E
N G L I S H
Gavin Conroy Class of 2025
Alexis Blanchette Class of 2026
The recipient of the 2025 English Department Senior Award is Gavin Conroy.
I have been blessed to have Gavin for two years of English, as this champion of wit offers compelling points during course discussions and spearheads many group activities. However, what makes Gavin noteworthy is his unprecedented ability to work ahead. For example, earlier this year, Gavin read ahead in one of our novels and discussed the book with me for over twenty minutes. Despite a busy academic load, Gavin was genuinely invested in the conversation and did so without a grade incentive.
This master of critical thinking is also a tremendous writer by using his keen sense of pivotal plot events to effectively develop compelling essays that include strong lines of reasoning and elevated vocabulary. Further, Gavin was one of the few to earn the highly coveted sophistication point for this theme analysis and big picture connections.
However, an indelible influence and maturity mark Gavin’s character, as he’s wise beyond his years and embodies a “nose to the grindstone” approach to productive pursuits. Congratulations to a cerebral literary mind, Gavin Conroy!
-Mr. Alex Sanders
The recipient of the 2025 English Department Underclassman Award is Alexis Blanchette.
The recipient of this year’s award is someone who has consistently demonstrated a willingness to grow: to grow confidence in her own perspectives, and to grow the ability to say things that I may not have even thought of myself. When students ask what they need to do to do well on an essay, there are a lot of answers to that question. Your essay needs to be well-organized, your argument needs to follow a logical progression, you need to either use or identify rhetorical methods well. But what it all comes down to is: make me think. Make me say, when I read a paragraph, “Ooh, that was deep.” The recipient of this award is someone who made me think with every essay she wrote, and with every comment she made in class.
This student has also done outstanding work in English Composition, where the assignments are heavy on personal narratives in the first quarter. Through her writing in this class, I feel like I’ve gotten to know this student as a person, and the person I’ve gotten to know is not only a “good” student, but a highly selfmotivated student who sets very high standards for herself and who doesn’t accept anything less than the best from herself.
-Mr. Steve McGill
Matthew
Doty Class of 2025
Sophie Saunders Class of 2026
The recipient of the 2025 Math Department Senior Award is Matthew Doty.
This academic year’s mathematics award goes to a student who doesn’t stand out because he’s the loudest in the room—he stands out because of his consistent drive for excellence. He approaches mathematics not just as a school subject, but also as a tool to understand the world.
Much like a swimmer perfecting each stroke, excellence in mathematics requires consistency and a deep commitment to mastering every concept and refining every skill. Both demand perseverance and resilience, and a strong commitment to do one’s best. And just as a swimmer finds rhythm in every lap, Matthew Doty approaches everything he does with humility, determination, and a calm sense of purpose that is inspiring.
As we all know, Matthew is headed to the United States Air Force Academy. They saw in Matthew what we see here at Davidson Day every day! Matthew, as you prepare to take flight, the Math Department recognizes you today for your extraordinary achievements in mathematics, your unshakable work ethic, and the example you have set for all of us. I cannot wait to see what heights you’ll reach next!
-Ms. Olga Cadilla
The recipient of the 2025 Math Department Underclassman Award is Sophie Saunders.
Every one of us encounters obstacles— moments that challenge our confidence and test our resolve. But there are a few brave individuals who, despite the setbacks, stay the course, fueled by determination and a personal commitment to aim high, no matter the challenge.
This student’s journey through AP Calculus has in many ways mirrored work in anthropology… thoughtful, methodical, and unafraid to dig into the unknown. Like a careful researcher at a dig site, the student has approached each concept with patience, uncovering understanding layer by layer—even when the process has been slow or difficult. Our award recipient has faced many setbacks, and yet she embraced them as part of deepening her learning and strengthening her resolve. Her love of ideas, her resilience, and her quiet confidence have left a lasting impression on the math department, especially on me.
We are proud to honor Sophie Saunders for her mathematical achievement and for the intellectual courage that defines her work and her unwavering commitment to staying the course.
-Ms. Olga Cadilla
I S T O R Y
Maryn Holden
Class of 2026
The recipient of the 2025 History Department Senior Award is Pippa Hingst.
It is my great honor to present this year’s History Department Award to an incredible student whose dedication, positivity, intellect, and passion for history have not gone unnoticed.
In AP World in her sophomore year, I remember Pippa at first being shocked by what she was able to remember, but then quickly moving on from just reciting events or facts into someone who regularly contributed to the class discussions and debates. A quick thinker, she was able to quickly dig deeper to challenge assumptions and demonstrate causation between events. Pippa became a leader, and when she spoke, others listened.
From her outstanding research with Afar from projects in Belize and Spain, her research paper and presentation to earn her global studies diploma, to her thoughtful contributions in class discussions Pippa has brought both curiosity, respect for other cultures, and rigor to everything she does and has shown a rare ability to connect the past to the present. Wake Forest is lucky to gain not only an amazing student but an even better person.
-Ms. Amy Kivett
The recipient of the 2025 History Department Underclassman Award is Maryn Holden.
This award is going to a student who stayed out of the limelight but worked tirelessly behind the scenes to master the material in my class. The questions I got were pointed and nuanced, reflecting that preparation and the ability to get to the crux of the matter being discussed. When giving essay feedback, I never had to coach this student on how to earn more points because they were demonstrating complexity (the ethereal unicorn point of the AP History courses) from the beginning of the school year.
When I asked Mrs. Kivett for input, she just added “they’re awesome!” Then she added the maturity this student showed in discussing politics. They didn’t belittle those with different opinions, but presented their opinions with facts and reasoning to create a healthy dialogue.
If there is anything our department should do, it’s that. To try to create students who have the information and skills necessary to engage in uncomfortable conversations with those they may disagree with. It’s as vital now as it’s ever been. And the world could use a few more of Maryn Holden, our Underclassman History and Social Sciences award winner.
- Mr. Rob Simpson
Pippa Hingst Class of 2025
Bernadette Baugh Class of 2025
Alex
Haponik Class of 2026
The recipient of the 2025 Science Department Senior Award is Bernadette Baugh.
It is a pleasure to present the Science award to a truly outstanding student. Bernadette is exceptional. Her work is perfect, her ability and desire to understand challenging concepts are second to none, and her enthusiasm for learning and complete engagement are a teacher’s dream.
Bernadette has taken AP Physics, AP Chemistry, AP Env Science, and AP Biology, along with AP maths and histories and English. On the rare occasion that Bernie missed a question on an AP Bio test, I double-checked my own work. She is the kind of student who made me want to be a better teacher. And while she is a brilliant Science student, she is also an amazing tap-dancer, Editor of the yearbook, and Class President. She is exceptional in so many ways that we could never cover them all here. She is truly a joy to teach, and to know, and I can’t wait until you get your hands on those college engineering courses…you are just going to thrive. We hope you remember us when you win your Nobel prize someday. It is a real honor for me to present the Senior Science Award to Bernadette Baugh.
-Ms. Julie Brown
The recipient of the 2025 Science Department Underclassman Award is Alex Haponik.
Alex truly has a gift for physics. AP Physics 1 and 2 cover a vast breadth of topics, from mechanics and circular motion to waves, sound and light, to electrostatics and electric circuits, to modern physics - nuclear physics, quantum theory, wave-particle duality. Alex has excelled in all of these. At the beginning of AP Physics 2, the concepts became very different; instead of mechanics, we were now working with charged particles accelerating in electric fields. Conceptualizing electric potential is far more difficult than understanding a gravitational field, even for most people who pursue science. But Alex continued to excel in AP Physics 2, linking concepts fluently and deriving equations with ease.
More important than his academic ability, Alex is just a phenomenal human being. In everything he does, Alex works incredibly hard. He is consistent, determined, focused, and yet humble. I could not be more thrilled to present the Science Award for Underclassmen to a student who has great things ahead of him, Alex Haponik.
-Ms. Teresa Crowe
E N G L I S H
O R L D L A N G U A G E S
Corinne Dantzler Class of 2025
Brayden Gouge
Class of 2026
The recip World Languages Department Senior Award is Corinne Dantzler.
It is a true honor to present the Senior World Language Student of the Year award to a young woman who reminds us that language is not only about words — it is about voice. And hers is unmistakably clear, bold, and her own.
This student embodies the same spirit that Sor Juana Inés de la Cruz, the renowned 17thCentury Mexican intellectual and writer, championed centuries ago — questioning expectations, flipping double standards on their head, and refusing to be boxed in by appearances or assumptions. Like the poet herself, she challenges the world — gently, brilliantly, and through service to others.
As we saw in AP Spanish Literature this year, two words can change someone’s world, and while our physical time on earth is fleeting, the words we speak and write can outlast and influence far beyond our immediate circle and time. It has been such an honor to watch you find your voice over the last four years and become a master interpreter of your own ideas. We’re excited to see where they lead. Please join me in honoring a scholar, an artist of thought, and a woman writing her own future Corinne Dantzler.
-Dr. Kallie Abreu Gonzalez
The recipient of the 2025 World Languages Underclassman Award is Brayden Gouge.
World Language acquisition is a life skill that long serves its learner, far beyond the walls of a classroom, and when the language department meets to select award recipients, we consistently seek a student whose dedication rises above just completing a requirement and conveys a genuine desire to continue their language education throughout all four years of high school and beyond. While we have several candidates who go above and beyond this year, making this decision quite difficult, we focused on this recipient’s commitment and curiosity, as it made him stand out among the rest.
What makes Brayden even more deserving of this recognition is that his passion for French extends beyond the classroom. He actively applies what he’s learned in meaningful and creative ways, such as when he campaigned in French for his political party during his AP Government project—a perfect example of his initiative and love for the language.
Brayden is a true language learner in every sense: dedicated, curious, and always striving to do more. I am so proud to recognize his efforts and celebrate his achievements today.
-Ms. Heather Austin
E N G L I S H
E C H N O L O G Y
Abby Stutts Class of 2025
James Lingoes
Class of 2026
The recipient of the 2025 Technology Department Senior Award is Abby Stutts.
The senior class recipient of the technology award may seem at first glance an unusual choice, seeing as though she dropped my AP Computer Science class after the first week this past fall. However, that would have been her seventh AP class, and she already had a pretty full schedule. But Abby Stutts is no stranger to challenging herself in technology or in any area academically. Over the last few years, Abby has come to me several times to ask for guidance in signing up for online courses to learn a new computer language or borrow books to help her learn a new software package like the Fusion 360 CAD program. Abby had an internship with a local fabricator, and I would often get texts over the summer with screenshots of her latest CAD designs (when they weren’t proprietary secrets). Abby is gifted as a writer, but even more gifted with curiosity about how the world works and how technology can be used to help further that understanding and to benefit society. Abby possesses amazing grit and determination and has been an integral member of the Team SPORK robotics team. Abby is fearless in charting her path, and I’m certain she will chart a path that will make her Davidson Day family proud as she heads off to North Carolina State University
-Mr. Crispin McDonald
The recipient of the 2025 Technology Underclassman Award is James Lingoes.
When I think of James, I’m reminded of Rodin’s famous statue “The Thinker”. This work of art is universally recognized as a sign of deep thought and contemplation. James is a deep thinker. He is never satisfied with surface-level understanding or doing the minimum for a grade. Rather, he often digs into a topic and really explores it, reads up on it beyond what is required in class, and tries to find how what we’re learning in class relates to current events or important social issues. James would often send me texts or emails with articles or insights of his own, demonstrating this deep thought and true desire for learning. It is a little ironic that just before this “technology” award was to be presented to James, he fried his laptop with a not-so-securely fastened water bottle on his way to his first AP Exam of the year and had to use a loaner laptop to take his exam. But beyond those momentary lapses of technology proficiency, James has excelled in two department courses this year: Intro to AI and AP Computer Science Principles. James is new to Davidson Day this year, but he has already cast a deep impression on the technology department and the school.
-Mr. Crispin McDonald
V I S U A L A R T
Janie Coble Class of 2025
Madison Newman Class of 2026
The rec Visual Art Senior Award is Janie Coble.
Janie stands out due to their depth of talent and the breadth of work that they have created over the past four years. Ceramic Sculpture, Digital Illustration, 3D Animation, Drawing and Painting, Portfolio, AP Studio, and Digital Photography. Janie Coble has taken them all and quietly dominated everyone that I teach. She is pretty much ready to take over the department.
I would love to take credit for Janie’s abilities, but she arrived as a freshman well-practiced in her sketchbooks and ready to take on any medium that we could throw at her. Freshman Janie was very quiet and reserved. I only knew that she loved cats because they were a recurring theme in her artwork. Senior Janie still loves cats, but I have learned that she is also a fierce competitor.
Since she arrived in the upper school, Janie’s contribution to the visual arts has been constant. She may have started out quiet, but her art speaks loud and clear. It is the manifestation of her talent and commitment to her craft. I am proud to present this year’s senior visual arts award to Janie Coble.
-Mr. Mike Thomas
The recipient of the 2025 Visual Art Underclassman Award is Madison Newman.
‘I begin and end each year of photography with a quote - ‘Tell Your Story. With Heart. With Passion. With Vision.’ Madison Newman does exactly this.
In Madison’s request to me for a college recommendation she says.…’You have given me the creative freedom to help me find my path and passion in photography.” She has made it clear that her daily preparation for this class is having an open mind to any new type of assignment. This is an essential skill for any photographer. It is a life skill. Madison has this.
Each day is different. Be prepared to embrace that moment. Madison does this, and does it with grace, absolute commitment, efficiency, creativity, kindness, curiosity, and awareness.
Madison is one of the most self-motivated students I have had. She has also found her true gift in sports photography, yet she can do anything that comes her way. I am proud of her for covering so many events on her own and making a business of it as well. Her work ethic, enthusiasm, ability to advocate for herself, maturity, and leadership skills all come together to make Madison an exceptional human being.
-Ms. Laura Woods
P E R F O R M I N G A R T S
Ada Brown
Class of 2025
The rec Performing Arts Senior Award is Ada Brown.
Ada Brown is amazing. She has always been very comfortable on stage, consistently performing at a high level, and has always been someone we could depend on to deliver. Her senior year, Ada did something very challenging for performers on every level: she stepped out emotionally. Most performers with a degree of talent can learn the notes, memorize the lyrics, and pull off the choreography. It takes practice, but it's attainable. To take the risk of putting yourself out there emotionally is a level that few performers reach because it is just that, risky. It requires courage, confidence, and a willingness to fail.
Ada Brown achieved all these things during her senior year, delivering a performance that was both entertaining and thrilling, while putting the audience at ease and allowing them to relax and simply enjoy her performance. This same presence on stage instilled confidence and helped make the theatre experience that much richer for her castmates. It is a shift that many never achieve. Ada Brown achieved it in spades.
- Mr. Noel Friedline
Mackenzie Beckman
Class of 2026
The recipient of the 2025 Performing Arts Underclassman Award is Mackenzie Beckman.
It’s easy to accept this actor’s invitation to step into their imagined worlds willingly because they give so honestly and willingly of themselves. In The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane, Mackenzie Beckman found, then gave from within herself the kind of joy, sadness, and wonder that allowed audiences to feel everything that the toy rabbit was feeling. Her leadership during that process was a quiet but powerful current, setting a tone of professionalism, humility, kindness, and fierce dedication.
To be a successful performer, leader, or human being is to understand that every role, every rehearsal, every performance, every journey is about connection. But it might be more than that. It might be about love. Because sharing an experience, a moment, a laugh, an emotional connection – that’s sharing a kind of love.
Congratulations, Mackenzie — thank you for showing us what happens when talent, heart, and leadership come together onstage... and off, and for reminding us that the more you give, the more you have, and that the real magic of theatre lies not just in the roles we play, but in the spirit we bring to the stage — and to each other.
E N G L I S H
- Ms. Joanna Gerdy
Malena Lessa Class of 2026
Alex Haponik Class of 2026
Alexis Blanchette Class of 2026
U N I V E R S I T Y
B O O K A W A R D S
The Jefferson Book Award was established by the University of Virginia to recognize outstanding students during their junior year. The University of Virginia was founded in 1819 by Thomas Jefferson, who wished to establish a university with a truly national stature. In his own words, he hoped it would be a “temptation to the youth of other states to come and drink from the cup of knowledge and fraternize with us.” Davidson Day recognizes this year’s Jefferson Book Award recipient, Malena Lessa, as a student who embraces creativity and innovation and embodies the spirit of discovery, like Thomas Jefferson.
For more than 100 years, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, in conjunction with high schools around the world, has awarded the Rensselaer Medal to promising secondary school students who have distinguished themselves in mathematics and science. The Medal was first presented in 1916 with two purposes: to recognize the superlative academic achievement of young men and women, and to motivate students toward careers in science, engineering, and technology. This year’s Rensselaer Medal Award winner is Alex Haponik, who upholds the award’s focus on mathematical and scientific excellence.
The Harvard Book Prize Award Program was originated by Harvard alumni in 1910 in an effort to attract young, talented college-bound students to Harvard University. Students selected to receive the award must display excellence in scholarship, high character, and high achievement in extracurricular activities. This year’s winner of the Harvard Book Prize, Alexis Blanchette, exemplifies excellence and achievement.
Deanna Fiore Class of 2026
Phoebe Mann Class of 2026
Sophie McMahon
Class of 2026
The Saint Michael’s College Book Award for Academic Achievement & Social Conscience is awarded each year to high school juniors throughout the United States as well as internationally. The Book Award recognizes students’ academic success and exemplary community service involvement. This year’s recipient, Deanna Fiore, embodies many of Saint Michael’s principles in her altruistic community pursuits and academic expertise.
Bowdoin President Joseph McKeen wrote in 1802 that “institutions are founded and endowed for the common good, and not for the private advantage of those who resort to them for education.” The Bowdoin Book Award recognizes young people making valuable contributions to their communities and celebrates the immense promise among high school students today. This year’s recipient, Phoebe Mann, represents the award’s focus on community engagement and strong character.
The Suffolk University Book Award recipient is selected based on the founding principles that Gleason L. Archer set forth when establishing the University in 1906. Suffolk University seeks to prepare students to live in a diverse, global society, while also appreciating the richness of various cultures. Suffolk University still believes that education is a gift that should not be taken for granted. Sophie McMahon, this year’s recipient, exemplifies the award’s commitment to education and the school community.
Elizabeth Robinson Class of 2026
The University of Rochester is pleased to sponsor four prestigious awards that recognize high school juniors’ outstanding achievements in leadership and academics. The Frederick Douglass and Susan B. Anthony award is given to a student who demonstrates commitment to understanding and addressing difficult social issues, leadership, and dedication to community action. Further, the award endorses strong grades and rigorous courses taken in the humanities and social sciences. Elizabeth Robinson, this year’s recipient, embodies the award’s emphasis on leadership and achievement.
Kipenzi Perry Class of 2026
The Rachel Carson Healthy Planet Award will be awarded to one deserving student nominated from each high school across the United States and internationally who reflects the spirit of Rachel Carson in their dedication to sustainability and community development. Nominated students should have a strong focus on environmental ethics and engagement, social justice, leadership, and stewardship within their community and school. This year’s recipient, Kipenzi Perry, is a steward in her own right, and represents the award’s focus on global citizenship.
Parker Smith Class of 2026
The Honors College at George Mason University advances excellence by creating an inclusive and equitable space in which students with different perspectives can interact, learn from each other, and collaborate. George Mason’s Honors College reflects the diversity of the George Mason community and provides transformational opportunities to George Mason's most motivated and curious students of all backgrounds and areas of interest. Parker Smith, this year’s recipient, embodies George Mason’s vision of inclusive excellence in their schools and communities.
Designed for high school juniors, the Saint Lawrence Book Award honors students who have distinguished themselves in their commitment to some aspect of sustainability, conservation, climate change, or a related topic regarding environmental awareness and/or advocacy. Further, the award honors the achievements of a high school senior who has displayed a significant commitment to community service. This year’s recipient, Olivia Berkman, embodies the award’s commitment to a range of community outreach opportunities.
The Elmira College Key Award, sponsored by the Elmira College Alumni Association, has been awarded to students since 1935. An award of merit, the Key Award is presented to outstanding students in their junior year of high school or preparatory school. The award recognizes students for high academic achievement, leadership, citizenship, and participation in extracurricular activities. This year’s recipient, Deolu Akingbade, upholds the award’s promotion of good citizenship and a well-rounded approach to academics.
The University of Rochester is pleased to sponsor four prestigious awards that recognize high school juniors’ outstanding achievements in leadership and academics. The George Eastman Young Leaders Award highlights strong leadership experience at school and in the community, promotes high grades and challenging courses, and upholds extensive involvement in extracurricular activities. Molly Brown, this year’s recipient, embodies the award’s emphasis on community involvement and academic achievement.
Olivia Berkman Class of 2026
Deolu Akingbade Class of 2026
Molly Brown Class of 2026
J U N I O R M A R S H A L S
The role of Junior Marshal is an honor bestowed on the top academic students from the junior class. Junior Marshals serve as volunteers and help the Graduation Committee with all Commencement-related events. They play an especially important role in Commencement rehearsal and the Commencement ceremony.
The Class of 2026 Junior Marshals (in alphabetical order) are:
Cade Archer
Molly Brown
Brayden Gouge
Alexis Blanchette
Maryn Holden
Sophie Saunders
William Stevens
Deanna Fiore
S A L U T A T O R I A N
In the poem “The Summer Day”, Mary Oliver writes…Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life?
I have known Coral Benson since she was two years old at preschool with my daughter, and she’s basically family. So, these are the things you should know about Coral!
1. She likes to wear black, all black, so you might think she’s dark and brooding, but she is an absolute ray of sunshine. She lights up the room when she walks into it.
2. She is wicked smart, obviously, since she’s the salutatorian of this very exceptional class. But she’s never been focused on the grade. She’s curious about everything and genuinely loves learning.
3. She is sooo quick and hilarious and has the sharpest wit of anyone I know. And she’s had that since she was 7 years old.
4. She knows exactly who she is and doesn’t try to change to fit others’ expectations. She lives and finds joy in the present.
Coral, really glad you went to Chesterbrook Academy all those years ago, because it’s an honor to be a part of your one wild and precious life.
Coral will attend UNC-Chapel Hill this fall.
-Ms. Julie Brown
Coral Benson Class of 2025
V A L E D I C T O R I A N
Bernadette Baugh Class of 2025
Last week, after asking me to introduce her, Bernie admitted she was a little surprised to have earned this honor. She smiled and said her elective choice brought down her GPA— she could have taken another AP class. I had to laugh, since her elective was Yearbook, and I am her yearbook adviser.
Fortunately, that choice didn’t hinder her success. Bernie completed 12 rigorous AP classes and requirements for the Global Studies Diploma. She’s a member of the National Honor Society and Quill & Scroll, and has earned department awards in Math, Science, and World Language. She served four years on Student Government, including this year as SGA president, and has been a leader on the yearbook staff for four years, this year serving as editor-in-chief.
When she’s not studying, she’s dancing. She’s danced at Dance Davidson for 14 years, averaging 10 hours a week, spending 7 years in the company, with 32 performances (11 solos), and teaching the littles for 3 years.
This level of commitment to academics and activities comes with challenges—tight schedules, long nights, and constant high standards. Bernie faces it all with quiet strength, clarity of purpose, and maturity beyond her years. She is not only brilliant and driven but also calm under pressure and actively seeks out growth opportunities.
Bernadette will attend Duke University this fall.
-Ms. Tiffani Thomas
Each year, the Patriot Athletic Club (PAC) sponsors the selection of one female and one male Athlete of the Year recipient. Our student-athletes consistently reach high levels of achievement. Their spirit, determination and dedication are reflected daily, both on and off the field. They are the leaders at practice, the generals on the field, and are loyal to their teammates. The PAC Athlete of the Year Award, the highest award given in athletics at Davidson Day School, was created to honor the athletes who best demonstrate these qualities.
Matthew Doty Class of 2025
Matthew Dotty became the first Davidson Day student to achieve three Male Athlete of the Year awards at the 2025 Davidson Day annual sports Banquet. Achieving all conference status in cross country, and all state status in swimming, Matthew helped lead both teams to successful 2025 seasons. He was a two-time state champion in swimming and set a new 2A state record in the 100-yard breaststroke with a time of 55.68. Committed to study and swim at the United States Air Force Academy, Matthew exemplifies what it means to be a student athlete here at Davidson Day.
Also securing his third MVP honor for the swim team, Matthew will go down as not only one of the greatest swimmers to come through Davidson Day, but one of the greatest athletes to graduate from our school.
Congratulations, Matthew, on all your accomplishments both in the classroom and representing Davidson Day athletics. Your presence on the course and in the pool will be missed, but we look forward to watching your success as a Division One swimmer at the Academy!
Jordin Glass Class of 2025
It is my absolute honor, not just as a coach, but as her bonus mom, to present this year’s Female Athlete of the Year award to Jordin Glass.
Jordin embodies what it means to show up, compete, and leave it all on the court or field, regardless of the sport or the scoreboard. From the moment she joined the Davidson Day family as a freshman, she made an immediate impact not only with her athletic talent but with her discipline, work ethic, and relentless drive.
Jordin, I remember when you were a baby freshman and we’d constantly stress at home: don’t be a follower, be the standard. I can say without a doubt you’ve not only set the bar, but you’ve inspired others to rise to it. You've grown into a true leader.
You’ve left a lasting legacy at Davidson Day. Saying we’re proud doesn’t even begin to cover it. Watching you grow into the incredible athlete and young woman you are today has been one of my greatest blessings.
Now go make the next chapter even greater.
-Ms. Catherine Glass
-Mr. Corey Hedges
P R I D E O F A P A T R I O T
A W A R D
Given by the Athletic Department, the Pride of a Patriot Award recognizes a Davidson Day community member who distinguishes himself or herself in the athletic arena. This award may not necessarily find a recipient each year, because it does not simply measure conventional statistics, coveted awards, or game-winning highlights. Instead, it looks to the core of the candidate and measures their heart, their determination, their dedication, and their eagerness to play whatever role is needed for the good of the team, the program, and the school. The ideal candidate is a person who demonstrates the true pride of a Patriot by vigorously supporting Davidson Day School athletics.
Anthony Rogers Class of 2025
This year’s recipient played many roles in his DDS career. I’ve included several thoughts from all of his coaches...
He’s played many roles—team MVP, glue guy, and development player—each one with humility, purpose, and a team-first mindset. He missed tryouts this season while competing in the basketball playoffs, but quietly came out the following week, earned his spot, and got to work— no complaints, no excuses.
He’s willingly played behind younger teammates, always leading with character and setting the standard for how to represent this program. Two years ago, he was our team MVP. And when his role shifted, he accepted it with grace—playing a critical part in our 2024 state championship run and again this year in our journey to the Final Four.
One of his standout moments this season came after a difficult loss, when he challenged his teammates to play the right way and play together —a powerful message from someone who knows what it takes to win. What makes him special isn’t just what he does on the field—it’s how he carries himself off of it. His quiet strength, steady leadership, and genuine joy make him a person others naturally follow. He understands you don’t need a patch or an armband to be a leader.
-Mr. Brad Laatsch
Caroline Alexander Class of 2025
This young lady exemplifies commitment, heart, determination, and selflessness—consistently putting the team, the school, and the Davidson Day athletic community above herself. She is a true leader in every sense of the word, serving as a multi-year captain on two different teams: volleyball and soccer.
She leads with intensity, voice, and an unshakable team-first mindset. What she may lack in height, she more than makes up for in energy, tenacity, and heart—not an easy feat in her soccer position, where size, speed, and physicality often make the difference.
She has a rare ability to bounce back from mistakes without hesitation, always lifting her teammates and keeping the focus on what’s next. She leads with positivity, grit, and genuine care for everyone around her. It’s not uncommon for her to take responsibility for others’ mistakes—because true leaders understand the buck stops with them. Yesterday, at the state finals in sweltering heat, despite exhaustion, she implored and willed her team to win during regulation and through four overtime periods.
Her presence is electric, her leadership undeniable, and her heart completely invested in this community. This student-athlete is the definition of what it means to represent Davidson Day with pride.
-Mr. Brad Laatsch
The recipient of this award exemplifies the three pillars – academics, athletics and the arts – that make Davidson Day School the premier independent school in the Lake Norman community and celebrates Karen Wolter's dedication to Davidson Day School as a board member, donor and visionary driver of change. She is a senior who has achieved in all areas of student life (academics, athletics and the arts), is respected by the Davidson Day School community, and is worthy of emulation by peers. Students must meet eligibility in each of the achievement areas – academic, athletics and the arts. The recipient of the award is determined by the Upper School faculty.
Ada Brown Class of 2025
The recipient Award is Ada Brown
Curious, focused, and fearless, Ada is a young person who cannot be labeled as a singular talent. Ada is a gifted performer, sharing her voice and shining on the stage of musicals and the Contemporary Ensemble Athletically, Ada is a member of the three-time state championship varsity soccer team. In the classroom, Ada’s quiet confidence has been lauded by our faculty, and her preference to favor academic collaboration over competition proves she engages ideas for the sake of understanding Ada combines grit with grace; she is not just an artist, not just an athlete, not just a scholar. She is Ada Brown, a future student at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and the winner of the 2025 Karen Wolter Award for Student Excellence. Congratulations, Ada Brown!
Ada is authentic, kind, positive, humble, and empathetic. She is a young woman of true character. Ada has a tremendous sense of who she is. Ada is genuine with everyone she encounters. Her personality is warm and inviting-others want to be around her She is an old soul, mature beyond her years. She is also the first to volunteer to help others with problems in class. Ada has been an integral part of our very successful soccer program. She is the quintessential 'team over self' player, consistently looking to get others involved
Mr. Andrew Bishop & Mr. Brad Laatsch.
H E A D O F S C H O O L ' S A W A R D
The recipients of this award are characteristically an inspiration to both students and faculty. They consistently demonstrates a passion for learning, a strong sense of social responsibility, and a commitment to personal integrity. The recipients of the award are determined by the Upper School faculty.
Matthew Doty Class of 2025
Pippa Hingst Class of 2025
The recipient Head of School's Award is Matthew Doty.
Matthew will be attending the United Air Force Academy, whose motto is "Integrity First, Service Before Self, Excellence in All We Do.” Matthew is deeply reflective, disciplined, and analytical. He has set school and state records in the pool, and he has paid it forward by taking time to mentor those who follow in his path. As a student, Matthew craves feedback instead of the correct answer compromise; as a human, Matthew prefers service over the spotlight. We thank him in advance for his service, and under his watch, we know that the virtues of Davidson Day will be protected.
By the end of the academic year, Matthew would show up after school with some challenging math problems that he had found on the internet and ask me to help him figure them out. There was one in particular that I could not solve - we were both drowning! And quite frankly, I quit (a terrible example for a teacher!), but Matthew kept working on it, kicked a little harder, and figured out a solution. After 37 years of teaching mathematics, that was a new experience for me, as it was to have such a phenomenal young man in my class.
Mr. Andrew Bishop & Ms. Cadilla Sayres
The recipient Head of School's Award is Pippa Hingst.
Pippa is exceptionally diligent, genuine, as well as warm, and multitalented. From sports (lacrosse, tennis, and volleyball) to co-curriculars — yearbook and service club–Pippa always gives her best and lends a smile that makes others want to engage. Cultural competency is a 21st-century skill, and Pippa has it in spades. Pippa has traveled to Spain and Belize via AFAR and will be awarded a Global Studies Diploma. A hero of mine, Arch Bishop Desmond Tutu said, “do your little bit of good where you are; it’s the little bits of good put together that overwhelm the world.” Pippa, you have rained down bits of good on our campus, and we know you will do the same next year at Wake Forest University.
Pippa's academic curiosity has matured and evolved. She raises poignant questions that link key concepts. Pippa comes to class prepared, and I am shocked by her ability to create connections among subjects. Pippa has a great desire to learn and grow from every experience. Her dedication and demeanor improve others around her as she finds ways to make every moment meaningful in the classroom or on the lacrosse field.
Mr. Andrew Bishop & Ms. Amy Kivett
