm and spirit into every Assembly; brought accountability, transparency, and deep communication to every branch of student government; and has been an approachable listener to all, from the smallest freshman to the most experienced faculty member. Her style is one of incredible thoughtfulness, hers a balance of light touch and laser-like drive. She has brought a new standard to the position of School Chair through her great efforts and exemplary follow through. We have been most fortunate to have been blessed with Avery Claire Hellman’s leadership.
The Charles L. Tutt Silver Bowl for Integrity and Responsibility, to honor those qualities of character not always recognized in the traditional awards, not primarily of leadership, but of integrity and responsibility, of fortitude in the face of adversity, and of consideration for others: From the moment this young woman stepped on campus projecting her mile-wide smile and refreshing and omnipresent cheer, she has been an example of how to act when life gives you lemonade and when life gives you lemons. To her, the response is always the same: look for the best in the situation at hand and move forward with a plan and a genuine appreciation for the good that exists. Whether leading the Green Teamers with positive encouragement during Gymkhana or mothering her Casa girls with true love and devotion, she has steadfastly put others before herself in all regards. She does it all: theatre tech of many kinds; AP "whatever the subject" tutor; stage manager; cake baker; dispute mediator; and in all cases the roles are built around helping others. Of course, the many small, subtle gestures have been there as well. From dropping anonymous notes in the mailboxes of friends who've had a bad day to listening for hours to peers who are going through difficult stretches to taking girls into town for some quality one-on-one time, she has been a great friend. She, as much as anyone, has upheld Thacher's ideals of Honor, Fairness, Kindness and Truth -- and has shared some of that bright Colorado sunshine with everyone in her path: Sienna Melina Courter
The Thacher Cup
This award is presented to that senior who, in the judgment of the faculty, best demonstrates those qualities the School holds as central: academic excellence, extracurricular achievement, moral leadership and concern for others. A dedication to excellence, innate intellectual ability, and a genuine love of learning combine in this year’s recipient to make a remarkable student. Never short on ideas, always willing to explore and dig deep, determined to not only find the solution, but fully understand it, he animates every classroom he enters. His humor, warmth and kindness combine with his integrity and honesty to make him a fine counselor and prefect. His dedication to his peers, his generousity and his sincerity embody the spirit of the Thacher community. Clearly, chivalry is not dead. He leads by example in the performing arts, at the barns and on the Gymkhana Field. And when he sings, in Chamber singers or when bringing characters as disparate as Benny Southstreet or Roger Davis to life, he draws in his audience with his strong voice, his authenticity and his expression. Whether it's guns and swords, guitars and songs, or spurs and an orange banner this student has a tireless enthusiasm for all Thacher activities and has been a remarkable example for all. William Alexander Rutter.
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A college preparatory boarding school for grades 9-12
Notice of nondiscriminatory policy as to students: The Thacher School admits students of any race, color, national, and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the School. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national, and ethnic origin in administration of its educational policies, admission policies, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic and other School-administered programs.