Commendations, Awards & Prizes 2008
Before the underclassmen leave for summer break, and before the campus
is inundated with graduation revelers on the day before Commencement,
the School community—students, teachers, and faculty families—sits down
for a final formal meal together.
Before the underclassmen leave for summer break, and before the campus is inundated with graduation revelers on the day before Commencement, the School community—students, teachers, and faculty families—sits down for a final formal meal together. It’s called the All-School Banquet, and like the New Year’s Banquet in September, it takes place under the Pergola’s aged pepper trees in the softening light 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 full-steam ahead counting down to Commencement) 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 their diplomas.
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.
9th Graders
ENGLISH
William Anthony Callan*
Sara Beth Brody
Sienna Melina Courter
Bryanna Rose Lloyd
Raquel Mae Reisinger
Elizabeth Watson Pike
William Alexander Rutter
MATHEMATICS
Richy Jiwoo Yun*
Benjamin Charles Eastburn
Bryanna Rose Lloyd
Myungwoo “Andrew” Kim
Jina Yun
FOREIGN LANGUAGE
Level I
Noelani Maia Suheila Nasser*
Brandon Matthew Green
Carson Christopher Land
Bryanna Rose Lloyd
Leeah Marie Stickelmaier
Raquel Mae Reisinger
Tawni Blaze Stoop
Advanced Level
Francesca Velardi Fataar
SCIENCE
Richy Jiwoo Yun*
Christopher Bishop Colson
Benjamin Charles Eastburn
Dan Hu
Bryanna Rose Lloyd
William Alexander Rutter
Jina Yun
HISTORY
Elizabeth Watson Pike*
Sarah Beth Brody
William Anthony Callan
Benjamin Charles Eastburn
Mary Ellen Martha Funke
Carson Christopher Land
William Alexander Rutter
FINE ARTS
Peyton Nicole Chesley (3-D)
Francesca Velardi Fataar (Studio Art)
Benjamin Charles Eastburn (Studio Art)
Stephanie Crown Star (3-D)
10th Graders
ENGLISH
Jane Marshall Fisher*
Paige Elizabeth Gribb
Iona Marie Hughan
Morgan Wood Krey
Sarina Chetan Patel
Kelly Marie Timmes
Min Young “Trudy” Lee Park
MATHEMATICS
Min Young “Trudy” Lee Park*
Jane Marshall Fisher
Katharine Keene Gifford
Tae Soo “Tom” Kim
Morgan Wood Krey
Charlie Chengbo Sun
FOREIGN LANGUAGE
Level II
Iona Marie Hughan*
Sydney Margaret Bowie
Jane Marshall Fisher
Claire Elizabeth Frykman
Paige Elizabeth Gribb
Min Young “Trudy” Lee Park
Sarae Townsend Snyder
Kelly Marie Timmes
Level III
Morgan Wood Krey*
Charlie Chengbo Sun
Advanced Level
Laura Elizabeth Benard
Amanda Maria Brown
Douglas David Coughran
SCIENCE
Min Young “Trudy” Lee Park*
Remy Aileen Makiko Fisher
Katharine Keene Gifford
Maximilian Newton Hoffman
Morgan Wood Krey
Lauren Kathleen Rosenfeld
Kelly Marie Timmes
HISTORY
Jane Marshall Fisher*
Laura Elizabeth Benard
Claire Elizabeth Frykman
Iona Marie Hughan
Morgan Wood Krey
Alexander Stewart Macmillan
Min Young “Trudy” Lee Park
FINE ARTS
Samuel Anthony Meyer (Chamber Singers)
Sarina Chetan Patel (Theatre Tech)
Jonathan Sebastian Schell (Ceramics)
Michael Joseph Stenovec (Wood Design)
Charlie Chengbo Sun (Photo)
Thomas Bond Wilkinson (Studio Art)
11th Graders
ENGLISH
Anna Lorraine North*
Leandra Poindexter Cooper
Sabine Girvin Hoskinson
Emily Rowan Kirkland
Madeline Corinne Manson
Soo-Hyun “Sam” Rhee
Alexandra Lewis Simon
The William Bishop Nixon Poetry Prize: Christianne Kenrieke Elise Karefa-Johnson
MATHEMATICS
Soo-Hyun “Sam” Rhee*
John Wesley Callander
William James Dawson V
Emily Rowan Kirkland
Alexandra Lewis Simon
FOREIGN LANGUAGES
Level III
Emily Rowan Kirkland*
Connor Halasey Church
Sondra Rae Oxley
William James Dawson V
Soo-Hyun “Sam” Rhee
Anna Lorraine North
Erin Ann Von Gehr
SCIENCE
Elizabeth Chafee Childs (Biology)
Connor Halasey Church (AP Environmental Science)
Alexandra Dunston Montague (AP Environmental Science)
Soo-Hyun “Sam” Rhee (AP Chemistry)
Alexandra Lewis Simon (AP Physics)
Hector Francisco Villanueva (AP Biology)
Erin Ann Von Gehr (Veterinary Medicine)
The Biology Award: Anna Lorraine North
The Rensselaer Polytechnic Award, for excellence in Science and Mathematics: Soo-Hyun "Sam" Rhee
The Chemistry Award: William James Dawson V
The Environmental Science Award: Leandra Poindexter Cooper
HISTORY
Soo-Hyun “Sam” Rhee*
Robert Allen DeWitt, Jr.
Sabine Girvin Hoskinson
Emily Rowan Kirkland
Alexandra Lewis Simon
Joseph Oliver Tobin III
Nicholas Homans Wilder
FINE ARTS
William James Dawson V (Theatre Tech)
Kelsey Elsiena Jonker (Ceramics)
Cameron Parker Kemp(Chamber Singers)
Madeline Corinne Manson (Studio)
Alexandra Lewis Simon (Chamber Singers)
Anne Taylor Turner (Photography)
12th Graders
ENGLISH
Timothy Francis Brown* (The Jack Boyd English Prize)
Alina Marie Everett
Claire Sunderland Ferguson
Amber Rose Lakin
Holden Espley Miller
Ethan Scott Nonomura
Elizabeth Bond Wilkinson
The Nash Robbins Short Story Prize, for excellence in writing: Robin Michele Walter and Alessandra Ten Eyck Waste
MATHEMATICS
Ziyuan “Connie” Zhang* (The Morgan Ward Prize)
John Brannon Cavalier
Jay Alden Harman
Kelsey Anne Harrington
Ethan Scott Nonomura
William Per Gustaf Peterson
Elizabeth Bond Wilkinson
FOREIGN LANGUAGE
Claire Sunderland Ferguson*
Douglas Smith Land
Ziyuan “Connie” Zhang
SCIENCE
Meredith Ilana Raab Dworkin (AP Psychology)
Ethan Scott Nonomura (AP Physics)
Katherine Anne Sawyer (AP Biology)
Natalie Kathleen Selzer (AP Environment Science and AP Psychology)
Madeleine Gabrielle Sowash (AP Chemistry and AP Environmental Science)
Elizabeth Bond Wilkinson (AP Psychology)
Ziyuan “Connie” Zhang (AP Biology and AP Psychology)
The Physics Award: Logan Noah Kroloff
The Psychology Award: Timothy Francis Brown
HISTORY
Ziyuan “Connie” Zhang*
Timothy Francis Brown
Claire Sunderland Ferguson
Daniel Stuart Waldman
FINE ARTS
Logan Noah Kroloff (Chamber Singers)
Amber Rose Lakin (Photography)
Katherine Anne Sawyer (Chamber Singers)
Madeleine Gabrielle Sowash (Art History)
William Timothy George Sturgeon (Chamber Singers)
The Harry Llewellyn Bixby Dramatic Cup: Emerson Vagneur Gates, Alexander Shohei Kaneko, Katherine Anne Sawyer and Alessandra Ten Eyck Waste
The Eric Bechtel Dachs Prize for Technical Theatre, awarded to the student who, in his or her career at Thacher, has shown the greatest dedication, imagination and expertise in technical theater: John Clinton Williams Neville and William Per Gustaf Peterson
The Darrah Corbet, Jr., Studio Prize: Barrie Kathryn Sterling
The Marcus Hele Dall Award, for the best work in photography: Kelsey Anne Harrington
The Rhode Island School of Design Art Award, for uncommon dedication, commitment and achievement in the Visual Arts: Alessandra Ten Eyck Waste
The Agnes M. Lord Music Award: Alexander Shohei Kaneko
The Class of 2000 Dance Award, for dedication, leadership and accomplishment: Victoria Christine Lowe and Barrie Kathryn Sterling
The Munro-Palmer Public Speaking and Debating Prize: William Per Gustaf Peterson and Thomas Pierce Waltcher
The Moffitt Saddle, to the junior whose energy, enthusiasm, and dedication to the Horse Program reflects that of Doctor Herb Moffitt CdeP 1937: Leandra Poindexter Cooper
The Jesse Kahle Horsecamper Award, for having demonstrated horsecamping skills of the highest quality and greatest range by planning and carrying out a variety of worthwhile trips during a Thacher career: Katherine Hrisanthi Bartzokis
The Bissell Gymkhana Trophy, to the high-point man or woman: Sondra Rae Oxley
The Herbert Sisters’ English Riding Trophy, to that rider who has shown exceptional dedication, commitment, and talent in the English Riding Program: Leandra Poindexter Cooper
The Vaquero Cup, to the best all-around student in riding, shooting, and gymkhana: Sondra Rae Oxley
The Charles L. Pratt Trapshoot Plate, to the student with the highest score: Paul Atwater Connolly (43/50)
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: Elizabeth Bond Wilkinson
The George Beckwith Gymkhana Trophy, to the captains of the winning gymkhana team: Chien-Hung “Jeff” Chen, Annie Sawyer Mulligan, and Elizabeth Bond Wilkinson
The Hollister Wheaton Trapshoot Award, to the parent and student with the highest score: William W. Hockey CdeP 1976 and son William Robert Hockey (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: John Brannon Cavalier and William Per Gustaf Peterson
The Alpinist Award, to the individual who best demonstrates not only natural ability in climbing, skiing, kayaking, and camping, but also embraces Thacher’s philosophy towards the Outdoors: William Per Gustaf Peterson
The Edward R. Spaulding Tennis Cup, to the School Tennis Champion: McCoy Reynolds Becker
The A Better Chance Award for Excellence, presented on behalf of A Better Chance, Inc., a national academic talent search agency that, since 1963, has offered educational opportunities to students of color in grades 6 through 12. Each year, this award is presented to a small number of high school scholars, chosen for their academic distinction, contributions to their school communities, and demonstrated ability to continue to achieve in a manner representative of the goals and successes of those who have gone before them: Victoria Christine Lowe
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: Evelyn Arely Duarte
The Cum Laude Society
Founded in 1906, Cum Laude is modeled on Phi Beta Kappa, the 230-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 2008, elected as juniors:
Amber Rose Lakin
Katherine Anne Sawyer
Madeleine Gabrielle Sowash
Elizabeth Bond Wilkinson
Members of the Class of 2008, elected this year:
Amanda Sachs Ach
Timothy Francis Brown
John Brannon Cavalier
Meredith Ilana Raab Dworkin
Claire Sunderland Ferguson
Kelsey Anne Harrington
Ethan Scott Nonomura
McKinsey Mason Pillsbury
Ziyuan “Connie” Zhang
Members of the Class of 2009, elected as juniors:
Emily Rowan Kirkland
Anna Lorraine North
Soo-Hyun “Sam” Rhee
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 performance, her unmatched competitive drive, and her inspirational leadership on the volleyball, basketball, and lacrosse teams: Audra La Verne Horton
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 leadership has helped his teams find great success on the football field, basketball court and lacrosse field: Christopher Phillip Thomas
The Newton K. Chase Community Service Award
This is given to that student who, through volunteer work in the community, has demonstrated an unselfish interest in and concern for others. As the heart and soul (and strong arms) behind our Community Service program, these students seem to understand beyond all doubt, as Senator Bobby Kennedy once said, “Each time a man stands up for an ideal, or acts to improve the lot of others, or strikes out against injustice, he sends forth a tiny ripple of hope, and crossing each other … those ripples build a current which can sweep down the mightiest walls of oppression and resistance.” Throughout their time here, these students have encouraged the dedication of their peers in their community service work, pursued their own venues of service, and, moreover, endeavored to improve the quality of the program to better serve those students who will follow their lead. Above all, however, these students have given us reason to believe that one person can make a difference and that the power of our collective efforts can far surpass our greatest expectations; for this we thank them: Allison Murray Barbey, Brenna Jeanne Donnelly and Douglas Smith Land
The School Chair Award
This sage and manzanita; this greasewood and eucalyptus, this orange blossom and pepper tree; these are all Max. The scent of the first rain popping on the powdery dust, that cowboy smell of saddle leather, that grunt of the pack horse when you pull that cinch tight, the crack of the baseball as it flies off the bat on the Bard Field, the silence of students and faculty as they listen to a stanza from Frost: these are all Max.
It no doubt helps that his dad and grandfather also walked these paths. But as much as any young man or woman I have seen at Thacher, he is the one who has taken it all into his bones and made it part of himself, and then in turned offered it to other with love.
Last night we heard from Max about Frost and Coleridge. Tonight you hear from me about Max. He loves poetry, but the best poem he has written is that one he has writes with his heart. It is a poem about love and respect, about deep friendship, about challenges, and some frustration; it is about teams, and spirit, and tough Thacher quarter horses pulling us up rugged, rock strewn trails to a camp site in the Pines, to a dinner cooked over a fire, to the laughter of Thacher students on an adventure, in the mountains, on their own. Thacher and Max: they are one and the same. McKinsey Mason Pillsbury
The Charles L. Tutt Silver Bowl for Integrity and Responsibility
Given in 1963, by Mrs. Tutt in memory of her husband, Charles L. Tutt CdeP 1907. In giving this award, Mrs. Tutt wished to stress those qualities of character not always recognized in the traditional school-type awards. She spoke not primarily of leadership, but of integrity and responsibility, of fortitude in the face of adversity, and of consideration for others as traits that she had always admired in her husband and which she thought a school should be proud of in its students.
With unwavering gusto, an ever-present can-do attitude, and, as a former English teacher noted, an "electric smile," this talented Toad has enriched the lives of many throughout her four years at Thacher. Leadership in the dorm and on the playing fields, perseverance through a challenging freshman year and a rigorous course load as an upper classmen, and generosity of spirit doing community service work or taking the time for a friend in need, she has been a rock among her peers. In fact, given her compassionate, selfless attitude, it's no wonder that she has already decided that she wants to devote her life to helping others, and will enter college in the fall to pursue her long held goal of becoming a doctor. Grounded, sincere, and dependable, this year's winner would undoubtedly have Mrs. Tutt's approval: Adriana Meza
The Thacher Cup
This 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.
Studious, intelligent, meticulous, thorough, good-natured and unfailingly kind, this year’s recipient has been an extraordinary student, caring friend, and a wonderful role model throughout her Thacher career. Exceedingly humble and hard working, she has upheld the ideals of the Thacher community from the outset. A top academic and a stalwart prefect who unquestionably garnered the respect of her devoted "charges," her community-wide reach has also demonstrated extreme devotion in all that she's left a sizable imprint on from TROT to the performing arts (choral ensembles and musical productions) to community service to the JV volleyball squad and this year's Gymkhana-winning Blue team. Soon trading in her Toad orange and green for Tiger orange and black, she represents the best of what Thacher has to offer: Elizabeth Bond Wilkinson
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 full-steam ahead counting down to Commencement) 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 their diplomas.
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.
9th Graders
ENGLISH
William Anthony Callan*
Sara Beth Brody
Sienna Melina Courter
Bryanna Rose Lloyd
Raquel Mae Reisinger
Elizabeth Watson Pike
William Alexander Rutter
MATHEMATICS
Richy Jiwoo Yun*
Benjamin Charles Eastburn
Bryanna Rose Lloyd
Myungwoo “Andrew” Kim
Jina Yun
FOREIGN LANGUAGE
Level I
Noelani Maia Suheila Nasser*
Brandon Matthew Green
Carson Christopher Land
Bryanna Rose Lloyd
Leeah Marie Stickelmaier
Raquel Mae Reisinger
Tawni Blaze Stoop
Advanced Level
Francesca Velardi Fataar
SCIENCE
Richy Jiwoo Yun*
Christopher Bishop Colson
Benjamin Charles Eastburn
Dan Hu
Bryanna Rose Lloyd
William Alexander Rutter
Jina Yun
HISTORY
Elizabeth Watson Pike*
Sarah Beth Brody
William Anthony Callan
Benjamin Charles Eastburn
Mary Ellen Martha Funke
Carson Christopher Land
William Alexander Rutter
FINE ARTS
Peyton Nicole Chesley (3-D)
Francesca Velardi Fataar (Studio Art)
Benjamin Charles Eastburn (Studio Art)
Stephanie Crown Star (3-D)
10th Graders
ENGLISH
Jane Marshall Fisher*
Paige Elizabeth Gribb
Iona Marie Hughan
Morgan Wood Krey
Sarina Chetan Patel
Kelly Marie Timmes
Min Young “Trudy” Lee Park
MATHEMATICS
Min Young “Trudy” Lee Park*
Jane Marshall Fisher
Katharine Keene Gifford
Tae Soo “Tom” Kim
Morgan Wood Krey
Charlie Chengbo Sun
FOREIGN LANGUAGE
Level II
Iona Marie Hughan*
Sydney Margaret Bowie
Jane Marshall Fisher
Claire Elizabeth Frykman
Paige Elizabeth Gribb
Min Young “Trudy” Lee Park
Sarae Townsend Snyder
Kelly Marie Timmes
Level III
Morgan Wood Krey*
Charlie Chengbo Sun
Advanced Level
Laura Elizabeth Benard
Amanda Maria Brown
Douglas David Coughran
SCIENCE
Min Young “Trudy” Lee Park*
Remy Aileen Makiko Fisher
Katharine Keene Gifford
Maximilian Newton Hoffman
Morgan Wood Krey
Lauren Kathleen Rosenfeld
Kelly Marie Timmes
HISTORY
Jane Marshall Fisher*
Laura Elizabeth Benard
Claire Elizabeth Frykman
Iona Marie Hughan
Morgan Wood Krey
Alexander Stewart Macmillan
Min Young “Trudy” Lee Park
FINE ARTS
Samuel Anthony Meyer (Chamber Singers)
Sarina Chetan Patel (Theatre Tech)
Jonathan Sebastian Schell (Ceramics)
Michael Joseph Stenovec (Wood Design)
Charlie Chengbo Sun (Photo)
Thomas Bond Wilkinson (Studio Art)
11th Graders
ENGLISH
Anna Lorraine North*
Leandra Poindexter Cooper
Sabine Girvin Hoskinson
Emily Rowan Kirkland
Madeline Corinne Manson
Soo-Hyun “Sam” Rhee
Alexandra Lewis Simon
The William Bishop Nixon Poetry Prize: Christianne Kenrieke Elise Karefa-Johnson
MATHEMATICS
Soo-Hyun “Sam” Rhee*
John Wesley Callander
William James Dawson V
Emily Rowan Kirkland
Alexandra Lewis Simon
FOREIGN LANGUAGES
Level III
Emily Rowan Kirkland*
Connor Halasey Church
Sondra Rae Oxley
William James Dawson V
Soo-Hyun “Sam” Rhee
Anna Lorraine North
Erin Ann Von Gehr
SCIENCE
Elizabeth Chafee Childs (Biology)
Connor Halasey Church (AP Environmental Science)
Alexandra Dunston Montague (AP Environmental Science)
Soo-Hyun “Sam” Rhee (AP Chemistry)
Alexandra Lewis Simon (AP Physics)
Hector Francisco Villanueva (AP Biology)
Erin Ann Von Gehr (Veterinary Medicine)
The Biology Award: Anna Lorraine North
The Rensselaer Polytechnic Award, for excellence in Science and Mathematics: Soo-Hyun "Sam" Rhee
The Chemistry Award: William James Dawson V
The Environmental Science Award: Leandra Poindexter Cooper
HISTORY
Soo-Hyun “Sam” Rhee*
Robert Allen DeWitt, Jr.
Sabine Girvin Hoskinson
Emily Rowan Kirkland
Alexandra Lewis Simon
Joseph Oliver Tobin III
Nicholas Homans Wilder
FINE ARTS
William James Dawson V (Theatre Tech)
Kelsey Elsiena Jonker (Ceramics)
Cameron Parker Kemp(Chamber Singers)
Madeline Corinne Manson (Studio)
Alexandra Lewis Simon (Chamber Singers)
Anne Taylor Turner (Photography)
12th Graders
ENGLISH
Timothy Francis Brown* (The Jack Boyd English Prize)
Alina Marie Everett
Claire Sunderland Ferguson
Amber Rose Lakin
Holden Espley Miller
Ethan Scott Nonomura
Elizabeth Bond Wilkinson
The Nash Robbins Short Story Prize, for excellence in writing: Robin Michele Walter and Alessandra Ten Eyck Waste
MATHEMATICS
Ziyuan “Connie” Zhang* (The Morgan Ward Prize)
John Brannon Cavalier
Jay Alden Harman
Kelsey Anne Harrington
Ethan Scott Nonomura
William Per Gustaf Peterson
Elizabeth Bond Wilkinson
FOREIGN LANGUAGE
Claire Sunderland Ferguson*
Douglas Smith Land
Ziyuan “Connie” Zhang
SCIENCE
Meredith Ilana Raab Dworkin (AP Psychology)
Ethan Scott Nonomura (AP Physics)
Katherine Anne Sawyer (AP Biology)
Natalie Kathleen Selzer (AP Environment Science and AP Psychology)
Madeleine Gabrielle Sowash (AP Chemistry and AP Environmental Science)
Elizabeth Bond Wilkinson (AP Psychology)
Ziyuan “Connie” Zhang (AP Biology and AP Psychology)
The Physics Award: Logan Noah Kroloff
The Psychology Award: Timothy Francis Brown
HISTORY
Ziyuan “Connie” Zhang*
Timothy Francis Brown
Claire Sunderland Ferguson
Daniel Stuart Waldman
FINE ARTS
Logan Noah Kroloff (Chamber Singers)
Amber Rose Lakin (Photography)
Katherine Anne Sawyer (Chamber Singers)
Madeleine Gabrielle Sowash (Art History)
William Timothy George Sturgeon (Chamber Singers)
The Harry Llewellyn Bixby Dramatic Cup: Emerson Vagneur Gates, Alexander Shohei Kaneko, Katherine Anne Sawyer and Alessandra Ten Eyck Waste
The Eric Bechtel Dachs Prize for Technical Theatre, awarded to the student who, in his or her career at Thacher, has shown the greatest dedication, imagination and expertise in technical theater: John Clinton Williams Neville and William Per Gustaf Peterson
The Darrah Corbet, Jr., Studio Prize: Barrie Kathryn Sterling
The Marcus Hele Dall Award, for the best work in photography: Kelsey Anne Harrington
The Rhode Island School of Design Art Award, for uncommon dedication, commitment and achievement in the Visual Arts: Alessandra Ten Eyck Waste
The Agnes M. Lord Music Award: Alexander Shohei Kaneko
The Class of 2000 Dance Award, for dedication, leadership and accomplishment: Victoria Christine Lowe and Barrie Kathryn Sterling
The Munro-Palmer Public Speaking and Debating Prize: William Per Gustaf Peterson and Thomas Pierce Waltcher
The Moffitt Saddle, to the junior whose energy, enthusiasm, and dedication to the Horse Program reflects that of Doctor Herb Moffitt CdeP 1937: Leandra Poindexter Cooper
The Jesse Kahle Horsecamper Award, for having demonstrated horsecamping skills of the highest quality and greatest range by planning and carrying out a variety of worthwhile trips during a Thacher career: Katherine Hrisanthi Bartzokis
The Bissell Gymkhana Trophy, to the high-point man or woman: Sondra Rae Oxley
The Herbert Sisters’ English Riding Trophy, to that rider who has shown exceptional dedication, commitment, and talent in the English Riding Program: Leandra Poindexter Cooper
The Vaquero Cup, to the best all-around student in riding, shooting, and gymkhana: Sondra Rae Oxley
The Charles L. Pratt Trapshoot Plate, to the student with the highest score: Paul Atwater Connolly (43/50)
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: Elizabeth Bond Wilkinson
The George Beckwith Gymkhana Trophy, to the captains of the winning gymkhana team: Chien-Hung “Jeff” Chen, Annie Sawyer Mulligan, and Elizabeth Bond Wilkinson
The Hollister Wheaton Trapshoot Award, to the parent and student with the highest score: William W. Hockey CdeP 1976 and son William Robert Hockey (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: John Brannon Cavalier and William Per Gustaf Peterson
The Alpinist Award, to the individual who best demonstrates not only natural ability in climbing, skiing, kayaking, and camping, but also embraces Thacher’s philosophy towards the Outdoors: William Per Gustaf Peterson
The Edward R. Spaulding Tennis Cup, to the School Tennis Champion: McCoy Reynolds Becker
The A Better Chance Award for Excellence, presented on behalf of A Better Chance, Inc., a national academic talent search agency that, since 1963, has offered educational opportunities to students of color in grades 6 through 12. Each year, this award is presented to a small number of high school scholars, chosen for their academic distinction, contributions to their school communities, and demonstrated ability to continue to achieve in a manner representative of the goals and successes of those who have gone before them: Victoria Christine Lowe
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: Evelyn Arely Duarte
The Cum Laude Society
Founded in 1906, Cum Laude is modeled on Phi Beta Kappa, the 230-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 2008, elected as juniors:
Amber Rose Lakin
Katherine Anne Sawyer
Madeleine Gabrielle Sowash
Elizabeth Bond Wilkinson
Members of the Class of 2008, elected this year:
Amanda Sachs Ach
Timothy Francis Brown
John Brannon Cavalier
Meredith Ilana Raab Dworkin
Claire Sunderland Ferguson
Kelsey Anne Harrington
Ethan Scott Nonomura
McKinsey Mason Pillsbury
Ziyuan “Connie” Zhang
Members of the Class of 2009, elected as juniors:
Emily Rowan Kirkland
Anna Lorraine North
Soo-Hyun “Sam” Rhee
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 performance, her unmatched competitive drive, and her inspirational leadership on the volleyball, basketball, and lacrosse teams: Audra La Verne Horton
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 leadership has helped his teams find great success on the football field, basketball court and lacrosse field: Christopher Phillip Thomas
The Newton K. Chase Community Service Award
This is given to that student who, through volunteer work in the community, has demonstrated an unselfish interest in and concern for others. As the heart and soul (and strong arms) behind our Community Service program, these students seem to understand beyond all doubt, as Senator Bobby Kennedy once said, “Each time a man stands up for an ideal, or acts to improve the lot of others, or strikes out against injustice, he sends forth a tiny ripple of hope, and crossing each other … those ripples build a current which can sweep down the mightiest walls of oppression and resistance.” Throughout their time here, these students have encouraged the dedication of their peers in their community service work, pursued their own venues of service, and, moreover, endeavored to improve the quality of the program to better serve those students who will follow their lead. Above all, however, these students have given us reason to believe that one person can make a difference and that the power of our collective efforts can far surpass our greatest expectations; for this we thank them: Allison Murray Barbey, Brenna Jeanne Donnelly and Douglas Smith Land
The School Chair Award
This sage and manzanita; this greasewood and eucalyptus, this orange blossom and pepper tree; these are all Max. The scent of the first rain popping on the powdery dust, that cowboy smell of saddle leather, that grunt of the pack horse when you pull that cinch tight, the crack of the baseball as it flies off the bat on the Bard Field, the silence of students and faculty as they listen to a stanza from Frost: these are all Max.
It no doubt helps that his dad and grandfather also walked these paths. But as much as any young man or woman I have seen at Thacher, he is the one who has taken it all into his bones and made it part of himself, and then in turned offered it to other with love.
Last night we heard from Max about Frost and Coleridge. Tonight you hear from me about Max. He loves poetry, but the best poem he has written is that one he has writes with his heart. It is a poem about love and respect, about deep friendship, about challenges, and some frustration; it is about teams, and spirit, and tough Thacher quarter horses pulling us up rugged, rock strewn trails to a camp site in the Pines, to a dinner cooked over a fire, to the laughter of Thacher students on an adventure, in the mountains, on their own. Thacher and Max: they are one and the same. McKinsey Mason Pillsbury
The Charles L. Tutt Silver Bowl for Integrity and Responsibility
Given in 1963, by Mrs. Tutt in memory of her husband, Charles L. Tutt CdeP 1907. In giving this award, Mrs. Tutt wished to stress those qualities of character not always recognized in the traditional school-type awards. She spoke not primarily of leadership, but of integrity and responsibility, of fortitude in the face of adversity, and of consideration for others as traits that she had always admired in her husband and which she thought a school should be proud of in its students.
With unwavering gusto, an ever-present can-do attitude, and, as a former English teacher noted, an "electric smile," this talented Toad has enriched the lives of many throughout her four years at Thacher. Leadership in the dorm and on the playing fields, perseverance through a challenging freshman year and a rigorous course load as an upper classmen, and generosity of spirit doing community service work or taking the time for a friend in need, she has been a rock among her peers. In fact, given her compassionate, selfless attitude, it's no wonder that she has already decided that she wants to devote her life to helping others, and will enter college in the fall to pursue her long held goal of becoming a doctor. Grounded, sincere, and dependable, this year's winner would undoubtedly have Mrs. Tutt's approval: Adriana Meza
The Thacher Cup
This 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.
Studious, intelligent, meticulous, thorough, good-natured and unfailingly kind, this year’s recipient has been an extraordinary student, caring friend, and a wonderful role model throughout her Thacher career. Exceedingly humble and hard working, she has upheld the ideals of the Thacher community from the outset. A top academic and a stalwart prefect who unquestionably garnered the respect of her devoted "charges," her community-wide reach has also demonstrated extreme devotion in all that she's left a sizable imprint on from TROT to the performing arts (choral ensembles and musical productions) to community service to the JV volleyball squad and this year's Gymkhana-winning Blue team. Soon trading in her Toad orange and green for Tiger orange and black, she represents the best of what Thacher has to offer: Elizabeth Bond Wilkinson
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A college preparatory boarding school for grades 9-12
Thacher is committed to maintaining an atmosphere of respect and dignity free from harassment. Our school does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national, and ethnic origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender, age, disability, or any other characteristics protected by state or federal law in administration of its educational policies, admission policies, tuition assistance, and athletic and other school-administered programs, or any other basis in law.