At the conclusion of classes on Friday, the Williston Northampton school community gathered under the tent in front of the Reed Campus Center for the annual Academic Awards. The assembly honors the school’s top scholars across all grades and academic disciplines. There are both departmental prizes awarded during the assembly, along with awards bestowed by the school. Head of School Robert W. Hill III handed out the prizes.
Below are the award winners:
History and Global Studies
The A. L. HEPWORTH PRIZE, honoring a legendary history teacher, Dean of Students, and tennis coach, 1926-1973, is awarded to those students who have done excellent work in a United States History course:
- For improvement – DANIELA METTA
- For accomplishment in AP U.S. History – JOE ZHOU
The EDWARD M. LAWTON JR. PRIZES are awarded for superior work in the History and Global Studies Department. Ed Lawton taught history from 1947 to 1983 and was the first to teach Asian History and Economics at Williston.
- Humanities: Human Rights and Social Justice – WAKANDA HU
- Humanities: Religious Studies – SADIE DRIPPS
- World History – PEARL RUNGROTKITIYOT
- AP World History – ISABEL BAXTER-PARIS
- European History – PAUL WANG
- Native American History – DANIEL CIEJEK
- Women’s and Gender Studies – CAMPBELL COLLINS
- Germany in World War II – MASON MISH
- History and Culture of the Americas – ORION MINTON
- African American History – PARIS LENON AND NICO GOMES-RAPOZA
- History and Film – RONAN MCGURN
- Contemporary World Issues – LUKE BALLARD
- Comparative Government and Politics – ERIC CARTER
- Social Movements in the United States – DYSON HAALAND
- Economics – FELIX MAROIS
- AP Comparative Government and Politics- HANNAH ROCHE
- AP Micro & Macroeconomics – CONNOR CAPSHAW
- Philosophy – ELSA FRANKEL
- Hinduism, Buddhism, and Taoism- HAZEL JACOBS
- Existentialism – CHANCE THORNE-BEGLAND
The EDWARD L. O’BRIEN 1916 PRIZE is awarded to a student who has achieved high standing in the AP US Government course and displayed an active interest in American Law and Politics.
- LOUISA COUGHLIN
THE MARTIN TANANBAUM PRIZE, honoring the father of Minnie Tananbaum Lomeo, Class of 1966, is awarded to that student who has combined an appreciation for the study of religion, philosophy, or ethics with responsible social activities within and beyond the Williston community.
- LAUREN YEE
English
THE HUMANITIES CONCENTRATION recognizes and supports the passions and efforts of students who are deeply involved with History and English at Williston and who are engaged with the humanities beyond our academic or extra-curricular requirements. Students who are awarded Humanities 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.
- TEAGAN DUFFY
- ANDREA KINSTLE
- HANA NAUGHTON
- ADAM SHATZ
- CHANGE THORNE-BEGLAND
- LAUREN YEE
The following book awards are from the English Department
Prizes honoring ASAHEL LYMAN WILLISTON, Class of 1852, trustee, and nephew of the founder, are offered for excellence in English.
- Grade 9 — SARAH MARTINI
- Grade 10 — ISABEL BAXTER-PARIS
- AP Language Grade 11 — ANDIE KINSTLE
- AP Literature Grade 12 — AVA SMITH
A prize honoring GILBERT F. KENNEDY, Class of 1891, and Williston trustee, for the best junior term paper.
- CATIE SPENCE
THE 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 his or her written work both in English classes and for the student newspaper, The Willistonian.
- CAMPBELL COLLINS
THE 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.
- CORALY SIEGEL
- PIERCESON SQUIRES
THE BARD COLLEGE PRIZE FOR CRITICAL WRITING is offered to that student “who wrote the outstanding paper or essay during senior year”.
- KATHERINE KANG
THE ANTONIO GIACOMINI, CLASS OF 1931 WRITING PRIZE is awarded to that ninth grader who has demonstrated consistent excellence in his or her written work over the course of the entire year:
- ZOE SIMON
THE 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 students who has contributed the most to The Willistonian’s print and online publications.
- ALEXIS CAINES
Arete, class of 1985, established four prizes to be given for the student in each of the four grades who has, by record of achievement and faculty recommendation, made the most improvement in the study of English for the academic year.
- Grade 9 — HARUKA OKUNO
- Grade 10 — LIAM BERRY
- Grade 11 — WES HAYNES
- Grade 12 — FRANCESCO GRUMO
Visual and Performing Arts
The Visual and Performing Arts Department has awards in each of the disciplines.
FOR THE VISUAL ARTS:
DRAWING AWARD: For outstanding effort and excellence:
- PIPPA BERRY
PAINTING AWARD: For inventiveness and chance-taking and for excellence in pursuing the visual language expressively:
- CHARLOTTE CARR
THREE-DIMENSIONAL ART AWARD:
- SIGA POUYE
STUDIO ART AWARD: For best work in AP Studio Art
- SAM YUNES
FOR PHOTOGRAPHY:
The ANTONIO GIACOMINI, CLASS OF 1931 PRIZE is awarded each year for excellent work in Photography or Videography:
- AARON CHITTILAPPILLY
FOR DANCE:
THE CHOREOGRAPHY AWARD is presented to that student who has demonstrated their commitment to excellence in the art of Dance Composition by engaging in collaborative projects, inviting personal growth, and presenting impactful dance pieces for the Williston stage.
- STELLA GORDON
THE DANCE PERFORMANCE AWARD is presented to the student who has consistently demonstrated excellence, enthusiasm, and leadership in the Dance Program, both in the studio and on the stage. The recipient of this award demands the highest level of physical and intellectual effort, attention to detail, and a dynamic quality of movement that inspires connection, communicates emotion, and delivers a powerful audience experience.
- ALEXIS CAINES
FOR MUSIC:
The 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.
- AVA SMITH
The BARBARA K. ANSBACHER AWARD, 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.
- PIERCESON SQUIRES
The MUSIC DEPARTMENT PRIZE is given in honor of Richard Gregory, who taught music, theater, art history, and English at Williston from 1961 to 2004, in testimony to his life-long love for and involvement with music as a composer, performer and teacher and in recognition of his limitless contributions to musical life at Williston.
- TIANYU MAI
MUSIC THEORY AWARD is given for best work in AP Music Theory:
- LAUREN YEE
FOR THE THEATER:
The PETER EDGERTON, CLASS OF 1974 MEMORIAL AWARD is given for outstanding service rendered to the Williston Theater.
- ELSA FRANKEL
THE WILLISTON THEATER PRIZE: to a member of the Williston Theatre who has unselfishly given time and energy in the service of the Theater.
- LIZ GLUZ
THE MARQUIS F. DICKINSON PRIZES, honoring a member of the class of 1858, former Trustee, and son-in-law of Samuel and Emily Williston, are awarded to actors for outstanding performances in leading roles in the fall play and winter musical.
- For the fall play: AMARA ROZARIO
- For the winter musical: SOLEIL RICHARDSON
THE HOWARD G. BOARDMAN PRIZES honor the distinguished founder and director of The Williston Theater for 40 years. “Boardy” also taught French and served as Alumni Secretary from 1921 to 1961. These prizes recognize the outstanding performances in supporting roles in the fall play and winter musical.
- For the fall play: LEXI PAEZ
- For the winter musical: LUKE RICHARDSON
To that member of the Williston Theater who has demonstrated the greatest improvement as a theater-maker over the course of their participation in the program:
- OWEN DIETRICH
THE CHESTER MONROE MERRICK ‘65 MEMORIAL PRIZE: awarded to those who have contributed in technical areas to the excellence of the Theater at Williston.
- WADE NGUYEN
THE ARTS CONCENTRATION recognizes and supports the passions and efforts of students who are deeply involved with the arts at Williston (Visual or Performing) and who are engaged with the arts beyond our academic or extra-curricular requirements. Students who are awarded an Arts Concentration have pursued a specific and rigorous program of opportunities to develop their artistic talents and are also Williston Scholars who have created and shared independent projects in their areas of concentration. Please stand to be recognized.
FOR PERFORMING ARTS:
- STELLA GORDON
- TIANYU MAI
- CONNOR QUEENIN
- SOLEIL RICHARDSON
- NICK SOBON
- LAUREN YEE
FOR VISUAL ARTS:
- PHILIPPA BERRY
- CHARLOTTE CARR
- AARON CHITTILAPPILLY
- SIGA POUYE
- SAMANTHA YUNES
Science
The PSYCHOLOGY AWARD is presented for the best work in AP Psychology.
- CHARLOTTE CARR
Prizes provided by the will of BENJAMIN W. B. BROWN, class of 1887, are awarded for the best essays written or achievement in the study of biological sciences.
- Excellence in Biology – ELLE CHRISTAKOS
- Most Improved in Biology – KANARI NOGUCHI
- Excellence in AP Biology – MAX GRAFF
BAUSCH AND LOMB HONORARY SCIENCE AWARD: The University of Rochester and Bausch & Lomb, Inc. of Rochester, New York, offers an honorary Science award medal to a junior who has made the greatest progress in science during his secondary school years. The student receiving this award is eligible to compete for a science scholarship.
- AARON HAMMER
The Alumni Association of RENSSELAER POLYTECHNIC INSTITUTE offers a medal to an eleventh grader who has achieved excellence in mathematics and science.
[Note: If student applies and enrolls, the official Rensselaer Medal will be presented during honors convocation in the fall of the first year at Rensselaer.]- CHARLOTTE ZENG
THE YVES COUDERC PHYSICS PRIZES honor a teacher of science and music, 1961-1979.
- Greatest improvement in Physics – KENZO ENDO
- Greatest achievement in Physics – JUNWON PARK
- Greatest improvement in an advanced Physics course – MAVIS RUDOF
- Greatest achievement in AP Physics 1 – FELIX-ANTOINE BOUCHARD
- Greatest achievement in AP Physics C – LOUISA COUGHLIN
The Class of 1891 offers two prizes for excellence in Chemistry, honoring PROFESSOR FRANK ADRIAN LEACH, who taught Chemistry and Biology and served as Director of Athletics, 1892-1902.
- Chemistry – CARTER CLEARY
AP Chemistry – CATIE SPENCE
The EARL NELSON JOHNSTON PRIZE, established by the Class of 1953, is awarded annually for the best improvement in Chemistry. Mr. Johnston taught science from 1918 to 1954, and at times conducted the choir and advised The Willistonian and The Log:
- LIZA HAMPSON
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AWARD for the best work in AP Environmental Science.
- CICI YU
Mathematics
THE STEM CONCENTRATION recognizes and supports the passions and efforts of students who are deeply involved with Math and Science at Williston and who are engaged with Stem beyond our academic or extra-curricular requirements. Students who are awarded Stem 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.
- JORDAN ATTYS
THE FOLLOWING BOOK AWARDS ARE FROM THE MATH DEPARTMENT
The GEORGE PARSONS TIBBETS PRIZES, honoring a legendary teacher of mathematics from 1890 to 1926, are awarded each year for best work in:
- AP Calculus AB – CATIE SPENCE
- AP Calculus BC Multivariable – JEFFREY WARNER
- Algebra 2 – JAELYN LUO
- Algebra 1 — XAVI FORNE
A prize is awarded in memory of the late JUDGE DAVID KENNEDY, Class of 1892, for the
best work in Geometry.
- REECE BERRIEN
The MELVIN JESSE COOK AWARD for achievement in Precalculus 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.
- JUNWON PARK
The MATH DEPARTMENT AWARD for best work in Discrete Mathematics.
- GETCHELL GIBBONS
The MATH DEPARTMENT AWARD for best work in AP Statistics.
- KATHERINE KANG
The COMPUTER PROGRAMMING PRIZE for outstanding performance in the computer programming courses and best work in AP Computer Science.
- MASON MISH
The COMPUTER SCIENCE PRINCIPLES PRIZE for outstanding performance in the computer programming courses and best work in AP Computer Science Principles.
- AVA DECOSTE
The Mathematical Association of America holds a series of contests each year to determine the strongest mathematical students in the country. The winners of these year-long competitions represent the United States in an International Olympiad. The first of these contests is called the American Mathematics Contest. The student who scores highest at each participating school is named the winner at that school. This prize was awarded earlier this year though we would like to have them stand and be recognized for this achievement. This year the winner is:
- JEFFREY WARNER
Language
CHINESE
The following prizes are awarded to those students who have made the greatest achievement as students of Chinese during the academic year.
- Chinese I – KATYA KRASNOVSKAYA
- Chinese II – MAY NGUYEN
- Chinese III – DAN MC BRIDE
- Chinese IV – MIA GRADY
FRENCH
THE HOWARD G. BOARDMAN PRIZES are for excellence in French. These prizes were 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. They come from a fund established by Professor and Mrs. J. Henry Korson.
- French I – LAUREN MARTINEZ
- French II – CONNOR GRAFF
- French III – STELLA MICHALSKI
- French V – JACK WISE
- AP French – KATHERINE KANG
THE B. HOFF KNIGHT AWARD, in memory of a faculty member, 1967-1968, is awarded to that student who displays an active interest in the study of French and plans further study of the language.
- AVA SMITH
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.
- KATHERINE KANG
THE SUSAN CAROLINE FERGUSON MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP was established by the family and friends of Susan Ferguson of the Class of 1980. The award is made in alternate years to the member of the junior class who attains the highest grades in English or French. It is awarded this year for achievement in French.
- CRYSTAL TAN
LATIN
THE LINCOLN D. GRANNISS PRIZES established by the Class of 1953, are awarded for scholastic achievement and earnest, intelligent participation in the Latin courses. 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.”
- Latin I – BRANDON GOU
- Latin II – EST SUKCHAROENYINGYONG
- Latin III — ISABEL BAXTER-PARIS
- Latin IV – OWEN DIETRICH
- AP Latin – HANNAH ROCHE
THE CHARLES A. BUFFUM PRIZE, honoring a teacher of Latin and Greek from 1878 to 1922, is for excellence in sight translation in Latin.
- JACKSON ESTES
SPANISH
THE DAVID H. THOMAS SPANISH PRIZES are awarded to those students who have made the greatest achievement as students of Spanish during the academic year. David H. Thomas was elected to the Williston faculty in 1929 and, after 42 years of service as teacher and department head, retired in 1971.
- Spanish I – ALIA GHAOUI
- Spanish II – ZOE SIMON
- Spanish III – ANDIE KINSTLE
- Spanish V – CALVIN KLUMPP
- AP Spanish – FRANCESCO GRUMO
Additional Awards
THE FOLLOWING AWARDS ARE FOR STUDENT INVOLVEMENT IN TUTORING AND PUBLICATIONS:
TUTOR OF THE YEAR: Prize honors the outstanding student tutor who has made a conscientious effort to help fellow students academically. This year the outstanding tutor is:
- ALYSSA MATRICCIANI
JANUS Prize:
- HANA NAUGHTON
- PIPPA BERRY
THE LOG: The Log is proud to present this year’s Book Award to one of our staff members, without whom we would not have had a yearbook this year. Thank you for your exceptional dedication, enthusiasm, and hard work on the yearbook:
- TU THIEU
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 from the Coordinator of the Williston Scholars Program, Chris Pelliccia.
For Work in the English Department:
- ANDIE KINSTLE
- ZAH EWEN
These are prizes given for the top performance in each grade.
THERE ARE 3 NINTH GRADE PRIZES:
THE HEAD OF SCHOOL PRIZE is awarded to the 9th grader who best exemplifies the qualities of purpose, passion, and integrity:
- HA ANH MINH QUAN
THE YALE COLLEGE BOOK PRIZE is awarded to a ninth grader who excels in scholarship and has made a significant contribution to the life of the school:
- BRANDON GOU
THE BOWDOIN COLLEGE BOOK PRIZE is presented annually to the outstanding ninth grader in scholarship, citizenship, and character:
- ZOLA PIEKARSKI
THERE ARE 3 TENTH GRADE PRIZES:
THE HEAD OF SCHOOL PRIZE is awarded to the 10th grader who best exemplifies the qualities of purpose, passion, and integrity:
- ALYSSA MATRICCIANI
THE SMITH COLLEGE BOOK AWARD is presented to a tenth grader who exhibits consistent all-around excellence:
- ISABEL BAXTER-PARIS
THE WILLIAMS COLLEGE BOOK PRIZE Is awarded by The Williams Alumni Association to the outstanding tenth grader in scholarship, citizenship, and character:
- JACK BERRIEN
THERE ARE 4 ELEVENTH GRADE PRIZES:
THE HEAD OF SCHOOL PRIZE is awarded to the 11th grader who best exemplifies the qualities of purpose, passion, and integrity:
- CAROLINE AUFIERO
THE LINCOLN D. GRANNISS YALE UNIVERSITY SCHOLARSHIP is awarded at the close of each academic year to the member of Williston Northampton’s upcoming senior class who the faculty/administration believes is most qualified by virtue of academic and extracurricular excellence to be a strong candidate for admission to Yale University:
- CATHERINE SPENCE
THE DARTMOUTH BOOK PRIZE is awarded to an eleventh grader who ably combines leadership potential with excellence in achievement both in the classroom and in non-academic activities:
- SOLEIL RICHARDSON
THE HARVARD BOOK PRIZE is awarded to the outstanding eleventh grader in scholarship, citizenship, and character:
- EMILY HAMANN