HS hosts annual awards day

High School faculty closed the academic year with a special tribute to seniors and recognition of stand-out students during the annual award assembly on Friday, May 9.
By Juanita I.C. Traughber, Director of Marketing & Communications

As the academic year neared its end, High School administrators and faculty recognized the Class of 2025 and individual students for their academic achievements and leadership on Friday, May 9. This event was the final event of the year to gather the entire High School division in Durnan Auditorium.

The following awards and honors were bestowed during the High School’s annual award ceremony: 

Stanford Moore Memorial Award for Excellence: Ellie Rothman ’25
Given to the senior who typifies the pursuit of excellence represented by Stanford Moore, Nobel Prize laureate and Peabody Demonstration School Class of 1931 graduate. The recipient “approaches Dr. Moore’s academic achievement and dedication. In the century of the common man, the uncommon man and his accomplishments are too often overlooked. Recognition of the uncommon man is needed, and an incentive to excellence is highly desirable.

Massie Prize for World History: Alder Brandon ’27
Massie Prize for American History: Erin Ilagan ’26
These awards are given for the most outstanding research papers in the sophomore and junior year. Papers are adjudicated by outside scholars at various colleges and universities. Prizes are given for both U.S. and world-focused papers. 

Peggy Weil Stein ’37 Visual Arts Award: Juno Callen ’25
This award is given to a graduating senior who exemplifies excellence in the visual arts. Students’ artwork and portfolio are reviewed by both USN visual arts teachers and outside reviewers. 

National Merit Scholars: Ophelia Cherry-Pulay  ’25 and Ellie Rothman ’25
National Merit Semifinalists: Collin Chan ’25, Daniel Guo ’25, Caroline Keiper  25, Alex Lara ’25, Sam Luffman ’25, Eliza Nichols ’25, Rohan Ramachandran ’25, Saul Sharfstein ’25, and Kati Tong ’25
An award given to 15,000 students nationwide for their performance on the PSAT (junior year administration) combined with their academic performance and cocurricular achievements. 

Outstanding Senior Award: Alena Ellis ’25, Margaret McKay ’25, Seth Prince ’25, Bronson Schmidt ’25
Typically recognizes seniors for outstanding achievement in areas not normally addressed in academic awards. Outstanding Senior awards are reserved for students who by their efforts have made an impact on our community in substantive ways. 

Faculty Award: Connor Harris ’25 and Kati Tong ’25
Given to one or two seniors who best exemplify the type of student we’d like to see at USN: Cooperative, consistent in academic performance, sensitive to peers, willing to work with others, accepting of responsibility, eager to give to the school and the larger community, and involved in activities. They should have a sense of humor, sound judgment, likable personality, and the qualities of a strong role model. 

Lois McMullan Scholars: Binyam Dunne ’26, Addi King ’26, Henry Knowles ’26, and Lin Zheng ’26
Awarded to a select group of juniors who have demonstrated leadership in various arenas of High School life and have high potential for leading the school community during their senior year. 

Tigers of the Year: Anna Hulan ’25, Margaret McKay ’25, Clay Payne ’25, Alexander Peck ’25
Recognizes seniors for their contributions to USN’s athletic program throughout their High School careers. This award is voted upcong by coaches in the USN community.

Bredesen Award for Leadership: Henry Gatto ’25
Given to the senior whose leadership on campus has most supported others in the school community and whose involvement in and commitment to the school community serves as a model for younger students. The recipient should be a leader who puts personal needs aside, focusing instead on what the school community needs. 

Harry & Mary Zimmerman Memorial Award: Asauda Radford ’25
Recognizes the senior who most exemplifies the concern for others, the gentleness of spirit, the leadership by example, and the devotion to USN that characterized the lives and work of Harry and Mary Zimmerman. 

The Class of 2025 selected Sperling Cafeteria Staff Member Raven Scott as the recipient of their Service Award, typically presented to someone who is not a faculty member who has been important to the senior class in a range of ways beyond teaching.

“With her kindness and ability to make every student feel seen, she ends up teaching us something just as valuable as what it means to leave a compassion. This award is for someone who remembers your name, greets you with a smile and always, always tells you to have a good day in a place where things move fast, when people come and go, she takes the time to connect with each student,” Senior Class President Madeline Chalos 2025 said of Scott, who was moved to tears.

The Senior Class Council also presented Assistant Head of High School Academics Jeff Edmonds with a newly created Community Courage Award.
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