Graduation Week 2026 Presentations and Awards

On Saturday, May 30, SPS students from all forms were recognized in a special Awards Ceremony that celebrated their scholastic and extracurricular accomplishments, talents and service to the greater good.

Academic Awards

The Dickey Prizes
The prizes provided from 1910-18 by Mr. Charles D. Dickey of the Form of 1878, a former trustee of the School, for the outstanding scholars in several studies in the Third through the Fifth Forms, are continued by his son, Mr. Charles D. Dickey, of the Form of 1911, also a former trustee.

• Dance: Alexis Jean Conway ‘27 
• Fine Arts: Myrina Leigh Brown ‘29
• Music: Aaron Kimiri ‘27, Sanjaya Won-Gi Thiagarajan ‘27 
• Theater: Pawit Praipattarakul ‘28
• Humanities III: Kaitlyn Jung Ah Kim ‘29, Xuanqi “Sophia” Shen ‘29
• Humanities IV: Alexandra Yue Cao ‘28, Xunmei “Elizabeth” Zhao ‘28 
• Humanities V: Linus Edward Krenkel ‘27, Solomon Benjamin Zu ‘27
• Chinese: Patalie Viprakasit ‘27
• French: Matteo Damian Vessella ‘27
• German: Vladyslav Derevko ‘28
• Greek: Xiaoyu “Melody” Zhang ‘27
• Latin: Grace Jin Guang ‘27
• Spanish: Asha Grace Thomas ‘27
• Advanced Mathematics: Katie Xie ‘27
• Algebra 2: Samantha Li ‘29
• Calculus: Aaron Jiayi Heitzeberg ‘29
• Geometry: John Littleton Glover ‘29
• Precalculus: Molly Ruth Smith ‘28
• Astronomy: Angie Bonzel ‘28
• Biology: Grace Jin Guang ‘27
• Chemistry: Katie Xie ‘27
• Physics: Motoki Nakajima ‘27
• Robotics and Engineering: Motoki Nakajima ‘27

The Maybank Prize for Fine Arts and Architecture
Given in memory of Joseph Maybank III of the Form of 1949 by his sons Joseph Maybank IV of the Form of 1980, Bayard Randolph Maybank of the Form of 1982 and Alexander Haddon Ferguson Maybank of the Form of 1984, the prize is awarded to an exceptional student whose interest and talent in art or architecture would benefit from travel abroad following their Fifth Form year.

Beatrix Elizabeth Brown ‘27

The Margaret Wood Schlich Prize
Established by Mr. And Mrs. Wilfred Kurth, this prize is awarded annually to the author of the best one-act play.

Eleanor Martin Smith ‘27

The Keiser Prizes
These prizes are awarded to outstanding musicians from any form who have demonstrated a positive attitude, exceptional ability, dedication and selflessness in their contributions to the advancement of music at St. Paul’s School.

• Piano: Laith Tarek Radwan ‘27
• Strings: Ian Minsung Jang ‘26
• Composition: Solomon Benjamin Zu ‘27
• Winds, Brass, and Percussion: Amelia Ahyun Chun ‘28

The Giles Prize
The Giles Prize is awarded to the student in the wind, brass or percussion section who has most closely follows the example set by band director Paul Trafton Giles in spirit, leadership, musicianship and dedication to the St. Paul’s School Music Program.

Hannah Hwang ‘26

The Nancy and George R. Smith Prize for Orchestra
This prize was established in 1998 in loving memory of former teacher and coach George Rockwell Smith of the Form of 1931 and his wife, Nancy, by his family and the SPS community. It is awarded for the highest degree of leadership, dedication and achievement in the Orchestra.

Seojin Kim ‘26

The Sprague Chorus Prize
The Sprague Prize, given in memory of Edward Meade Sprague of the Form of 1973, is presented to the student who, by talent and dedicated spirit, upholds the choral traditions of St. Paul’s School.

Raegan Isabella Otey ‘26

The Channing Lefebvre Memorial Medal
This medal is presented to the student whose contribution to the choir exemplifies Channing Lefebvre’s spirit and devotion to St. Paul’s School and the University Glee Club.

Harrison Otis Smith ‘26

The Hackett Prize
Established by Mr. and Mrs. Montague H. Hackett in honor of their sons, graduates of St. Paul’s School in 1950 and 1953, the Hackett Prize is awarded to the student with the highest grades in the most number of humanities courses.

Seborn Wrenn Ragsdale ‘26

The H. Boone Porter Prize in Applied Religious Studies
This prize was established in 2000 in loving memory of the Reverend Canon H. Boone Porter Jr. ’41 by his family. This prize is awarded to the Fifth or Sixth Form student who submits the best essay discussing the application of religious beliefs and values in formulating public policy in a field chosen by the applicant.

Nausicaa Yu-Rou Chu ‘26

The Drumm Prize
Founded by Harry K. White of the Form of 1880 in memory of former faculty member Rev. Thomas J. Drumm, this prize is offered to the student who, irrespective of form, attains the highest distinction in Latin, as evidenced by daily marks and record of examinations.

Junyi Liu ‘26

The Oakes Greek Prize
Given in the name of F. Warren Oakes Jr. of the Form of 1911 by his father, this prize is awarded for the best examination on the writing of Xenophon.

Haoting “Peter” Ding ‘26

The Joseph Howland Coit Medal
Established by Beirne Lay of the Form of 1881 in memory of the Second Rector of the School, this medal is awarded to the Fifth Form student who has excelled in the study of mathematics and whose contributions and involvement in mathematical pursuits extends beyond the classroom.

Motoki Nakajima ‘27

The Burke Biodiversity Award
Established by Coleman P. Burke of the Form of 1959, this award recognizes the student or students who by inclination, participation, and achievement have demonstrated the greatest interest in understanding and preserving the natural world and its biodiversity.

Jehyeong Suh ‘28, Nicholas Sahala Thiery ‘28

The Lovejoy Science Prize
This prize is given by Frederick H. Lovejoy Jr., MD, of the Form of 1955 to the student who has best integrated science into a liberal arts education as demonstrated through academic performance, independent project work, and enhancement of science in student life.

Allison Min ‘27

The Thomas Penrose Bennett Prize
Given in memory of Thomas Penrose Bennett of the Form of 1971, this prize is awarded each year to a student with demonstrated ability and interest in science and mathematics to assist in carrying out a project related to one or both of these fields.

Felipe Luis Gonzalez ‘27

The Heckscher Prize
The Heckscher Prize was created by Philip and Frances Hofer in honor of the three generations of Heckschers who have attended the School: Augúst, Mauríce, Stephen, Philip, Charles, and Benjamin. The prize is awarded annually to one or more Fifth Formers to defray expenses connected with theses or projects of exceptional merit.

Yuna Seo Yeon Hong ‘26, Daniel Hong ‘27

The Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute Award
Awarded to the Fifth Form student who demonstrates outstanding academic achievement in advanced mathematics and science courses, the award carries with it the opportunity to receive $60,000 in scholarships.

Katie Xie ‘27

The Hobart and William Smith Book Award
The Hobart and William Smith Book Award is given to the Fifth Form student who demonstrates exemplary community service and leadership.

Chiza Udu An Bendors Ilozor ‘27

The Harvard Prize Book Award
The Harvard Prize is awarded to the outstanding student in the next-to- graduating class who “displays excellence in scholarship and high character, combined with achievement in other fields.”

Laith Tarek Radwan ‘27

The Howe Music Prize
This prize is given by Mrs. Mary Carlisle Howe, of Washington, D.C., to the student who shows the greatest interest and activity in music.

Keijiro Hori ‘26

The McLeod Prize
Given by Edna V. McLeod in memory of her husband, Ambassador Scott McLeod, this prize is awarded to the student who has contributed the most to the dance program through talent, dedication, enthusiasm, and spirit.

Ziyang “Luna” Huang ‘26, Madeline Marie Rick ‘26

The James Appleton Thayer Award
The Thayer Prize is awarded to the student whose interests and efforts have contributed most to the activities of the theater.

Ying Jacqueline Pan ‘26

The Ellsworth Greenley Prize
This prize, founded by Howard Greenley in memory of his son Ellsworth of the Form of 1930, is awarded for excellence in any form of artistic work.

Mackenzie Lee Barrette ‘26

The Ambassador Crowe Prize for Foreign Affairs
Established by the honorable Philip K. Crowe, a member of the Form of 1928 and American Ambassador to Ceylon, the Union of South Africa, Norway, and Denmark, this prize is awarded for the best performance in a political science course.

Rhys Nolan Henrikson ‘26

The Prize Presented by the Sixth Form of 1873
This prize is awarded for the best performance in an English course.

Sooyeon “Danielle” Choi ‘26

The Keep Prize in History
Endowed by Mrs. Albert Keep in memory of her grandson Albert Keep II of the Form of 1867, the Keep Prize is awarded for the best performance in a history course.

Nausicaa Yu-Rou Chu ‘26

The Charles Halsey Clark Award
This award was established by Hong Kong Chinese families in honor of the Ninth Rector of St. Paul’s School. It is awarded to the student who best demonstrates interest in and appreciation for Chinese language or culture.

Hannah Hwang ‘26

The Charles and Benjamin Cheney Goodwin Prize
Founded by Charles A. Goodwin of the Form of 1894, this prize is awarded for excellence in classics.

Luca Daber Bocresion ‘26

The Malbone French Prize
Established by the Reverend Godfrey Malbone Brinley of the Form of 1884, this prize is awarded for the highest rank in French, as determined by marks for recitations and examinations.

Tess Matese Barton ‘26

The Spanhoofd Prize
Established by Carl Schurz Petrasch in memory of Edward Spanhoofd, a teacher at the School from 1880 to 1929, this prize is awarded for the highest rank in German, as determined by marks for recitations and examinations.

Kyle Thomas Gump ‘26

The Ambassador Duke Spanish Prize
Established by Angier Biddle Duke of the Form of 1934, this prize is awarded for the highest rank in Spanish as determined by marks for recitations and examinations.

Allyson Miranda Duardo ‘26

The John Hargate Medal
Endowed in 1911 by the alumni in memory of the Reverend John Hargate, MA, of the Form of 1860, this medal is awarded to the student who attains the highest rank in mathematics.

Thomas Graham Armstrong ‘26

The Vanderpoel Prize in the Natural Sciences
Endowed by Waldo Newcomer of the Form of 1888 and Mrs. Margaret Newcomer in memory of Aaron Melgert Vanderpoel of the Form of 1885, this prize is awarded to the student with the most distinguished record in science.

Thomas Graham Armstrong ‘26

The Archer Prize
Given by John and Margaret Archer, the prize is awarded annually to the girl of the Fourth or Fifth Form who, throughout the year, attains the highest distinction jointly in scholarship and athletics, as determined by a vote of the faculty.

Grace Jin Guang ‘27

The Frazier Prize
Founded by Mr. George Harrison Frazier of Philadelphia for that boy of the Fourth or Fifth Form who, throughout the year, attains the highest distinction jointly in scholarship and athletics, as determined by a vote of the faculty.

Linus Edward Krenkel ‘27

The Ferguson Scholarships
Ferguson Scholarships are the School’s most distinguished prizes for its scholars. Students are nominated by the faculty based on high academic achievement. Each finalist submitted an essay to, and completed an interview with, the Ferguson Committee.

Iris Ann LaMoreaux ‘27, Alexandra Yue Cao ‘28

The Charles S. Knox Memorial Cup
Given by the Lord Fermoy of the Form of 1905 in memory of Charles S. Knox, a teacher at St. Paul’s School from 1872 to 1920, the Knox Memorial Cup is awarded to the student of the graduating form who has attained the greatest distinction in scholarship during their years at St. Paul’s School.

Junyi Liu ‘26

School Awards

The Horae Editors Medal
The Horae Editors Medal is presented to the editors of the School literary publication, Horae Scholasticae, for their sustained and highly efficient work.

Nausicaa Yu-Rou Chu ‘26

The Pelican Medal
Established by James W. Kinnear III of the Form of 1946, cofounder and first editor-in-chief of The Pelican, these medals are awarded to the individuals who have contributed the most to the successful development of The Pelican.

Aedyn Sophia Kourakos ‘26, Gabrielle Marie Ruminski ‘26

The Abidoye Family Debate Prize
Established by the Abidoye family, this prize is awarded to the students who have contributed the most to the debate program in effort, ability, and leadership.

Aedyn Sophia Kourakos ‘26, Sihan Ma ‘26

The Form of 1971 Visionary Award
Established in 2001, this award honors a Fifth Former who has demonstrated exceptional originality, creativity, capacity for self-direction, and other immeasurable, often unheralded qualities that have been a source of inspiration for fellow students and other members of the St. Paul’s School community.

Markus Lu ‘27

The Third Form Community Engagement Award
This Award honors a Third Former who has demonstrated a desire to positively change the world around them by participating in meaningful community service opportunities since September.

Gabrielle Ana-Marie Walter ‘29

The Sixth Form Community Engagement Award
Established in 2011, the Community Engagement Award is presented to a Sixth Former for their dedication to making a difference in the lives of others through participation in a variety of service programs and organizations.

Lukas Gert Odenius ‘26

The Kiril Sokoloff Prize
The Kiril Sokoloff Prize is awarded to a Fifth Former who has shown exceptional kindness and compassion, seeks a personal transformation toward spirituality, demonstrates a vision to make the world a better place through service for the good of humankind, and acts as an inspirational leader to their peers and classmates. The prize supports a special project proposed by the student and approved by the Rector and the Dean of Chapel and Spiritual Life.

Flora Clementine Goodman ‘27, Reese Leonor Vanderwarker ‘27

The Ambassador Kenneth Franzheim Prize for Citizenship and School Service
Established by the Honorable Kenneth Franzheim of the Form of 1943, former Ambassador to New Zealand, to be awarded to a member of the Fifth Form for outstanding citizenship and School service.

Colin Patrick O’Leary ‘27

The Form of 1980 Award
Established by the members of the Form of 1980 upon their graduation, this prize is given to a Fifth Former who has shown selfless devotion and school spirit.

Hana Iris Lynn Jang ‘27

The Schlager Prize for Valor
Established by Mr. and Mrs. S. Lawrence Schlager, this prize is awarded to the student who, during their years at the School, has exhibited courage, strength of character, and a determination to succeed.

Mariia Matsiiako ‘26

The George W. Chase Award
Established in 1997, the George W. Chase Award is given to the student, irrespective of form, who through their cheerful, thoughtful, and enthusiastic leadership in the house has set an example of selfless inspiration to others. These are the qualities that Mr. Chase helped to nurture during his 34 years of teaching at St. Paul’s and that symbolize the best qualities of the School community.

Caroline Chronister Rogers ‘26

The Clifford J. Gillespie Medal
This medal was established in 1997 by two grateful trustees in honor of Clifford J. Gillespie and his 33 years of dedicated service to the School as teacher, coach, and interim Rector. It is awarded to the student who best embodies the qualities that characterized the career of Mr. Gillespie: honesty, integrity, and an eagerness to undertake the tasks, great and small, that make the School a better place.

Mekhi Tarae Simmons ‘26

The Reverend Dr. Everett P. Smith Prize
This prize, given to the School in 1970 by Jarvis Cromwell in memory of his uncle, the Reverend Dr. Everett P. Smith of the Form of 1887, is awarded to the student who has contributed conspicuously to the morale and well-being of the School, its students, or the community.

Harlem James Taylor ‘26

The Benjamin Rush Toland Prize
Ben Toland, best scholar and athlete of the Form of 1938, was killed in action during World War II, serving beyond the call of duty in the assault on Iwo Jima. During his 24 years he, to a remarkable degree, united intellectual achievement, athletic ability, and a gallant spirit. This prize is awarded to the Sixth Former who best combines these qualities.

Harry James Dermody ‘26

The Leadership Service to Community Award
This award honors the leadership, service, and dedication demonstrated by our Sixth Form officers in support of the St. Paul’s School community.

Henry John Wayne Wilson ‘26, Mackenzie Lee Barrette ‘26, Asher Mathew Gupta ‘26, Allyson Miranda Duardo ‘26

The Rector’s Awards
These awards are made at the Rector’s discretion to graduating Sixth Formers who, through selfless devotion to School activities, have enhanced our lives and improved the community shared by all at St. Paul’s School.

Thomas Graham Armstrong ‘26, Chelsea Violet Bell ‘26, Lily Williams Campbell ‘26, Belen Finlay Goring ‘26, Keijiro Hori ‘26, Ziyang “Luna” Huang ‘26, Seborn Wrenn Ragsdale ‘26, Gabrielle Marie Ruminski ‘26, Jiaze “Ryan” Su ‘26

The Rector’s Medal
The Rector’s Medal is awarded at the Rector’s discretion to a graduating Sixth Former who deserves special recognition for service to the School.

Aedyn Sophia Kourakos ‘26

The School Medal
This medal is awarded for excellence in the performance of School duties.

Henry John Wayne Wilson ‘26