Barbara Lisanne Ayers Memorial Award for Outstanding Scholarship

TheBarbaraLisanneAyersMemorialAwardforOutstandingScholarshipispresentedannuallytothat memberofthegraduatingclasswho,throughouttheircareeratPortledge,hasbestexemplifiedthe characterandachievementofBarbaraLisanneAyers(Classof1977)throughprofounddevotionto learningtogetherwithaconsistentlyhighlevelofacademicaccomplishment.

Thisyear,twostudentsarehonoredwiththisaward.

LUKE FOLEY

Our first recipient is beloved by his teachers for his constant enthusiasm and quick-witted responses. He has attempted a wide variety of courses, continuously challenging himself throughout his Upper School career. A consistent member of theatre productions, a key member of the jazz band, an International Baccalaureate Diploma candidate, a member of Cum Laude, and this year he received the distinction of being a National Merit Scholarship Finalist. This student epitomizes the deeding of this award as his advisor most aptly put it “I can say without a doubt I have never had a student so responsible, independent, confident, and comfortable with himself as Luke. In the classroom, Luke continued to challenge himself through his studies, and his efforts were met with consistent success.” The first recipient of the Barbara Lisanne Ayers Award is Luke Foley.

Our second recipient noted in her application to Portledge that “A good teacher allows their students to explore the world around them and inspires them to learn.” Upon entering the Middle School, she definitely seemed to sample as many teachers as she could to test her sentiment; cartooning, broadcast journalism, theatre arts, and, of course, band. Her motivation as she transitioned to the Upper School led to a pursuit of AP and IB courses, becoming a fixture on the drums in the jazz band, and garnering an authentic respect from her teachers for her diligence and kindhearted manner. Her motivation to continually work hard to gain the confidence necessary to take chances highlights her overall love of learning. It is our distinct pleasure to recognize Sydney Rodriquez-Kong with the Barbara Lisanne Ayers Award.