2026 Academic Awards: Scholars Celebrated For Classroom Achievements

By Geoff Smith '07  May 29, 2026

;

2026 Academic Awards: Scholars Celebrated For Classroom Achievements

By Geoff Smith '07   May 29, 2026

As part of Williston Northampton School’s 185th Commencement exercises, the school hosted an Academic Awards assembly on on Friday, May 22. During the assembly, top scholars from all Upper School grades were awarded prizes for their accomplishments in the classroom. Below is the full transcript from the assembly. A recording of the assembly can be found on our YouTube channel, and photos are available to look at and download on our Flickr page.

CONCENTRATIONS

CONCENTRATIONS recognizes and supports the passions and efforts of students who are deeply involved with a particular subject at Williston and who are engaged beyond our academic or extra-curricular requirements.  Students who are awarded a Concentration have pursued a specific and rigorous program of opportunities to develop their talents and are also Williston Scholars who have created and shared independent projects in their areas of concentration.  Please stand to be recognized. Audience, please hold applause until all names are read.

Humanities Concentration:

  • NICO BONIN
  • SADIE DRIPPS
  • FRANCESCA GIONFRIDDO
  • CHARLIE HONIG
  • JACK NOLAN

Language Concentration:

  • FRANCESCA GIONFRIDDO
  • ISABEL SORKIN-CAMACHO
  • ELLIS VON SCHOELER-AMES

STEM Concentration:

  • ALIA GHAOUI
  • MADDIE HELGESON
  • JAEYLN LUO
  • KAT MARTINI
  • SARAH MARTINI
  • JUNWON PARK
  • ZOLA PIEKARSKI
  • ZOE SIMON
  • DOUGLAS WARNER

Visual Arts Concentration:

  • FATIMA GONZALEX MEZA FERNANDEZ
  • BRANDON GOU
  • MADDIE HELGESON
  • BLUE MEYERSON
  • TRACIE NGO
  • ACACIA NICKEO
  • HARUKA OKUNO
  • MIA SHAW
  • KATIE TOOLE
  • ASHLEY ZHANG

Performing Arts Concentration:

  • RIVER HAMBLETON
  • ZH’KY JOHNSON
  • SARAH LUCAS
  • MAYA VULAKH

PART II – DEPARTMENTAL PRIZES

I – HISTORY & GLOBAL STUDIES

The A. L. HEPWORTH PRIZE, honoring a legendary history teacher, Dean of Students, and tennis coach, 1926-1973, is awarded to the student:

  • Who showed greatest improvement in a U.S. History course: MARA GRABOWSKI
  • For greatest accomplishment in AP U.S. History: RYAN DOLL

The EDWARD M. LAWTON JR. PRIZES was a history teacher from 1947 to 1983 and was the first to teach Asian History and Economics at Williston. The prize is awarded for superior work in:

  • Humanities – PRANESH PRAKASH BABU
  • World History –  WILLIAM NADEAU
  • A History and Global Studies elective -EVAN SOOD

The EDWARD L. O’BRIEN 1916 PRIZE is awarded to a student who has achieved highest standing in the AP World History course:

  • MICHAEL DOWNEY

DAG HAMMARSKJOLD HISTORY PRIZE given by an alumnus of the Class of 1955 in honor of the Nobel Laureate and Secretary General of the United Nations, 1953-1961, is awarded to that student who has written the best lengthy research paper in a History and Global Studies course:

  • RICHARD ZHANG

GEORGE AND FRANK CAREW PRIZE was established by brothers, members of the class of 1882, and is awarded for excellence in discussion.  Originally the prize was given to the winners of the annual Adelphi vs. Gamma Sigma debate:

  • CASEY CONNOR

THE HISTORY AND GLOBAL STUDIES DEPARTMENT PRIZE FOR IMPROVEMENT is awarded for the greatest improvement in a History and Global Studies course:

  • CHARLOTTE MCDOWELL

THE HISTORY AND GLOBAL STUDIES DEPARTMENT PRIZE FOR ACADEMIC PASSION is awarded to the student that demonstrates the highest degree of passion for the study of History and Global Studies:

  • WAKANDA HU

II – ENGLISH

ASAHEL LYMAN WILLISTON PRIZE, Class of 1852, trustee, and nephew of the founder, are offered for excellence in English.

  • Grade 9: PHOEBE MADDOCK
  • Grade 10: IZZY MATTHEW
  • AP Language Grade 11: REECE BERRIEN
  • AP Literature Grade 12: ISABEL SORKIN-CAMACHO

GILBERT F. KENNEDY PRIZE honoring Class of 1891, and Williston trustee, for the best junior term paper.

  • MAGGIE DUFFY

HAZELDINE PRIZE, in memory of Myrtle Elizabeth Hazeldine and her husband, Harry Newton Hazeldine Class of 1921, is awarded each year to the student who has consistently improved the caliber of their written work in English.

  • KAM JACKSON

SIDNEY NELSON MORSE PRIZES, in memory of a member of the Class of 1886 who taught at Williston from 1890 to 1928, are awarded each year to the two students recording the best work in senior English.

  • ATTICUS SNOW
  • LAUREN COUNTER

H. THOMAS WOOD, CLASS OF 1924 PRIZE is awarded “to the graduating student who has shown the most promise in the field of journalism during undergraduate days at the school”:  This year’s prize honors the student who has contributed the most to The Willistonian’s print and online publications.

  • SADIE DRIPPS

THE SUSAN CAROLINE FERGUSON MEMORIAL PRIZE was established by the family and friends of Susan Ferguson of the Class of 1980, is awarded to the member of the junior class who attained the highest achievement in English.

  • THEO HOULE

III – VISUAL AND PERFORMING ARTS

STUDIO ART PRIZE is awarded to a student who had demonstrated commitment, hard-work, and skilled craftsmanship in their chosen medium.

  • BRANDON GOU

FILM PRIZE is awarded to a student who had demonstrated exceptional skill and creativity in the area of filmmaking.

  • GABE FOLLONE

PHOTOGRAPHY PRIZE is awarded to a photography student for outstanding work and dedication to image making

  • ELLIS VON SCHOELER-AMES

ARTISTIC IMPACT IN DANCE PRIZE recognizes a student whose artistic excellence has elevated the work of the dance ensemble, inspired peers, and contributed to the artistic culture of the community

  • ZH’KY JOHNSON-TUZO

COMMUNITY LEADERSHIP IN DANCE PRIZE recognizes a student whose leadership, mentorship, and service contributions strengthen the presence of dance on campus as well as supports the growth and creativity of the ensemble

  • SADIE DRIPPS

STELLA MAE HEPWORTH MEMORIAL PRIZE is awarded to a senior who contributes significantly to the arts, particularly music. Mrs. Hepworth taught piano to four decades of Williston students beginning in the 1920s

  • RYAN HU

BARBARA K. ANSBACHER PRIZE established by Henry Ansbacher, Class of 1988, in memory of his mother, is awarded to a member of the graduating class who has maintained a high level of academic achievement and who has made a significant contribution to the music program

  • WAKANDA HU

PETER EDGERTON MEMORIAL PRIZE member of the Class of 1974, is given for outstanding service rendered to the Williston Theater

  • ELLIS VON SCHOELER-AMES

CHESTER MONROE MERRICK ’65 MEMORIAL PRIZE awarded to the student who has contributed in technical areas to the excellence of the Theater at Williston

  • JAELYN LUO

WILLISTON THEATER PRIZE FOR ACTING is given for outstanding work as a stage actor across multiple productions at the Williston Theater

  • HA ANH QUAN

IV – SCIENCE

BENJAMIN W. B. BROWN PRIZE, provided by the will of Benjamin W. B. Brown, a member of the class of 1887, is awarded for the best essay written or achievement in the study of biological sciences.

ZOE SIMON

THE YVES COUDERC PHYSICS PRIZE for excellence in physics, honors a teacher of science and music, 1961-1979.

DEVIN BERRY BROWN

PROFESSOR FRANK ADRIAN LEACH PRIZE, is awarded for excellence in Chemistry, honoring Professor Leach, Class of 1891, who taught Chemistry and Biology and served as Director of Athletics, 1892-1902.

REECE BERRRIEN

PSYCHOLOGY PRIZE is presented for excellence in the study of Psychology.

RIANA SHAW

ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE PRIZE is presented for excellence in the study of Environmental Science.

KAT MARTINI

MISSON PRIZE  recognizes a student whose passion, purpose, and integrity best exemplifies Williston’s mission in:

an introductory Physics class PRANESH PRAKASH BABU

an introductory Chemistry class MACUS WU

an introductory Biology class JAYLA PEETS BUTTERFIELD

EMERGENT SCIENTIST PRIZE is presented to the student who has best demonstrated growth in their study of science during their time at Williston.

GABE FOLLONE

OVERALL ACHIEVEMENT IN SCIENCE PRIZE recognizes the student who has demonstrated outstanding achievement in their science courses at Williston, and whose study of science has been marked by ongoing enthusiasm, curiosity, and dedication.

SARAH MARTINI

V – MATHEMATICS and COMPUTER SCIENCE

GEORGE PARSONS TIBBETS PRIZES, honoring a legendary teacher of mathematics from 1890 to 1926, are awarded each year for best work in:

  • Algebra 1-   MACIE BLUE
  • Algebra 2 – RACHEL XING
  • AP Calculus AB –REECE BERRRIEN
  • AP Calculus BC – YAHYA WILSON

JUDGE DAVID KENNEDY PRIZE, is awarded in memory of the late Judge David Kennedy,
Class of 1892, for the best work in Geometry.

YURI YASUDA

MELVIN JESSE COOK PRIZE is awarded for achievement in Precalculus. The award was established to honor Mr. Cook, Head of the Math Department, who retired in 1952 after 41 years, and was made an honorary member of that graduating class.

CLAUDIA GU

STATISTICS PRIZE is given for best work in Statistics

TONY KOO

COMPUTER SCIENCE PRIZE is given for best work in Computer Science

ADRIAN PAEZ

PRIZE FOR SERVICE TO THE MATH & COMPUTER SCIENCE DEPARTMENT is awarded to the senior who, in the opinion of the math faculty, has contributed the most to the Math & Computer Science department in their time at Williston. This includes work in the math center, arete program, math team, and beyond

FRANCESCA GIONFRIDDO

EXEMPLARY MATH STUDENT PRIZE is awarded to the senior who is recognized by the Math and Computer Science department as the highest achieving math student

YAHYA WILSON

VI – LANGUAGE

THE HOWARD G. BOARDMAN PRIZE is awarded to a student for excellence in French.  It was established to honor Howard G. Boardman, head of the French Department for many years and Senior Master of the School until his retirement in 1961.  The award was established from a fund by Professor and Mrs. J. Henry Korson.

SARAH MARTINI

THE B. HOFF KNIGHT PRIZE, in memory of a faculty member, 1967-1968, is given to that student whose effort, ability and active interest in French are most consistent with future study. The Language Department earnestly hopes this student will continue their study of French beyond Williston.

Connor Graff

THE HENRY E. DONAIS, JR. FRENCH PRIZE is given “in memory of Henry E. Donais, Jr., Class of 1959 and former member of the French Department at Williston,” 1966-1969, for best fluency in French by a non-native speaker.

SEPHA SCHUMACHER

THE LINCOLN D. GRANNISS PRIZE established by the Class of 1953, are awarded to a student for excellence in Latin.  The class hopes that the prize, honoring a teacher of Latin from 1910 to 1953, will be respected, as “the living symbol of a man who has instilled in all a pleasure in being and learning.”

KIARA SANTOS

THE CHARLES A. BUFFUM PRIZE, honoring a teacher of Latin and Greek from 1878 to 1922, is for best sight translation in Latin.

GABBY KIM

LANGUAGE DEPARTMENT PRIZE FOR CONTINUED STUDY OF LATIN is given to the student whose effort, ability and active interest in Latin are most consistent with future study. The Language Department earnestly hopes this student will continue their study of Latin beyond Williston.

MEREDITH CROSS

LANGUAGE DEPARTMENT PRIZE FOR EXCELLENCE IN SPANISH is awarded for active engagement and scholarly achievement in the study of Spanish.

ALEX LANDON

LANGUAGE DEPARTMENT PRIZE FOR SPANISH FLUENCY is given for the best fluency in Spanish by a non-native Speaker.

KARUNA KALYAN

LANGUAGE DEPARTMENT PRIZE FOR CONTINUED STUDY OF SPANISH is awarded to that student whose effort, ability and active interest in Spanish are most consistent with future study. The Language Department earnestly hopes this student will continue their study of Spanish beyond Williston.

REECE BERRIEN

SPIRIT OF THE LANGUAGE DEPARTMENT PRIZE  is awarded to a student who has consistently demonstrated excellence, dedication, and passion for their language of study. The award-winner goes above and beyond in every aspect of their work, exemplifying all that our faculty value and celebrate in a student of language.

JAELYN LUO

PART III –SCHOLARS AND SCHOOL AWARDS

WILLISTON SCHOLARS PROGRAM

The first general School awards are given as part of the Williston Scholars Program.   These awards are given for exemplary work within a Williston Scholars Course. Seniors receiving distinction for Williston Scholars courses will be recognized at Saturday’s graduation ceremony. I will now read the names of junior award winners and ask that they come forward to receive their certificates.

  • For Work in the Performing Arts Department:  River Hambleton and Sarah Lucas
  • For Work in the Science Department:  Avery Blumberg

These are prizes given for the top performance in each grade.

THERE ARE 3 NINTH GRADE PRIZES:

THE HEAD OF SCHOOL AWARD is awarded to the ninth grader who best exemplifies the qualities of purpose, passion, and integrity.

  • CARLOTTA ROBERTS

THE ELM TREE AWARD is given to a ninth grader who ably combines leadership potential with significant contributions to the life of the school.

  • PRANESH PRAKASH BABU

THE FOUNDERS AWARD recognizing Samuel Williston, the founder of Williston Academy, and Sarah Whitaker and Dorothy Bement, the founders of the Northampton School for Girls, is awarded to the outstanding ninth grader in scholarship, citizenship, and character.

  • YURI YASUDA

THERE ARE 3 TENTH GRADE PRIZES:

THE HEAD OF SCHOOL AWARD is awarded to the tenth grader who best exemplifies the qualities of purpose, passion, and integrity.

  • WILLIAM NADEAU

THE ELM TREE AWARD is given to a tenth grader who ably combines leadership potential with significant contributions to the life of the school.

  • ISABELLA JIMAH

THE FOUNDERS AWARD recognizing Samuel Williston, the founder of Williston Academy, and Sarah Whitaker and Dorothy Bement, the founders of the Northampton School for Girls, is awarded to the outstanding tenth grader in scholarship, citizenship, and character.

  • TAN LAM MAO

THERE ARE 4 ELEVENTH GRADE PRIZES:

THE HEAD OF SCHOOL AWARD is awarded to the eleventh grader who best exemplifies the qualities of purpose, passion, and integrity.

  • ACACIA NICKEO

THE ELM TREE AWARD is given to an eleventh grader who ably combines leadership potential with significant contributions to the life of the school.

  • ADDISON EAKIN

THE ANGELUS AWARD is given to an eleventh grader who demonstrates excellence and achievement both in the classroom and in non-academic activities.

  • ADDISON PERICH

THE FOUNDERS AWARD recognizing Samuel Williston, the founder of Williston Academy, and Sarah Whitaker and Dorothy Bement, the founders of the Northampton School for Girls, is awarded to the outstanding eleventh grader in scholarship, citizenship, and character.

  • REECE BERRIEN