A CELEBR ATION OF E XCELLENCE
2020 SPECIAL AWARDS
A wards Day Upper School
52N D A N N UA L
9:00 a.m. Wednesday, April 29, 2020 Lee Athletic Center
Some Reflections on Awards . . . To those whom we recognize today for scholarship or for habits of mind and heart that inspire us, we offer warm congratulations! We are grateful that you chose to share your diverse strengths, many talents, and unique gifts with our community. You have enriched us all! Yet, even as we herald the accomplishments of some students, we also recall how many deserving candidates are not recognized. Reflecting on their accomplishments helps us to see our purpose in a broader context. It helps us to connect a few who are recognized with the many whose actions merit special mention. In recognizing a few, we do not diminish the worth of others, but rather we hold up for recognition those who have given evidence of the best that is in all of us. In recognizing the achievements of some students with special awards, Webb does not lessen the importance and impact of those who have matured in so many positive ways during the year, who have made quiet but lasting contributions to the school, or who have enriched the lives of their classmates and the community. Many students here are wiser, understand more about themselves, and appreciate more profoundly the richness of the gifts they have been given – friendship, family, love, their education. For each student who has become a better person, who has given more than the minimum, or served others unselfishly, Webb is grateful. Webb School is pleased not only by the few who earn recognition, but also by the many who work so hard, and so well, and bring goodness to our school community. We are drawn together as we acknowledge and express these common values.
Special Awards Program April 29, 2020
Welcome........................................................... Matt Macdonald Head of Upper School
Opening Remarks........................................ George Poghosyan President, Student Government Association
Awarding of Honors............................... Upper School Faculty
Closing........................................................................... Meryl Ye Vice President, Student Government Association
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Webb School of Knoxville
Webb School of Knoxville 2020 SPECIAL AWARDS
Special Awards The JOHN W. GREEN AWARD FOR SCHOLARSHIP, established in 1956, recognizes a student from each grade level with the highest grade-point-average, to date, for this school year. The WILLIAM R. WEBB III CITIZENSHIP AWARD, established to honor the founder of Webb School of Knoxville, recognizes students in each class who have enriched the school community through their exceptional commitment to excellence, loyalty, spirit, leadership, participation in school life, and service, often unselfishly, to others.
2020 SPECIAL AWARDS
The SHANE WEBB AWARD, established by the Class of 1985 in memory of their classmate, is given for academic and athletic excellence to a senior boy or girl who is committed to the ideals of hard work, the importance of higher academic training, and a career of service to others. The student must have earned at least a B average, participated in at least two sports, provided quality leadership both on and off the field, and plans to pursue a career in the field of medicine (including a degree in medicine, veterinary medicine, dentistry, physical therapy, psychiatry, or psychology). The JOYCE HUNTER AWARD, established by the Class of 1992 in honor of Joyce Hunter, longtime head of the mathematics department and girls’ track coach, recognizes a female scholar-athlete.
The MOCKINGBIRD AWARD, established in 2007 by Robert and Mary Jo Potts, honors a ninth grade student who most embodies the literary characterization of a mockingbird as represented in Harper Lee’s To Kill a Mockingbird: “. . . mockingbirds don’t do one thing but make music for us to enjoy . . . but sing their hearts out for us.” The recipient of this award is distinguished by the metaphorical music that he/she makes – music that is played through his/her kindness and honor, selflessness, gentle playfulness, and active involvement in the life of the Upper School.
The WARREN HEISER AWARD, established in 2013 by the Upper School faculty and staff in honor of Warren Heiser, longtime English teacher and coach, recognizes a male scholar-athlete.
The CLINT WHITE AWARD, established by the Class of 1986 to honor the memory of their classmate, is given to a sophomore student who possesses a rare combination of consideration, humor, maturity, and optimism.
The CHANCE-STRUDER AWARD, established in 1980, is given to a senior boy who has made a unique contribution to the life of the school through his sensitivity, insight, enthusiasm, and dedication. The award honors Art Chance and Ray Struder, both members of the Class of 1980, who through their courage in the face of adversity, enriched the school.
The ANNE ZIRKLE AWARD, established by the Class of 1990 in memory of their friend and classmate, honors a junior boy or girl who is spiritually inquisitive, intellectually talented, compassionate, humble, and kind in spirit.
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The NANCY S. THOMA AWARD, established by the Class of 1983 to honor a former college counselor, is given to a senior who renders a valuable service to the school through willingness to help others and a spirit of cooperation.
The SERENDIPITY AWARD, established by Genevieve Hudson, former headmistress of the Webb School for girls, recognizes a senior girl whose presence has been beneficial to others, and who has made a contribution to both faculty and students.
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Webb School of Knoxville 2020 SPECIAL AWARDS
The JULIA DOSSETT WEBB SCHOLAR AWARD, established during Webb’s 50th Anniversary and in honor of Julia Dossett Webb, wife of Webb School founder, Robert Webb, recognizes a senior whose academic work is distinguished by a love of scholarship and who, by example, has contributed most to the academic morale of the school. The HUDSON CUP, named for Genevieve Hudson, former headmistress of the Webb School for girls, is awarded to a senior girl who best exemplifies the ideals of Webb School. The SPARTAN SPIRIT AWARD, established as a companion award to the Hudson Cup, is given to a senior boy who best exemplifies the ideals of Webb School. The AQUILLA “BABA” COOK AWARD, established by the Class of 2004, is voted upon by the members of the senior class. This award is given each year to an outstanding member of the Webb School staff who by his/her cheerful and positive interaction with the school community, and especially the students, distinguishes him or herself. The ENDOWED SCHOLARSHIP AWARD, established by the Class of 2003, is voted upon each year by the members of the senior class. This award recognizes a member of the graduating class who best exhibits the following character traits: friendliness, humility, respectfulness, compassion, and hard work. The ERIC ENCARNACION MEMORIAL AWARD, established by the Class of 2007, is voted upon by the members of the senior class. This award is given to a graduating senior who crosses social barriers in his or her class, and is valued as a friend by all. The DR. EDWARD L. TAUXE AWARD, established to recognize a most influential teacher, was first presented in 1969. This award, voted upon by the members of the senior class, honors a Webb School teacher who has had a most positive influence on the lives of the students and stimulated them in their academic pursuits. 4
OUR MISSION The mission of Webb School is to inspire and nurture the full potential of each individual and to prepare our students to serve as leaders of character in tomorrow’s world.