Students and faculty assembled under a tent on the Quad on the afternoon of May 25 to recognize the academic achievements of Williston students. Head of School Robert W. Hill III reminded students that “what you accomplish, how you behave, how you treat others, in other words—YOUR DEEDS—will determine whether or not you are a successful lifelong student.”
See photos of the event here. See video here.
The awards were as follows:
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 the United States History course:
- For improvement – KATELYN “KATE” HOLMES
- For accomplishment – DONALD “DJ” POULIN
The HERVEY L. SMITH, JR., PRIZE, established by a member of the faculty from 1939 to 1946, is awarded annually for the highest achievement in the Modern European History course. This year the prize is shared by:
- ERIC ALBANESE JASON ALBANESE
The EDWARD M. LAWTON JR. PRIZES are awarded for superior work in elective courses 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.
- World Civilizations – ABIGAIL “ABBY” SCHULKIND
- European History – ETHAN AGOSTONI
- International Relations – MICHAEL “MIKE” MANLEY
- Women’s and Gender Studies – BRANDYN JONES
- Hitler and Nazi Germany – MOMOKA ODA
- Immigration – MIKA SOVJANI
- African American History – MICHAEL POLK
- Contemporary World Issues – JAMES WHITE
- Latin American History – A’SHAELA “SHAELA” CHAIRES
- AP Comparative Government and Politics – SARA RENKERT
- Economics – YI-CHENG “ETHAN” HUANG
- AP Microeconomics – ZEYU “STEVEN” WANG
- Western Religions – FILIP REBRACA
- Introduction to Philosophy – FUKA IWAMA Eastern Religions – MATTHEW SELTZER
- Ethics and Society – SOPHIA SCHAEFER
- Existentialism – ANABELLE FARNHAM
- Buddhism – KEILLY MONCADA
The EDWARD L. O’BRIEN 1916 PRIZE is awarded to a student who has achieved high standing in social studies courses and displayed an active interest in American Law and Politics:
- CALEB STERN
The DAG HAMMARSKJÖLD 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 on some phase of international relations or diplomatic history:
- ARTUR LYSYUK
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.
- ANABELLE FARNHAM
The GEORGE AND FRANK CAREW DEBATING PRIZE was established by brothers, members of the class of 1882, and is awarded for excellence in debate. Originally the prize was given to the winners of the annual Adelphi vs. Gamma Sigma debate.
- QIXUAN “GLEDE” WANG
English
Prizes honoring ASAHEL LYMAN WILLISTON, Class of 1852, trustee, and nephew of the founder, are offered for excellence in English.
- Grade 9 – ABIGAIL “ABBY” SCHULKIND
- Grade 10 – NATHANIEL “NAT” MARKEY
- Grade 11 – ROBERT “ROBBY” HILL
- Grade 12 – HARRISON WINROW
A prize honoring GILBERT F. KENNEDY, Class of 1891 and Williston trustee, for the best junior term paper.
- JIACHENG “AMANDA” SHEN
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.
- ELEANOR “ELLIE” WOLFE
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.
- MOMOKA ODA
- MICHAEL POLK
THE BARD COLLEGE PRIZE FOR CRITICAL WRITING is offered to that student “who wrote the outstanding paper or essay during his or her senior year.”
- SARA RENKERT
THE ANTONIO GIACOMINI, CLASS OF 1931 WRITING PRIZE is awarded to that freshman who has demonstrated consistent excellence in his or her written work over the course of the entire year.
- HANNAH CANNIZZO
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 his or her undergraduate days at the school”: This year’s prize honors the students who have contributed the most to The Willistonian’s print and online publications.
- SOPHIA SCHAEFER
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 English.
- DONALD “DJ” POULIN
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 – MATTHEW “MATT” MORENO
- Grade 10 – KEVIN TALBOT
- Grade 11 – MINH LE
- Grade 12 – ATAHOMON “ATAH” OKAISABOR
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.
- ANNA HARVEY
PAINTING AWARD: For inventiveness and chance-taking and for excellence in pursuing the visual language expressively.
- FUKA IWAMA
FOR PHOTOGRAPHY:
The ANTONIO GIACOMINI, CLASS OF 1931 PHOTOGRAPHY PRIZE is awarded each year
for excellent work in Photography:
- BENJAMIN “BEN” NORMANDIN
FOR DANCE:
THE CHOREOGRAPHY AWARD is presented to that student who has demonstrated his or her 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.
This year the Choreography Award is shared by:
- TRINITI SLAUGHTER
- A’KAYLA WILLIAMS
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 of him or herself 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.
- AINSLEY HOLMAN
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. This year the prize is shared by:
- JOSHUA “JOSH” HOLMBERG
- WILLIAM “WILL” LANE
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. This year the award is shared by:
- CAROLINE CHANNELL
- YANA PYRYALINA
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. This year the prize is shared by:
- VICTORIA “TORI” ZINGARELLI
- GEORGE GOODHEAD
FOR THE THEATER:
The PETER EDGERTON, CLASS OF 1974 MEMORIAL AWARD is given for outstanding service rendered to the Williston Theatre.
- RISA TAPANES
THE WILLISTON THEATRE PRIZE: to a member of the Williston Theatre who has unselfishly given time and energy in the service of the Theatre.
- KEVIN O’SULLIVAN
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 for each year’s best male and female dramatic performances. Winning this year:
- JOSHUA “JOSH” HOLMBERG (INTO THE WOODS)
- TRINITI SLAUGHTER (INTO THE WOODS)
- HARRISON WINROW (OUR TOWN)
THE HOWARD G. BOARDMAN PRIZES honor the distinguished founder and director of The Williston Theatre for 40 years. “Boardy” also taught French and served as Alumni Secretary from 1921 to 1961.
To the actors for OUTSTANDING PERFORMANCES in supporting roles 2017-2018.
- HALEY BEECHER (INTO THE WOODS)
- ELISE DUNN (INTO THE WOODS)
To that member of the Williston Theatre who has demonstrated the GREATEST IMPROVEMENT as an actor during the course of a single year.
- CAROLINE CHANNELL
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 come forward when Mr. Tuleja reads your name to accept your pin.
FOR PERFORMING ARTS:
- HALEY BEECHER
- ELISE DUNN
- JOSHUA “JOSH” HOLMBERG
- KEVIN O’SULLIVAN
- TRINITI SLAUGHTER
- A’KAYLA WILLIAMS
- HARRISON WINROW
- VICTORIA “TORI” ZINGARELLI
FOR VISUAL ARTS:
- JIAXUAN “TIGER” CHEN
- FUKA IWAMA
- ANNIKA JOHNSON
- KATHRYN “KATIE” MOST
- RISA TAPANES
- LIANGYI “EMILY” WU
- HANZHANG “DERRICK” ZHAO
Science
The PSYCHOLOGY AWARD is presented to that student who has shown the greatest promise in the field of psychology. This year the prize goes to:
- HARRISON WINROW
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.
- Biology – ROBERT “ROBBY” HILL
- Most Improved in Biology – BRANDON CHIN
- For excellence in AP Biology – ANABELLE FARNHAM
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.
- SEUNGWOO “SIMON” KIM
The Alumni Association of RENSSELAER POLYTECHNIC INSTITUTE offers a medal to an eleventh grader who has achieved excellence in mathematics and science.
- DORA GORDON
THE YVES COUDERC PHYSICS PRIZES honor a teacher of science and music, 1961-1979. (pronounced – Eaves Cou-DARE)
- For greatest achievement in Physics – JI SOO HWANG
- For greatest improvement in Physics – NICHOLAS “NICK” SINOFSKY
- For greatest achievement in Advanced Physics – ZEYU “STEVEN” WANG
- For greatest improvement in Advanced Physics – NICHOLAS “NICK” HEAFEY
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 – ERIC ALBANESE
- AP Chemistry – SEUNGWOO “SIMON” KIM
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:
- EMMA GENTILE
Mathematics
The GEORGE PARSONS TIBBETS PRIZES, honoring a legendary teacher of mathematics from 1890 to 1926, are awarded each year for best work in:
- Calculus – ROBERT “ROBBY” HILL
- Multivariable Calculus – NOZOMI ASAMURA
- Algebra 2 – NA KYUNG LEE
- Algebra 1 – SARA JOHNSON
A prize is awarded in memory of the late JUDGE DAVID KENNEDY, Class of 1892, for the best work in Geometry.
- KENSHIN KADOYA
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.
- NATHANIEL “NAT” MARKEY
The MATH DEPARTMENT AWARD for best work in Discrete Mathematics:
- ZEYU “STEVEN” WANG
The MATH DEPARTMENT AWARD for best work in Statistics:
- MADISON FULCHER-MELENDY
The COMPUTER PROGRAMMING PRIZE for outstanding performance in the computer programming courses is awarded to:
- KOHMEI KADOYA
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:
- ZEYU “STEVEN” WANG
Language
The following prizes are awarded to those students who have made the greatest achievement as students of Chinese during the academic year.
- Chinese I – ABIGAIL “ABBY” DENNIN
- Chinese II – ANNA ZUSI
- Chinese III – KANTARATT “PUNN” PHENTRAKUL
- Chinese IV – LUKE PO
- AP Chinese – SABRINA LIEW
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 – SAGE FRIEDMAN
- French II – ZEYU “STEVEN” WANG
- French III – ANYA ROZARIO
- French V – KIRA BIXBY
- AP French – XAVIER THIBAULT
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.
- ANNA HARVEY
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.
- COUPER GUNN
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 “it is the living symbol of a man who has instilled in all a pleasure in being and learning.”
- Latin I – NA KYUNG LEE
- Latin II – GRAHAM ALLARDYCE
- Latin III – NATHANIEL “NAT” MARKEY
- Latin IV – ERIC ALBANESE
- AP Latin – ANABELLE FARNHAM
THE CHARLES A. BUFFUM PRIZE, honoring a teacher of Latin and Greek from 1878 to 1922, is for excellence in sight translation in Latin.
- DONALD “DJ” POULIN
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 – YI-CHENG “ETHAN” HUANG
- Spanish II – KYLE GRABOWSKI
- Spanish III – BRIE BANAS
- Spanish V – ROBERT “ROBBY” HILL
- AP Spanish – MADISON FULCHER-MELENDY
Additional Awards
ARETE, Class of 1985, established a prize to honor that outstanding student tutor who has made a conscientious effort to help fellow students academically. This year the outstanding Arete tutor is:
- JOSHUA “JOSH” CALIANOS
The JANUS award
- SOPHIA SCHAEFER
THE LOG award
Certificates:
- EMMA GOULD EMMA LEHRER
- LIANGYI “EMILY” WU
- A’SHAELA “SHAELA” CHAIRES
- EUNYUL “KATIE” HAN
- CATHERINE KING
- MINH LE KEILLY MONCADA
- ATAHOMON “ATAH” OKAISABOR
- KANTARATT “PUNN” PHENTRAKUL
- JIACHENG “AMANDA” SHEN
- ELEANOR “ELLIE” WOLFE
Book:
Secondly, The Log is proud to present this year’s Book Award to our Editor in Chief, without whom we would not have a yearbook this year. Thank you for your exceptional dedication, enthusiasm, and hard work on the yearbook:
- LIANGYI “EMILY” WU
Overall School Prizes
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.
- KOHMEI KADOYA for his work in Mathematics
- NOZOMI ASAMURA for her work in Science
- ABIGAIL “ABBIE” COSCIA for her work in Language
The final group of prizes is voted on by the faculty 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:
- POOJAA PRAKASH BABU
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:
- NA KYUNG LEE
THE BOWDOIN COLLEGE BOOK PRIZE is presented annually to the outstanding ninth grader in scholarship, citizenship, and character:
- RUBY MCELHONE YATES
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:
- DYLAN FULCHER-MELENDY
THE SMITH COLLEGE BOOK AWARD is presented to a tenth grader who exhibits consistent all- around excellence:
- JULIA FARNHAM
- RACHEL GOODMAN
THE WILLIAMS COLLEGE BOOK PRIZE is awarded by The Williams Alumni Association to the outstanding tenth grader in scholarship, citizenship, and character:
- NATHANIEL “NAT” MARKEY
THERE ARE 5 ELEVENTH GRADE PRIZES:
THE HEAD OF SCHOOL PRIZE is awarded to the 11th grader who best exemplifies the qualities of purpose, passion and integrity:
- CATHERINE KING
THE LINCOLN D. GRANNISS YALE UNIVERSITY SCHOLARSHIP is awarded to that member of Williston Northampton’s upcoming senior class who is qualified by virtue of academic and extracurricular excellence to be a strong candidate for admission to Yale University. Lincoln Granniss taught Latin at Williston, 1910-1953, and was a member of the Yale classes of 1906 and 1925.
- CALEB STERN
THE HOLY CROSS BOOK PRIZE is awarded to a student in the top ten percent of the eleventh grade who gives evidence of a strong concern for school and community:
- QIXUAN “GLEDE” WANG
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:
- SEUNGWOO “SIMON” KIM
THE HARVARD BOOK PRIZE is awarded to the outstanding eleventh grader in scholarship, citizenship, and character.
- ROBERT “ROBBY” HILL
11 Students Inducted Into Cum Laude Society
by Kate Snyder
May 31 2018
During the Williston Northampton School’s 177th Commencement on May 26, 2018, History and Global studies teacher Peter Gunn led the induction of 11 new members into the Cum Laude Society.
The Cum Laude Society is a national honor society modeled on Phi Beta Kappa. Williston Academy joined the society in 1921. The Northampton School for Girls received its charter in 1951. And in 1971 the society granted the merged Williston Northampton School a new charter. Membership into the Cum Laude Society is the highest academic award that the Williston faculty can bestow.
“All of us gathered here can take inspiration from the three words that form the motto of Cum Laude: Areté, meaning excellence; Diké, meaning justice; and Timé, meaning honor, Gunn said. “Excellence, Justice, and Honor can characterize the life each of us chooses to lead – not just in the classroom, but across our campus, and in the broader world.”
Gunn called to the stage Cum Laude members inducted in January and then welcomed the new members, who received a membership pin and certificate from President Peter Valine and Vice-President Greg Tuleja:
- Fiona Katherine Bundy
- Joshua Elias Calianos
- Timothy Tate Fay
- Keilly Johana Moncada
- Momoka Oda
- Yana Pyralina
- Lydia Eva Pollard
- Natalie Elizabeth Romain
- Triniti Slaughter
- Mika Anya Sovjani
- Xavier Francois Thibault
They join the 11 students inducted into the program in January:
- Caroline Channell
- Anabelle Farnham
- Madison Fulcher-Melendy
- Anna Harvey
- Emma Lehrer
- Sabrina Liew
- Sara Renkert
- Sophia Schaefer
- Ana Weed
- Hanzhang Zhao
- Wangchen Zhou