Portledge Bowl
Slanetz Award
Barbara Lisanne Ayers Memorial Award for Outstanding Scholarship
Head of School Awards
Senior Class Award
Senior Athletic Awards
Student Council Award
Senior Project Awards
Cum Laude Society
International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme
STEAM Scholars
Art Scholars
Portledge Language Honor Society
Community Service
Educational Technology & Computer Science
English
History Department
Mathematics
Music
Science
Theatre
Visual
This distinction is awarded by the Board of Trustees upon the vote of the faculty to “that senior who best exemplifies the character and values Portledge holds in the highest esteem,” and is widely regarded as the most distinguished recognition awarded at Portledge School.
This year, we have two such students receiving this award:
When the faculty was discussing possible Portledge Bowl awards, and this winner was mentioned, a theme emerged: “She’s just everywhere!” She has only spent the last four years of her life on this campus, but seems as much a part of this place as the Portledge Crest, Blue White Day, and Mr. Owen-Williams’ Welsh accent. Ms. Paik notes that her keen ability to spot and interpret the complexities of a text “feeds her already-strong tendency to identify with characters' emotions and feel the story's real-life significance." This insight into her depth of understanding adds another layer to her impressive academic profile. A visible student ambassador, a powerful force in student government, and a key driver of improvements within the Black Student Union, her impactful presence extends to leading school musicals, captaining the Girls
Varsity Volleyball team, Blue White Captain, Peer Leader, and serving as the "voice of Portledge" for admissions. From a reserved ninth-grader, Joie has blossomed into a confident leader and change-maker, thriving on academic challenges like the rigorous IB Diploma Programme. Ms. Crowley emphasizes that beneath her happy exterior lies "a whole lot of grit, ambition, determination, and 'can-do' spirit...she is the real deal and an absolute gem.” At Portledge, we teach the pillars of Kindness, Honor, Purpose, and Respect, but it’s this student who walks the hallways reteaching and reminding us of those values by her behavior. Mr. Schwartz adds that Joie “lights up every room she enters without dimming” the shine of others. An absolute gem indeed, she’ll be attending Cornell University in the fall, and it is my sincere pleasure to present the Portledge Bowl to Joie Jean-Paul!
This distinction is awarded by the Board of Trustees upon the vote of the faculty to “that senior who best exemplifies the character and values Portledge holds in the highest esteem,” and is widely regarded as the most distinguished recognition awarded at Portledge School.
This year, we have two such students receiving this award:
Ms. Douglas notes that she has an "unparalleled maturity for a high school student balanced with a high level of relatability to her peers," and has an unassuming but direct approach. The top student in IB Biology last year, Ms. Chiu, notes that she “embraces the complex and intricate nature of biology and uses her strong study skills to learn about each topic while having the ability to intertwine the concepts to develop deeper learning. She excelled at the units involving biochemistry and anatomy through her ability to memorize large amounts of information in a short time and then remember and connect the biochemistry to human systems.” But Ms. Paik simply says, "Ellis is just cool. Cool-headed, cool as a cucumber, and cool in the sense that you really want to know her and listen to her talk about her many interests."
At Portledge, we speak of nurturing natural leaders—those who are willing to stand up and speak out for what they believe in. Ellis embodies this to her core. Mr. Lameiro and Mr. Corby described her as "Bold, Action-oriented, and Principled," someone who "does not shy away from the difficult conversation, but thirsts for it." Her high capacity and capability in and outside the classroom have been a constant source of admiration. Mr. Nelson from our Robotics program recalls Ellis saying, "Sure, but I really don't know how to" when asked to help with coding. He then proudly states that "...by the end of the season, she was confidently collaborating on driver-controlled and autonomous programs that consistently scored well in competition matches, helping the team to earn a number of awards." Academically, Ellis is a powerhouse, a driven student and Cum Laude inductee with numerous awards. But she’s equally impactful beyond her studies. A four-year member of Girls Varsity Tennis, founder of our Red Cross Club, and a significant contributor to our Theatre program, she brings dedication to every endeavor. As one of our Peer Leaders, she consistently demonstrates her "super-chill" and non-judgmental nature, creating an environment where "you don't have to worry about judgment or tension when you interact with her." Ms. Damm adds that she helped coordinate Portledge School’s most successful blood drive to date. Her genuine desire to help others was highlighted by her commitment to these blood drives, and if they are any indication of what she can do, the world needs more Ellis. Cool indeed, she’ll be attending Northeastern University in the fall, and it is my sincere pleasure to present the Portledge Bowl to Ellis Rosenberg!
The Slanetz Award is awarded to that member or members of the Senior Class whose academic record shows the highest level of achievement throughout his or her sophomore, junior, and senior years at Portledge, and is given in the hope that this scholar will apply his/her intellectual ability to the improvement of the human condition and for the well-being of others.
This year, we have two such students receiving this award:
This Slanetz Award winner has made an overwhelmingly positive impact on our school. A peer leader and Student Ambassador, this student has a true love of math, and according to Ms. Chiu, would come in every day before biology class and write complicated math problems on the board with great enthusiasm. Mr. Corby shared that Ajay's dedication extends to extensive research projects, including those involving Gamma and X-Ray radiation. Ms. Paik points out that Ajay “approaches everything with incredible thoroughness, not resting until he achieves a complete, holistic understanding. His learning isn't just for the sake of it; Ajay is driven by a desire to become an effective global citizen”... and to understand “the world's systems and workings as deeply as possible. He wants to make sense of things... whether it’s in our IB
Economics class, as he explored the negative production externalities of cocoa production in Ghana and the Ivory Coast, or in his formidable work as a head lawyer in Mock Trial. Beyond his academic achievements, he also dedicates himself to playing cricket at a very high level. Along with his sister, he will be attending UCLA in the fall, and it is with great pleasure that I present this year’s Slanetz Award to Ajay Khandelwal.
TheSlanetzAwardisawardedtothatmemberormembersoftheSeniorClasswhoseacademicrecord showsthehighestlevelofachievementthroughouthisorhersophomore,junior,andsenioryearsat Portledge,andisgiveninthehopethatthisscholarwillapplyhis/herintellectualabilitytothe improvementofthehumanconditionandforthewell-beingofothers.
Thisyear,wehavetwosuchstudentsreceivingthisaward:
Inninthgrade,Ms.Chiucalledher“aninquireratthecore,”where her design of a unique and quite messy experiment with multiple trials in her biology research class was exemplary. On the mock trial team, she routinely memorized 10-minute closing statements, delivering them with enthusiasm and dramatic flair, earning compliments from seasoned judges who said she was better than lawyers they regularly see. Mr. Corby highlights a unique paper she wrote recently that brilliantly connected a mock trial argument to mathematical induction logic, showcasing the interdisciplinary thinking we want every student to leave with. Audiences raved about Kajal's "dramaturg" work for The Wolves, where she researched the play's time period, bringing up controversial topics andhelpingactorsconnectwiththematerial.
According to Ms. Groden, she was better at being "James Lipton" than James Lipton himself, masterfully crafting questions that gave insight into the students' acting journey, seeming more like a visiting artist from a university than a high school student. Ms. Paik notes that Kajal doesn't just appreciate opportunities to learn; she exudes deep gratitude for these chances, treating them as precious gifts. She’ll be attending UCLA in the fall, and it is with great pleasure that I present this year’sSlanetzAwardtoKajalKhandelwal.
TheBarbaraLisanneAyersMemorialAwardforOutstandingScholarshipispresentedannuallytothat memberofthegraduatingclasswho,throughouttheircareeratPortledge,hasbestexemplifiedthe characterandachievementofBarbaraLisanneAyers(Classof1977)throughprofounddevotionto learning,togetherwithaconsistentlyhighlevelofacademicaccomplishment.
Oftentimes, when I write these comments, I recruit the help of the student’s current and past teachers, and this student was no different.
Except that when I came across his folder, I realized that no one could say it better than his mom. In 2016, as he applied to be a Portledge fourth grader entering in the fall of 2017, she said, “As long as we can remember, (our son) has always been a delightful, outgoing, extremely bright young boy who approaches new people and situations with ease and comfort...Jeremy thrives on knowledge in any subject and loves to be challenged.” Well, one skipped grade and over eight years later, it’s fair to say she knows her son pretty well. A good friend, empathetic, and ethical to his core, Mr. Lameiro points out that he “takes our school mission and pillars seriously” and is our “best representation of the Honor Council.”
Jeremy’s true calling seems to be research. According to Ms. Chiu, his research was “focused on the effect of urbanization on fungi and lichen biodiversity on Long Island, and it included experimental design, collection of samples in the field, DNA isolation and PCR analysis of the specimens, and analysis of DNA sequences using bioinformatics...eventually presenting his findings at the Long Island Barcoding Symposium at Cold Spring Harbor Laboratories.” Mr. Laflair adds: Jeremy is “the most talented chess player in the school’s history and the first student likely to achieve the highly coveted US National Chess Master title...he’s the consummate team player in both squash and chess, always eager to assist his peers.” He’ll be attending Williams College in the fall, and it is with great pleasure that I present the Barbara Lisanne Ayers Memorial Award for Outstanding Scholarship to Jeremy Ratner.
The Head of School awards are divided into four categories, each reflecting one of the Portledge Pillars of Kindness, Honor, Purpose, and Respect.
In every community, there are rare souls whose influence hums softly slightly beneath the surface, not seeking applause, but transforming the atmosphere around them with gentleness, insight, and grace. This student is such a soul. She possesses the quiet majesty of kindness fused with an unwavering sense of purpose. A radiant presence within her grade, she is one of its unsung heroines —a person who lifts those around her not with spectacle, but with compassion, sincere encouragement, and the unassuming elegance of someone who truly sees others. Her warmth makes people feel noticed, valued, and quietly empowered. In the classroom and studio alike, she leads not by taking space, but by making it— offering others room to step forward while continually pushing herself to deepen, refine, and evolve.
In her visual art, we witness more than just talent; we encounter a mind reaching ever outward and inward, pursuing not perfection but understanding. As Georgia O’Keeffe once said, “To create one's world in any of the arts takes courage.” This student lives that courage, not loudly, but luminously. She doesn’t strive for recognition; she strives for meaning. And in doing so, she offers a living example of leadership that is thoughtful, generous, and quietly transformative.
CongratulationstoGeorgiaDorrianonreceivingtheHeadofSchoolAwardforKindness.
The Head of School awards are divided into four categories, each reflecting one of the Portledge Pillars of Kindness, Honor, Purpose, and Respect.
Some students lead not with volume, but with presence—a presence rooted in honor, humility, and quiet strength. This student shows up every day with kindness, grit, and integrity—dependable in every sense of the word. Whether on the field or in the classroom, he brings his full self to the task at hand: open to feedback, committed to doing his best, and always grounded in a strong sense of who he is and what he stands for. His honor is not performative —it’s practiced. He does what’s right not to be seen, but because it aligns with the core of his character. This year, I had the privilege of teaching him in IB Economics SL, where he was an outstanding student—deeply engaged, curious, and consistently thoughtful in his contributions. His work reflected not only academic ability, but also a sincere interest in understanding how systems work and how
people are affected by them—an uncommon trait, and a meaningful one. Beyond academics and athletics, this student demonstrates a steady willingness to do what is right, even when it’s not easy —to speak kindly, to act with purpose, and to embody the spirit of the school in its most positive manifestations: generosity, resilience, sportsmanship, and grace. As lacrosse great Paul Rabil once said, “Lacrosse is what you do. Being a great teammate is who you are.” And that distinction is clear in him—on the field, in the classroom, and in our community. But in a 50/50 battle for ball possession at a lacrosse face-off, my money is with him!
CongratulationstoWilderFinkelonreceivingtheHeadofSchoolAwardforHonor.
The Head of School awards are divided into four categories, each reflecting one of the Portledge Pillars of Kindness, Honor, Purpose, and Respect.
Some students distinguish themselves not with loud declarations, but with a steady, disciplined presence—a quiet commitment to doing things well, and doing them right. This student’s sense of purpose is constant and deeply felt, even in the midst of a demanding schedule. Whether preparing for a competition on the golf course or discussing monetary policy in the classroom, he brings the same mindset: focused, engaged, and self-directed. He holds himself to high standards—not for the sake of appearance or perfection, but because he understands something essential: that growth is a personal responsibility. In IB Economics, he consistently seeks opportunities to go deeper. I recall one moment —after a particularly complex lesson on macroeconomic equilibrium—when he lingered behind to ask questions, not for a
grade, but for clarity. His goal wasn’t just to “get it right,” but to truly understand the why. It’s in these moments that his quiet excellence shines brightest. As Viktor Frankl once said, “When we are no longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves.” This student takes that challenge seriously. He adapts, reflects, and improves—driven not by external pressure, but by a sincere internal compass. He is the kind of student who meets every obligation with calm, thoughtful effort. He plans, communicates, and follows through. In doing so, he builds not only trust, but quiet influence. Today, we honor a student whose diligence, humility, intellectual curiosity and sense of purpose set a lasting example. And wish all the best a one of only two students in the history of our school to qualify for the federation golf tournament!
CongratulationstoBenjaminBushonreceivingtheHeadofSchoolAwardforPurpose.
The Head of School awards are divided into four categories, each reflecting one of the Portledge Pillars of Kindness, Honor, Purpose, and Respect.
There are students who excel—and then there are those whose excellence elevates others, simply by the way they move through the world. This student’s presence is unmistakable: she enters each space with the kind of purposefulness that radiates outward, creating warmth, safety, and trust. Her smile is genuine. Her thoughtfulness is instinctive. And her reliability is deeply felt—not just by her friends, but by teachers, teammates, mentors, and peers alike. She is, quite simply, someone others turn to—because she listens, she shows up, and she leads with empathy. She manages multiple roles with remarkable grace: harmonizing in Select Chorus, giving campus tours that leave lasting impressions, supporting peers behind the scenes, and guiding a team with integrity. She doesn’t take these roles lightly—she approaches each
with purpose and with a deep respect for the people around her. What makes her leadership truly exceptional is its honesty. She has spoken openly about the need for balance, not as a retreat, but as a courageous act of self-awareness. She reminds us that being whole is more important than being perfect. As James Baldwin wrote, “You have to go the way your blood beats. If you don't live the only life you have, you won't live some other life—you won't live any life at all.” This student walks that path with clarity and quiet confidence, choosing purpose over pressure, and authenticity over applause. She exemplifies the truth that self-respect and compassion are not separate virtues, but deeply connected expressions of integrity. We are proud to honor a student whose character shines through every act, every choice, and every conversation.
CongratulationstoChelseaHollingsworthonreceivingtheHeadofSchoolAwardforPurpose.
The Head of School awards are divided into four categories, each reflecting one of the Portledge Pillars of Kindness, Honor, Purpose, and Respect.
Some students move through a community with bravado, while others shape it with steadfast rectitude. This student has grown up within the Portledge community—not simply attending school here, but becoming a trusted thread in its fabric. Over the years, he has become one of our most dependable and quietly powerful presences, someone whose impact is felt not because he asks to be seen, but because of the integrity and kindness he brings to each interaction. On the field, on the court, or simply walking through the hallway, he leads through action, uplifting teammates and classmates through consistent thoughtfulness, humble determination, and a maturity that speaks louder than words ever could. His proud and deep Grenadian heritage informs his grounded presence, giving him a quiet confidence and warmth that others are naturally drawn to.
And in a gesture that says everything about his character, he once took it upon himself to learn a few words of Welsh—not because he had to, but simply to build a connection and show the importance of intercultural awareness. That act, like so many of his others, was done without fanfare—a small, meaningful bridge between people. As Maya Angelou reminds us, “People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” This student makes those around him feel seen, safe, and respected. He’s the kind of person you want on your team, in your class, and in your community.
CongratulationstoJeremyCoxonreceivingtheHeadofSchoolAwardforRespect.
The Head of School awards are divided into four categories, each reflecting one of the Portledge Pillars of Kindness, Honor, Purpose, and Respect.
It is with deep admiration that we recognize this exceptionally talented student as this year’s recipient of the Respect Pillar Award —not because she asks to be seen, but because her inner strength makes her elevate interactions with each step she takes in this community. Each morning, this student offers a warm, irradiated smile—a simple gesture, repeated with sincerity—setting a tone of kindness, humility, and grace. She enters our spaces not to impress, but to connect. She consistently demonstrates a deep-rooted commitment to making good choices, not to nourish illusions, but because she holds herself to a standard shaped by gratitude, strong family values, and an unwavering sense of right. She reflects what educator William Bennett once said: “A true hero isn’t measured by the size of their strength, but by the strength of their heart.” This
person lives this truth daily—quietly, consistently, and with integrity. In her thoughtful decisions, respectful interactions, and grounded presence, she reveals a maturity beyond her years. Her senior project to find an artist space to curate artwork capturing the cause of women’s empowerment in NYC stems from her deeply held convictions around equity and social justice; creatively giving life to an idea. She does not seek attention; she earns our recognition through the dignity of her actions by respecting others, respecting her environment and the strength of her self-respect. As the writer John Wooden said, “Respect is earned. Honesty is appreciated. Trust is gained. Loyalty is returned.” This student exemplifies all of these—and does so with gratitude, humility, and a kind of quiet leadership that truly deserves to be honored. It has been a true pleasure knowing her over the years.
CongratulationstoGwenMeyeronreceivingtheHeadofSchoolAwardforRespect.
TheSeniorClassAward,uponvoteoftheseniorclassmembers,andaffirmationofthefaculty,is presentedtothatmemberofthegraduatingclasswhodemonstratesahighdegreeofkindnessand generositytowardsfriends,faculty,andthePortledgecommunity.
Senior Athletic Awards are presented in recognition of overall contribution to the school’s athletic program through outstanding effort on behalf of team play and sportsmanship, and excellence in a number of athletic endeavors. Two students earned this award for 2024-2025.
ALEC BAGHDASSARIAN
The first recipient of the 2024-25 Senior Athletic Award is a student-athlete who has distinguished himself through excellence both in the classroom and across multiple athletic fields. Over the past four years, I’ve had the privilege of witnessing firsthand his unwavering dedication, strong leadership, and determined spirit— all of which have played a vital role in the success and development of the teams he represented. A three-sport athlete, he embodies commitment, resilience, and athletic versatility. In the fall, he was a key member of our soccer program. His coach shared, “He was someone we valued immensely. During his varsity career, he was asked to play a range of positions, and he always stepped up— without hesitation—wherever we needed him. He led by example, both on and off the field, and kept us competitive with his exceptional goalkeeping and steady leadership. He will be sorely missed.” During the winter season, he continued to lead as a standout player in our boys' hockey program. Coach Beaton noted, “He was a vocal leader and an on-ice presence, even stepping into goal when the team needed him most. His ability to move the puck and his strong vision made him a key contributor in all areas of the game. He brought a positive attitude and tireless work ethic to every practice and every game, always remaining coachable and committed.” In the spring, he capped off his senior year as a dedicated member of the boys’ lacrosse program. Coach Haworth reflected, “Over the past four years, he has been instrumental to the success of our program. As a captain, he consistently led by example—whether during drills, in the heat of a game, or by being the last one off the field, making sure everything was cleaned up. He will certainly be missed, but he truly represents the spirit of a Portledge student-athlete.” It has been an absolute pleasure to coach and to witness the growth and maturity of this remarkable student-athlete. He was a joy to watch on the field, but even more rewarding was getting to know the exceptional person he is off the field. I am excited to see all that you will achieve at Providence College and beyond. While we will certainly miss you, your legacy and impact on this campus will remain for years to come. The first recipient of the Senior Athletic Award is Alec Baghdassarian.
Senior Athletic Awards are presented in recognition of overall contribution to the school’s athletic program through outstanding effort on behalf of team play and sportsmanship, and excellence in a number of athletic endeavors. Two students earned this award for 2024-2025.
MADELYN JELLOE
The second recipient of the Senior Athletic Award is someone who is one of the best athletes to ever walk the halls here at Portledge School. Since I have been here, I have seen very few athletes who have been as well-rounded as this athlete. Whether it be the soccer pitch, the basketball court, or the lacrosse field, her presence was felt as soon as she stepped foot on it. Her soccer coach described her as “the greatest goalkeeper in program history, but an even better teammate and leader.” Every time she was in net, the team felt it had a good chance of winning, and she gave them the confidence and support needed to challenge these large independent schools. In addition to her athleticism in the net, she had the type of kick that was a legitimate weapon and could switch the field in the blink of an eye. I guess that’s why she’s going on to play Division 1 soccer at Colgate University! Her basketball coaches talked about her resiliency as she battled through injury throughout her career on the court. When Coach Becker met her, she knew she needed to get shoulder surgery soon and could only play in three games. During that time frame, she scored 75 points and physically could not be stopped by opposing defenses. This year, when she stepped back onto the court, with so much talent around her, she took on a different role and made her presence known elsewhere. Whether it be crashing the boards or shutting down the other team's best player, she made an impact in every game. That poor point guard from LWA is still having nightmares about having to get around the “Mad Dawg.” Without her in that game on the defensive end and her clutch shots, we may not have won the PSAA Championship. Her last sport is lacrosse, and her coaches echoed her leadership and cool, calm, and collected demeanor. It takes a different breed of athlete to play goalie in lacrosse, and “she stood tall in front of more than a plethora of shots from some of NYSAIS' best” and helped keep the team in many of their games. Their coaches also noted that “she will be missed, surely because of her skills, more notably as a result of her continuous can-do attitude.” Also, when she finally got the chance to play out of the net this season, wouldn’t you guess that she scored two goals! I have a personal connection with this athlete as I have the esteemed honor of being her advisor. Four years was simply not enough time spent together, and Portledge will truly miss you for not just who you are as an athlete, but for who you are as a person as well. It will also be super weird for me not to hear “What’s up, Ginger!” every time you step foot in my office, too. The second recipient of the Senior Athletic Award is Maddy Jelloe.
TheStudentCouncilAwardispresented,uponvoteoftheCouncilmembers,tothatstudentwho hasdisplayedoutstandingschoolspiritandacommitmenttothePortledgecommunitythroughout theirinvolvementinacademics,communityservice,athleticsandextracurricularactivities.
Lia’s passion project of creating jewelry to sell, with the purpose of raising money for an important foundation, Penny’s Flight which helpsfundresearchforneurofibromatosis(NF),whilehonoringone of our former students and her dear friend Penny Doerge is a testament to Lia’s dedication but also highlights the Portledge PillarsofHonorandPurpose.CongratulationsLia.
Recognizing the need for more community involvement around filmmaking,Julescreatedafilmfestivalrighthereoncampus!Asa student who will be following this passion at NYU next year, Jules encouraged others to submit shorts and then invited students, family members, and faculty to attend a viewing. Each filmmaker presented their works with poise and invited feedback. Jules’s passion for film is authentic and helped make this event, while smallinitsinauguralyear,asuccess!
Joshua created a local program to educate young students on engineering through fun learning LEGO-based projects through Hewlett Library, exposing them to something that is one of his passions, but became much more. Josh learned a lot about himself by having to take knowledge that is easy for him and make it accessible to younger students, becoming a true teacher, and learning that through teaching, we learn best. Great work, Josh!
With a sincere desire to express his desire to not only celebrate this senior class but to continue the strong relationships he has made over his seven years at Portledge, Elan composed the song “Roll ‘Ledge”. Elan notes that “he is not always great at communicating,” but music allows him to express himself more authentically. Thank you, Elan, for translating your passion for music and this community into such a touching tribute.
To highlight their authentic love of soccer, Maddy and Martin worked with students in the Lower School consistently all year to teach our youngest students not only about the rules of soccer but, more importantly, good sportsmanship.
To show appreciation for his former school, Sebastian sought to create an accessible outdoor learning space for future students and teachers, hoping to instill a love of the outdoors in them. Through fundraising and donations, he far surpassed any monetary goal that the project resources required, and donated the remainder of the money directly to the school. Congratulations, Sebastian!
Modeled on Phi Beta Kappa, the Cum Laude Society strictly regulates the standards of each school chapter and establishes precise limits on the number of students that can be admitted. The requirements to be considered for Cum Laude are rigorous and highly selective. Students must achieve at the highest level in the most demanding curriculum offered at the school. Character matters. Student conduct is reviewed and discussed, and attention is paid to a variety of standards before final approval is given. The total number of inductees must not exceed 20% of a senior class, and 10% can be inducted as juniors. The Cum Laude Society induction ceremony was held on April 16, 2025, when the following students were inducted.
These students took a rigorous course load of International Baccalaureate classes in their junior and senior years in order to become a part of the globally-heralded program that is recognized by top colleges and universities around the world. They will receive the results of their examinations and diplomas from the IB this summer.
The STEAM Scholar Program is a planned, multi-year course of study in Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math. Throughout this program, students pursue their passions and interests by completing approved courses in these fields. These students have demonstrated a high capacity for critical thinking, problem-solving, creativity, and an initiative to be both contributors to and influential in a technological society.
The Arts Scholars program is a multi-year planned program of study in the Performing, Theatre, or Visual Arts. Students must participate and excel in various courses and performances in order to be recognized as an Arts Scholar.
ThePortledgeWorldLanguages&CulturesDepartmenthadthehonorofcelebratingitsinduction ceremonyofstudentsintothePortledgeLanguageHonorSocietyonApril9thisyear.Studentswere inductedfordemonstratingtheirloveandappreciationforlearningaboutlanguagesandcultureswhile emphasizingcommunityserviceandleadership,whicharekeycomponentstobeingatrueglobalcitizen.
Thefollowingstudentswereinducted: French
EveryUpperSchoolstudentisexpectedtoparticipateintheannualservicetrips,yetsomeof ourstudentsstillgoaboveandbeyondthisminimumrequirement.Werecognizethosestudents whohavefarsurpassedthatgoalthisyear:
Students who completed more than 50 hours of community service:
Students who completed more than 100 hours of community service:
Civic Ambassador Award from Letitia James New York State Attorney General
Awarded for passion and knowledge for civics and government.
Triple "C" Awards from Letitia James New York State Attorney General
Awarded for Committment, Character, and Courage.
Ninth-Grade Educational Technology & Computer Science Academic Excellence
The Educational Technology and Computer Science Department’s Academic Excellence Award for ninth grade goes to a student enrolled in Computer Science Principles, Website Design, and Robotics courses who achieved academic success in all areas! This quiet, dedicated student expertly worked through challenges and tasks throughout the year. On various assignments, this student would complete the required task and then either take on additional, bonus challenges or explore ways to enhance their projects. The Educational Technology and Computer Science Department’s Academic Excellence Award in ninthgradegoestoChaseHsu.
Ninth-Grade Educational Technology & Computer Science Love of Learning
This student explored various areas of computer science by taking the Computer Science Principles course and dove into engineering in Robotics. They applied themselves in class, and when they completed the requirements on an assignment in CSP, they looked for ways to incorporate additional aspects into their work. This often required them to explore more deeply into the JavaScript syntax, and would inspire thoughtful questions. This dedication to growing their understanding showed a commitment to their learning and demonstrated their deep interest in the course material. The Educational Technology and Computer Science Department’s Love of LearningAwardinninthgradegoestoAustinHatwood.
Tenth-Grade Educational Technology & Computer Science Academic Excellence
Expertly working through assignments and tasks, this year’s recipient of the Educational Technology and Computer Science Department’s Academic Excellence Award for tenth grade goes to a student enrolled in AP Computer Science A. They achieved academic success in all areas of the course. On many assignments in AP CSA, this student would complete the assigned task and then take on additional, bonus challengestodeepentheirunderstandingandsharpentheirskills.This student produced solid work on their coding assignments, showing a confident understanding of Java syntax. The Educational Technology and Computer Science Academic Excellence Award in tenth grade goestoFatemahKhalfan.
Tenth-Grade Educational Technology & Computer Science Love of Learning
This animated and curious student has shown a love of learning and dedicationtoexploringComputerScienceandEngineeringthroughout the year in AP Computer Science A and Robotics. They were always excitedforclassanddoveintoassignments.Whentheygotstuck,they would come to extra help sessions to explore the topic and improve their skills. Whenever a question was asked, they would enthusiastically offer a response. The Robotics program was enriched by their participation in the program. The Educational Technology and Computer Science Love of Learning Award in tenth grade goes to HugoHyatt.
Eleventh-Grade Educational Technology & Computer Science Academic Excellence
This student has continued to display a high degree of focus on and enthusiasm for the Computer Science, Engineering, and Technical subjects. Their dedication to understanding the material in both the Robotics 3 and IB Digital Society courses is commendable. In Robotics, the student would come to weekend build sessions to actively contribute to the development of their team’s competition robot. And even when they were out for an extended time, they found ways to still be part of the team. They were always an active voice in IBDigitalSocietyandcompletedalloftheirassignmentsthoughtfully. The Educational Technology and Computer Science Academic ExcellenceAwardineleventhgradegoestoSkylarFriedman.
Eleventh-Grade Educational Technology & Computer Science Love of Learning
Quietly working through assignments and tasks, this year’s recipient of the Educational Technology and Computer Science Department’s Love ofLearningAwardfor11thgradegoestoastudentwhotookIBDigital Society. They achieved academic success in all areas of the course. Every day, this student was ready to participate in class and enjoyed exploring beyond the surface of our topics. Not only was there diligence reflected on all of their assignments, but they also earned commendablescoresoneachoftheassessments.TheIBIAProjectwas completed to a high standard and stood out not only for the end product itself, but for the effort put into it. The Educational Technology & Computer Science Award for Love of Learning in eleventhgradegoestoAriaMannering.
Twelfth-Grade Educational Technology & Computer Science Academic Excellence
Consistently working through assignments and tasks, this year’s recipient of the Educational Technology and Computer Science Department’s Academic Excellence Award for 12th grade goes to a student enrolled in both Website Design and Robotics 4. They achieved academic success in all areas of each course and produced amazing work in Robotics. I have enjoyed watching this student’s passion for Robotics grow from ninth to twelfth grade. He blew me awaywithhisCADmodelsofTeam8818HittheSwitch’scompetition robot. The Educational Technology and Computer Science Academic ExcellenceAwardintwelfthgradegoestoJeremyCox.
Twelfth-Grade Educational Technology & Computer Science Love of Learning
JACOB MARDER
This year’s recipient of the Educational Technology and Computer ScienceDepartment’sLoveofLearningAwardfortwelfthgradegoesto a student who took it all: AP Computer Science A, Website Design, IB Digital Society, and Robotics 2. They achieved academic success in all areas of each course. Every day, this student was ready to participate in class and enjoyed exploring many topics. Not only was their diligence reflected in all of their assignments, but they also earned commendable scores on each of the assessments. The Educational Technology and Computer Science Award for Love of Learning in twelfth grade goes to JacobMarder.
From the first day of ninth-grade advanced English, Eliza’s academic drive, curiosity, and love for literature stood out. These qualities remained throughout the year as we learned about various difficult texts and took on challenges in reading and writing. Eliza approached each class with an unparalleled hunger to connect to characters and bring thoughtful points into our discussions. Eliza is an artist in many ways: through her poetic writing, depth in analysis, and ability to empathize with fictional characters. Eliza is a ray of sunshine in the classroom, and her determination will allow her to achieve only the greatest accomplishments. Eliza showcases what the epitome of academic excellence entails, and I cannot wait to see the beautiful placesthatthisdrivewillbringher.
Austin’s hunger for knowledge has been apparent since the beginning of the school year. As we began to discuss the summer reading, Austin began to make strong connections to the themes present in the text and forged a strong connection with the characters. This love for learning remained as we progressed through the school year. Austin is a strong student who challenges himself with each conversation we have, assignment he completes, and essay he writes, but beyond that, Austin loves to learn and is constantly searching for further knowledge in literature. This special gift is what makes him stand out as a student, and as he moves forward in his academic career, he will continue to strive to learn more and grow further as a student and thoughtfullearner.
Soleil has demonstrated excellence from the first days of class. Like a great track runner, she sprints past the standard requirements, going above and beyond all expectations—Soleil is that extra mile. If a homework question asks for one page, she writes a page and a half. If a quiz asks for two examples, she provides three. She conducted an indepth interview for an interview project, expressing it with an artistic handmade poster with dazzling symbolism and engaging artistic choices. Soleil answers everything with such profundity. Even to the last days of class in May, she continued to expertly lead Socratic Seminars and class discussions by posing acute questions that exemplify excellence in academic execution.
JESSICA ZHAO
English teachers love a student who reads. Not just read out loud, or read for homework, but just read because she wants to. The reader is innately curious. The reader wants to ask follow-up questions out of a desire for knowledge, an insatiable inquisitiveness that only grows. Jessica loves finding connections between works, that lightbulb moment leadstofurtherengrossment.Loveoflearningiscreatingaprojectwhere she compares interview subjects to different plants, and then makes a map for this fictional botanical garden. Love of Learning is deciding to read literary classics like Shakespeare’s Richard III or Oscar Wilde’s The Picture of Dorian Gray,onherownforfun.Loveoflearningiseverything JessicaZhaohasdemonstratedintheEnglishclassroomthisyear.
What do Reverend Hale of The Crucible, Elle Woods of Legally Blonde, and a MockTrialteamallhaveincommon?Theyjourneytofindthetruemeaning of justice, and through that journey, they learn to pivot their stances or change their minds. Entities like this must be inquisitive enough to question themselves, contemplative enough to see themselves, and creative enough to reinvent themselves. Perhaps that's why Prajna gravitates toward them in her work. She is filled with the boundless curiosity, reflective insights, and creative thinking that are required to be truly discerning. Too often, the word "judgment" is equated with its relative, "judgmentalism," but good judgment is about even-handed discernment. Prajna models good judgment and thrives on becoming ever more informed and discerning. This is evident everytimesheexcitedlyasksaquestionthatherEnglishteacherhadn'teven considered, or reflects on the ways her studies have real-world importance, or expands her inquiries into an independent cultural studies research paper. Therefore, it is our honor to present this year's eleventh-grade English AcademicExcellenceAwardtoPrajnaJain.
WILLIAM YARIAN
It's always a great day in English class when Will Yarian is there! With his unflagginglysunnyattitudetowardlearningandenthusiasticcuriosity,Willisa student who clearly strives to make the most of his education. When the class has a vocabulary or grammar lesson, Will develops excellent questions about howtheEnglishlanguageitselfwasconstructed.Whenastoryhasanunfamiliar context, Will is ready and excited to learn some history. When studying poetic structure, Will not only draws upon his musical sensibilities, but goes on to apply them while writing a lovely ode to a piano. And when the class reads a sadpoem,Willresearchestheauthor'slifetofindoutwhatmadethemsad.He does his own exploration to better understand the perspectives of those whose stories we read. This also speaks to Will's deep kindness and empathy. He can always be counted upon to catch friends up with class notes or bring the homeworktoaclassmatewhoisn'tfeelingwell,andheencouragespeerstopush themselvesashecontinuestopushhimself.Forhisinquisitivespirit,immersive approach to learning, and heartfelt engagement, we are pleased to present Will Yarianwiththeeleventh-gradeEnglishLoveofLearningAward.
This year’s winner possesses a preternaturally analytical mind, an uncanny memory, and a truly authentic desire to dive deeply into the world of literature. He is a writer of rare focus and insight, routinely composing sophisticated papers that showcase complex, original ideas and a distinctive, scholarly voice. In class, his observations are invariably keen and focused, showing a combination of innate insight and meticulous preparation. Beyond his superior achievement, this student models how literary study works best when it is approached as a genuine conversation where all viewpoints deserve consideration. As a result, he enriches the classroom environment by ensuring that each student has the chance to be fully heard. The twelfth-grade English AcademicExcellenceAwardgoestoJeremyRatner.
This year’s winner loves literature fully and unapologetically wears that love on her sleeve. As both a reader and a writer, she demonstrates a sensitive and precise understanding of language and its multivariate possibilities.Naturallyinquisitiveandcurious,sheroutinelygoesbeyond the prescribed course expectations in an attempt to quench her insatiable thirst for knowledge. These qualities extend across a number of academic subjects, but she has found a particular métier through literary study. She will often seek out an author’s biography and other works in order to attain a fuller understanding of the present reading. Always eager to share these findings with her peers, she enables the classroomexperiencetobearicherandmorefulfillingexperienceforall involved. The twelfth-grade English Love of Learning Award goes to ElizabethGuglielmone.
TheCarolynBovellAwardistobepresentedbyvoteoftheEnglishDepartmenttoagraduatingsenior who has demonstrated exceptional talent and passion for writing through work in English classes, in writingclasses,andthroughcontributionstothenewspaperandliterarymagazine.
This year’s Bovell winner has certainly made the most of their opportunities within the Portledge English Department. Their written pieces show how greatly they value each step of the writing process, particularly in the planning and drafting stages, where unexpected and fruitful discoveries often take root. They also truly embody the idea that writing is thinking, and seeing their writing displayed in venues beyond the classroom is a delight. This student has also sharpened their craft through a deliberate study of creative writing, enrolling in the course multiple times. As an editor of Blossoms, they have demonstrated a commitment to nurturing other writers as they discover their distinct voices. Such thoughtful mentoring springs from a deep-seated, egalitarian principle that knowledge and creativity are truly for everyone.
Ninth-Grade History Academic Excellence
Alexis's commitment to the AP Euro course and command of the content have been impressive. Alexis has strived to reach her full potential, putting in the time necessary to attain success. Alexis should be proud of her efforts, and I look forward to her future achievements.Congratulations!
Kimi has proved himself to be a diligent, intelligent, capable student, but what is most impressive about Kimi is his love of learning; the passion he has shown this year for the content is without equal, and hisknowledgeneverceasestoamazetheclass.GreatJob,Kimi!
Tenth-Grade History Academic Excellence
Soleil had the highest academic average in a grade of exceptional students. She performed equally well on exams, essays, and in the research process. Congratulations, and we look forward to your future accomplishments.
EIAN KIYASHKA
Eian cares about the study of history and uses it to develop a deeper understanding of the world around him. Congratulations on your commitmenttothecourseandyourloveofhistory.
Eleventh-Grade History Academic Excellence
Prajnaisaninquisitive,intelligent,andhighlyskilledstudent.Inboth IB History and AP Psychology. She was consistent and scrupulously prepared, and ready to discuss whatever was in store for the day. Her intellectual curiosity fueled many class discussions. Congratulations, andwealllookforwardtoyourfutureachievements.
Sabrinaisadedicatedanddeterminedstudentwhoshowsapassionfor learning in the truest sense of the word. She expressed that the content of the course was not her favorite, but that did not stop her from bringing her best effort and enthusiasm to the class every day. She is analytical, curious, and open to discussing ideas and themes thatariseinthecourseoflearninghistory.
Eden has been a truly exceptional student in History, setting herself apart through both her academic diligence and genuine love of learning. She thoughtfully printed every document to annotate by hand, showing deep care for detail and comprehension. Her insightful questions sparked meaningful discussion, and her consistent preparation led to outstanding performance on every assessment. Eden’s curiosity and commitment made her a joy to teach and a model scholar.
Aidan brought an enthusiasm for history to every class, elevating discussions with thoughtful questions and genuine curiosity. His passion for the subject was evident in his contributions, which often deepened our collective understanding. Aidan’s love of learning and positive presence helped make this year’s IB World History class an engagingandmemorableexperienceforall.
PrescottJennings,thelongtimeChairmanoftheHistoryDepartment,particularlyenjoyedworkingwith students on the combination of historical analysis and written prose. Every year, several essays are submittedtotheHistoryDepartmentforevaluation,andthefinestisselectedthroughasecretballot.
This year, for her work on the paper titled “To What Extent did the Chinese Government Successfully Shape Collective Memory and Erase the 1989 Tiananmen Square Massacre from its National History?” the Jennings Prize is awarded to Kelsey Guo.
Barbara Miles served as the Head Librarian at Portledge School for 20 years. She consistently encouraged students to delve into the process of scholarly research. She was instrumental in developing the annual tenth-grade history research project. Every year, the History Department selects the paper or papersthatrepresentthefinestqualitiesofresearchthatcomefromtheclassresearchproject.
This year’s winner for her paper, "The Sun in the Splendor: How the British Economic Interests Shaped Hong Kong," is Jessica Zhao.
Academic Excellence
The award for Academic Excellence in ninth-grade Mathematics goes to a self-driven student who achieved at the highest level all year in an advanced course. He grasped concepts quickly, actively listened, participated in the lessons, and completed assignments in an organized and thorough manner. In addition, this student was a positive presence in the classroom who achieved a near-perfect average for the year. The Mathematics Department is pleased to recognize Chase Hsu.
The award for Love of Learning in ninth-grade Mathematics goes to a positive, curious, and self-driven student who consistently sought to make connections in the classroom. He enthusiastically participated in each lesson, asked clarifying questions to deepen his understanding, and completed all assignments in a thorough and organized manner. In addition, this recipient always went the extra mile to assist his peers or challenge himself with a difficult problem. His patience, kindness, attention to detail, and impressive problem-solving skills clearly demonstrate his love of learning. The Mathematics Department is pleased to recognize an incredible role model, Isa Murthy.
Academic Excellence
The award for Academic Excellence in tenth-grade Mathematics goes to a student who is dedicated to doing well in the mathematics classroom. He strives to understand the material conceptually instead of simply memorizing rules and procedures. This student independently studied additional calculus topics in order to take the AP Calculus BC exam. He is a thoughtful participant in class discussions, offering his thought processes, asking questions, and presenting solutions on the board. He also collaborates well with his peers. The Mathematics Department is pleased to recognize Hoi Lee "Thomas" Dai.
It has been such a pleasure teaching Sebastian this year in Algebra 2. He has been a dedicated participant and devoted scholar since day 1. He often helps other students, both in and out of the classroom, with math homework and preparing for assessments. He asks great questions, he follows along during lessons, and he volunteers answers. Sebastian is genuinely curious and has been a breath of fresh air.
Eleventh-Grade Mathematics
Academic Excellence
The award for Academic Excellence in eleventh-grade Mathematics goes to a student who has exceeded expectations in both her math classes and has impressed her peers and teachers. She grasped concepts quickly, actively participated in each lesson, completed assignments in an organized and thorough manner, and asked clarifying questions to deepen her understanding of the course content. In addition, this student was always a team player who worked collaboratively and effectively with all of her peers. The Mathematics Department is pleasedtorecognizePrajnaJain.
The award for Love of Learning in eleventh-grade Mathematics goes to a student who holds herself to a very high standard both in and outside of the classroom. She is the first to correctly complete problems in class, always remains respectful, and submits all assignments on time. This student asks questions when needed, and she is very quick to grasp new concepts. She loves finding the “realworld” connections to the content. This student's love for the subject has gone well beyond the classroom, as she has made a huge push to get young women motivated into math and computer science. The Mathematics Department is pleased to present this award to Avery Joshua-Tor.
TheawardforAcademicExcellenceintwelfth-gradeMathematicsgoes to a dedicated student who truly sees the value of his accomplishments.Thisindividualworkeddiligentlytomasterboththe conceptual and procedural aspects of the material. His devotion drove him to produce work that was always of the highest quality, especially in the IB Analysis and Approaches Higher Level class. The MathematicsDepartmentispleasedtorecognizeLucasBurachio.
The award for Love of Learning in twelfth-grade Mathematics goes to a self-driven student who consistently sought to make connections in the classroom. She actively participated in each lesson, completed assignments in an organized and thorough manner, asked clarifying questions, and made corrections to further her understanding of the coursecontent.Inaddition,thisstudentwasalwaysateamplayerwho always assisted her peers. The Mathematics Department is pleased to recognizeJulienneDeverson.
The Portledge Outstanding Achievement in Mathematics Award is given to a student who has shown exceptionalmathematicalperformanceduringtheirtimeatPortledge.
The Portledge Outstanding Achievement in Mathematics Award goes to an honest, hardworking, and truly brilliant student. He takes any challenge thrown at him, and he is happy to help anyone. His extensive knowledge of mathematics and impressive problem-solving skills set him apart from his peers. Just one impressive example is whenhewontheAliceGriswoldMemorialawardforthebestpaperat the Long Island Math Fair. To be completely honest, I found it frustrating how complex it was to read his Extended Essay on the Banach-Tarski Paradox. His overall devotion to the field of mathematicsisincrediblyimpressive.TheMathematicsDepartmentis honored to present the Portledge Outstanding Achievement in MathematicsAwardtoJeremyRatner.
Elijah Silva is an outstanding musician who, while never looking to draw attention to himself, plays with an excellent tone and leads his section with precision. He is always willing to support others while maintaining the utmost level of musicianship. Elijah shines when playing at competitions like NYSSMA, where he consistently earns impressive scores; this year, earning a 100/100 on a level VI piece. Congratulations, Elijah, on all of your hard work and dedication that earnedyoutheExcellenceinMusicAward.
Lily Rae Kern, the recipient of the ninth-grade Love of Learning Award for Music, brought joy and enthusiasm to every rehearsal. Her eagerness to learn new material, coupled with her dedication to practicing and thoughtful questions, helped her refine and master her soprano melodies. She earned solos in both the winter and spring concerts and impressed the audience with her solo performance at the Upper School Coffeehouse in May. We are pleased to present this awardtoher.
Stephanie Ahee had an exceptional year, excelling both in school ensembles and as a solo performer. As a member of the Select Chorus and Concert Chorus, she earned solos, crafted original harmonies, and sang with heartfelt passion. Her outstanding performances at the Upper School Musical Showcase and Upper School Coffeehouse further captivated audiences. We proudly congratulate Stephanie on a fantastic year and name her as the recipient of the tenth-grade ExcellenceinMusicAward.
Caden Yang is the recipient of the tenth-grade Love of Learning Award in Music for his vital contributions to both the Upper School JazzBandaswellastheUpperSchoolmusicalproductionof Sister Act. Volunteering to learn the demanding music for the pit band in the musical, Caden practiced diligently to help Sister Act towards its success for audiences. In the jazz band, he learned a truly ambitious bass solo for Skate U and also mastered the original upright bass solo for the impressive Black Beauty performed at the Tilles Center for the 30th annual Essentially Ellington festival. Curious about music in all of its capacities, Caden also took on the task of learning a saxophone part for the Asian-American Pacific Islander Heritage month assembly, where he both memorized the melody and improvised his ownsolo.CongratulationsCaden!
Avery Joshua-Tor has been an exemplary music student in both her IB Music Course and her Solo/Chamber ensemble. A standout performer at this year’s Upper School Musical Showcase concert, she displayed poise and grace while handling the technically demanding Pathetique Sonata. Avery’s research has led to thoughtful and meaningful presentations in IB Music, and her willingness to embrace unfamiliar styles and techniques has allowed her to truly excel in her performances. Avery has gone above and beyond in her Solo/Chamber class, learning not only rigorous classical piano repertoire but also learning how to play in a jazz style, showing her ability to work at a high level outside of her comfort zone. Congratulations to Avery for allofherhardworktoearntheExcellenceinMusicAward.
Chloe Fuller is the recipient of this year’s Love of Learning Award in Music,arecognitionofherdeepcuriosity,creativity,andcommitment to musical growth. Chloe consistently went beyond simply performing apieceandcomposedoriginalharmoniestosupporttheSelectChorus andConcertChorus,andevenarrangedherownpowerfulrenditionof Lift Every Voice for the Black History Month assemblies. Her enthusiasm for learning and sharing music was evident in every rehearsal and performance, including her appearances at the Upper School Musical Showcase and Upper School Coffeehouse. Chloe has been deeply curious to learn in IB Music, where her projects, especially those involving performance, have shown depth and maturity. She has taken on assignments with focus and determination and has done her best to succeed in all that she has done. We applaud Chloeforherinspiringdedicationtomusic.
Charlotte has consistently been a stand-out musician in the concert band as well as a high-achieving scholar in the IB Music course. Her focus and dedication in band class are unmatched, and she is a leader byexample,volunteeringforsoloswheneverneeded.Additionally,her scholarly research and dedication to analysis in IB Music have been truly remarkable. Charlotte composes thoughtfully and draws inspirationfrompreviousworkstoinspirehercreativeprocess.Always paying attention to detail, Charlotte earned the Excellence in Music Award through hard work and dedication. Congratulations, Charlotte forallofyoureffortsinbothConcertBandandIBMusic!
Madison is not only one of the strongest flute and piccolo players in the state of New York, as evidenced by her acceptance to the NYSSMAAll-Stateensemble,wheresheperformedwithexcellencein Rochester, but she is also a curious learner who takes every opportunitytogrow.Whengiventhechancetolead,shealwaystakes it, and when playing a duet for the spring concert this year, she took the opportunity to carefully study the score and her own part in order to ensure it was correct all on her own. Madison is truly a gifted instrumentalist who loves to grow and learn, and there is no more deserving musician than her to receive the award for Love of Learning! Congratulations, Madison, for all of your hard work and dedication.
The Bliss Award is presented to the member of the graduating class who displays extraordinary commitment, enthusiasm for the creative process, and appreciation for the craftsmanship needed to excelinthePerforming,Theatre,orVisualArts.
The recipient of the 2025 Bliss Award in Music is a student whose dedication to music has been nothing short of inspiring throughout her time in the Portledge Upper School. This year’s honoree has consistently demonstrated not only a profound commitment to the creative process but also a genuine appreciation for the craftsmanship and discipline required to grow as a musician. While mastering a string instrument is no easy feat, she brings her violin to life with remarkable grace and expression, infusing every note with emotion, nuance, and maturity far beyond her years. Technically, her musical strength is undeniable. Whether it's the delicate vibrato in an orchestra piece or a powerful, soaring solo in the chamber ensemble, her musicality is consistently exceptional. Though her foundation lies in classical music, she has shown an impressive curiosity and versatility by
exploring unfamiliar genres such as Brazilian Bossa Nova and Jazz in her IB Music coursework. Her willingness to step outside her comfort zone was evident when she performed a full jazz set at the Portledge Open House earlier this year—an experience that highlighted her creativity and willingness to try something new! She has been a cornerstone of every Portledge Showcase, a standout performer time and time again, and a reliable leader within the Music Department. Her original compositions, thoughtful improvisations, and insightful research in IB Music reflect not only technical growth but also a deepening understanding of music as an expressive and academic discipline. It is with great admiration and pride that we recognize this exceptional musician. Please join me in congratulating the 2025 Bliss Award in Music recipient: Kelsey Guo.
An incredibly bright and capable young man, this student performed outstandingly throughout the course of this entire year in Advanced Biology. He remained humble despite his many talents and always set a positive example for his peers. Quick to pick up concepts but also driven to succeed, his work consistently reflected his diligent effort, mastery of the material, and genuine desire to achieve success. He arrived to class each day with a calm confidence and a seriousness of task, but also treated others with kindness and respect to foster a dynamic and enjoyable experience for all. This year’s ninth-grade Science Academic Excellence Award is presented to Chase Hsu.
A bright and capable student who exemplifies a true love of learning, this student consistently strives to understand material at a deep level, asking insightful questions that elevate the learning experience for everyone around him. His work reflects thoughtful preparation, diligent effort, and a desire for mastery. Always engaged and eager to contribute, he is a leader in class discussions and a role model for his peers. His passion for learning is both admirable and inspiring. In recognition of his unwavering curiosity, intellectual engagement, and commitment to academic excellence, this year’s ninth-grade award for Love of Learning in Science is presented to Chase Mallor.
An engaged and talented student, who is curious about topics that come up in Advanced Chemistry class, this award recipient has bloomed this year, growing into a more confident, thoughtful, and diligentstudent.Inthelaboratory,hemakesdetailedobservationsand followsinstructionscarefully.Heworkswellduringcollaborativework and has excelled in all aspects of the course, maintaining an average well above 90% for both semesters. He often volunteers to help his classmates, and although he can be somewhat quiet, he frequently takes on a leadership role during group work and in the lab. In addition, he is a genuinely wonderful young man who cares about his classmates and school. This year’s tenth-grade award for Academic ExcellenceinScienceispresentedtoHoiLee“Thomas”Dai.
ThisstudentdivesdeeplyintoCADprogramsandmakesagreateffort seem effortless. Highly focused on improving the performance of advanced automobiles through a nuanced understanding of fluid mechanics, this student always presents a happy demeanor and shares knowledge freely with classmates. This year’s tenth-grade award for LoveofLearninginScienceispresentedtoValentinaLopez.
This student has embraced artificial intelligence fully and has learned to manipulate neural networks at a deep level in order to improve aircraft communications and ultimately flight safety. Often working at the cutting edge of technology and consistently earning the highest marks in science, this student serves as a resource for classmates. This year’s eleventh-grade award for Academic Excellence in Science is presentedtoRowanShenoy.
Always thirsting for knowledge, this student delves into difficult scientific concepts and asks insightful research questions to better understand the biological field of study. Her dedication to mastering the concepts in IB Biology is contagious. Her willingness to share her passion for scientific learning through laboratory experiences in IB Biology and Science Research is a model for other students. This student exudes a true interest in biology beyond test performance. I suspect that she will someday care for animals both large and small. This year’s eleventh-grade award for Love of Learning in Science goes toHopePeterson.
Twelfth-Grade Science
Academic Excellence
The Portledge community was indeed fortunate to have such a brilliant student with us for so many years. Poised to become a Chess Master, this student, with a real sense of humor, inspires and helps classmates in many disciplines. This year’s twelfth-grade award for AcademicExcellenceinScienceispresentedtoJeremyRatner.
SupportingallthePortledgepillars,thisstudenthasanunquenchable thirst for knowledge, coming to class meetings with a big smile and always ready to learn something new and interesting. The questions asked by this student involve many academic disciplines but are always rooted in science. This year’s twelfth-grade award for Love of LearninginScienceispresentedtoAjayKhandelwal.
Each year for the past 30 years, in conjunction with The American Chemical Society and its Long Island Subdivision, Portledge School presents one or more plaques to recognize Advanced Chemistry students, who have demonstrated a strong interest in continuing their Chemistry education in the future, and who have excelled in their first year of Chemistry study. The American Chemical SocietyhopestheseawardswillhelpencouragestudentstopursuefurtherstudyinChemistry.
This year’s ACS Award goes to a student who shows great potential as a future scientist; she has developed a strong understanding of Chemistry and excellent problem-solving skills. She always seeks to truly understand the material and perform to the best of her abilities. She is diligent about her studies and always well prepared for class. In the lab, she works carefully and thoroughly, and she has excelled on all of her assignments. She collaborates well with her classmates during small group work, encouraging other group members and actively working to help everyone learn. This year, the American Chemical Society Plaque for Excellence in Advanced Chemistry is presentedtoSoleilCan.
The Hahn Environmental Award recognizes the student who exhibits extraordinary exemplary leadership in the field of sustainability both globally and within the Portledge community.
As someone who shares a profound passion for the environment, our Hahn Environmental Award recipient has truly made great strides with the Green Team. As a long-term member and co-president, he stands out for his unwavering persistence and positive encouragement to underclassmen about joining the club. His positivity and encouragement genuinely inspire other students to become better stewards of the environment. A dedicated student at Portledge for many years, he's been instrumental in enhancing our community. Ms. Chiu notes that he "impressively conducted research to examine the effect of pH on seed germination." His work with the Green Team has certainly lived up to his own definition of being a good learner.
He approaches all areas of his life with consistent positivity, including his excellent academic performance, his leadership on the Varsity Baseball team, and the harmonious sounds he contributes during Select Chorus performances. For his exceptional abilities and consistent commitment to challenging both himself and the Portledge community to become more environmentally conscious, it is my pleasure to recognize Jameson Wu.
The ninth-grade award for Excellence in Theatre goes to a student who already brings college depth to her work. She is also an absolute joy to work with on and off stage, and we are very excited to have her as part of our Theatre community. The ninth-grade award for ExcellenceinTheatregoestoIlianaMalevitis.
The ninth-grade award for Love of Learning in Theatre goes to a student who found her way into the theatre department as Assistant Stage Manager for the spring musical, Sister Act. She did an awesome job learning the technical side of theatre, and the cast really enjoyed working with her! We look forward to having her participate more in the future. The ninth-grade award for Love of Learning in Theatre goestoFrankieCoyne.
The tenth-grade award for Excellence in Theatre goes to a formerly shy student who has found theatre and, in that, has grown leaps and bounds since last year. She is committed to our Theatre community, taking classes and participating in both the play and musical. We recognize not only a love for performing, but a skill and feel that she has the potential to be one of the best actors this program has ever produced. The tenth-grade award for Excellence in Theatre goes to Simone Sadowski.
The tenth-grade award for Love of Learning in Theatre goes to a student new to Portledge this year. She found a place in the Black Box immediately, participating in both the Upper School Play and Musical. We watched as she continuously jumped in, taking risks and challenging her fears. She has quickly become a “theatre peep” here and has been lovingly embraced by the community. The tenth-grade award for Love of Learning in Theatre goes to Jiayi (Isabell) Li.
Eleventh-Grade Excellence in Theatre
The eleventh-grade award for Excellence in Theatre goes to a student whose dedication to the performing arts is matched only by her passion and ability. She is a force onstage and a delight offstage. Her focus and work ethic, and natural ability make her a true triple threat, and we look forward to seeing what incredible heights she will continue to reach in her future in theatre. The eleventh-grade award for ExcellenceinTheatregoestoAutumnGlass.
Eleventh-Grade Theatre
The eleventh-grade award for Love of Learning in Theatre goes to a student who is oozing with artistic ability from music to writing to performing. This “low-key genius” has some of the most natural talent and instinct we’ve seen. She is truly a one-of-a-kind student, and the program would not be the same without her. The eleventh-grade awardforLoveofLearninginTheatregoestoSarahFriedberg.
Twelfth-Grade Excellence in Theatre
The twelfth-grade award for Excellence in Theatre goes to a student who was initially struggling to find her place when she came to Portledge as a sophomore. Lucky for us, she found a home in the Black Box. Over the last few years, she has become a leader of the Theatre program. Whether she is stage managing, performing, serving as dance captain or as Drama Club President—she is simply a joy to have in the room. We are so glad she is part of our Theatre community. The twelfth-grade award for Excellence in Theatre goes to Jessie Shapiro.
Twelfth-Grade Theatre Love of Learning
The twelfth-grade award for Love of Learning in Theatre goes to a student who is a curious learner, is always supportive, and universally loved in the Portledge theatre. She has taken on a leadership role this year and leads with empathy and kindness. She is truly a delight to be around, and she will be sorely missed in this program. The twelfthgrade award for Love of Learning in Theatre goes to Cali Houseknecht.
The Bliss Award is presented to the member of the graduating class who displays extraordinary commitment, enthusiasm for the creative process, and appreciation for the craftsmanship needed to excelinthePerforming,Theatre,orVisualArts.
From Into the Woods,inherfreshmanyear,throughthisyear'smusical, Sister Act, this student has been in every single theatrical production and has taken every theatre class offered during their time here. An inquisitive and curious learner, with notebooks full of information, whether it be insight on acting, theatrical facts, or memories and funny quotes, this student wants to get to the bottom of everything theatre-related. She has thrived and grown, from small roles to leads, from shy, quiet, and reserved to bold, confident, and fall-on-your-face fearless. This student works extremely hard, loves performing and learning about performing, and is the epitome of a Portledge Theatre Peep.TheBlissAwardforTheatregoestoJulienneDeverson.
Sam has consistently demonstrated that she cares about the execution of her artwork. Focus, concentration, and commitment are words that describe Sam’s work ethic in the art room. Painting has been Sam's focus this year, and her first project, a village storefront, was featured in the Spring Concert & Art Exhibition. Sam’s dedication and everpresent smile have made her presence in the art room a pleasure. The Visual Arts Department is pleased to recognize Sam Okoronkwo with the ninth-grade Excellence in Visual Arts Award.
Lily Rae proved from the beginning of the Graffiti course that she was willing to fully apply herself. She created a notably large body of work this semester, which allowed her skills to develop rapidly. Lily Rae has a bright future in the Art program as she continues her journey at Portledge. The Visual Arts Department is pleased to recognize Lily Rae Kern with the ninth-grade Love of Learning Award.
Salma, in just her sophomore year, has distinguished herself in three disciplines: Studio Art, Photography, and Ceramics. New to Portledge, Salma quickly established herself as a serious art student. Her ability to focus on the small details highlights Salma’s commitment to excellence in her work. The Visual Arts Department is pleased to recognize Salma Munoz with the tenthgrade Excellence in Visual Arts Award.
Jamie has been an inspiration for the other students in Visual Arts. Her skills and dedication to her craft have allowed her to achieve at a very high level. Receiving an A-grade level in all her art classes, Jamie's accomplishments were highlighted and celebrated with her artwork gracing the cover of the Spring Concert & Art Exhibition program. The Visual Arts Department is pleased to recognize Jamie Plunkett with the tenth-grade Love of Learning Award.
Sloane brings a tremendous amount of positivity and playfulness to her art classes. Whether she is cutting out Hello Kitty stencils in graffiti class or constructing a 3-dimensional image of Drake in printmaking, Sloane always enjoys the process. She is consistently willing to challenge herself and push the limits of her abilities on every assignment. The Visual Arts Department is pleased to recognize Sloane Wyttenbach with the tennthgrade Love of Learning Award.
Maddie has been in the Studio Art class for three years in a row. She never fails to impress her teacher with her talent and dedication to the Arts. This year, her dedication extended outside the classroom to Adelphi University, where she participated in an advanced figure drawing class and, of course, excelled and was given an open invitation to future classes. The Visual Arts Department is pleased to recognize Maddie Fuld with the eleventh-grade ExcellenceinVisualArtsAward.
Sabrina is an exceptional student who has impressed the Art Department in countless ways with her artistic abilities, creativity, and dedication to her craft. Sabrina stands out as a creator, crafting 3-dimensional artwork that resonates with the mind and the heart. Originality and aesthetic appeal characterize her work. Sabrina’s ability to translate complex ideas into visually compelling pieces is a testament to her sharp creative instincts and technical abilities. The Visual Arts Department is pleased to recognize SabrinaHemleywiththeeleventh-gradeExcellenceinVisualArtsAward.
Neela has excelled in every art class that she has participated in: Art Foundations, Studio Art, and Graffiti. Her commitment level has been exceptionalinallherclasses,andwashighlightedandcelebratedwithone of her paintings gracing the cover of the Winter Concert and Art Exhibition program. The Visual Arts Department is pleased to recognize NeelaJarmonwiththeeleventh-gradeLoveofLearningAward.
Georgia is truly a gifted artist. Her projects all shared the common link of excellent craftsmanship. The sketches and doodles in her portfolio appeared to be finished work. Georgia is recognized as a fine artist by her peers and teachers. Webster defines an artist as “someone who creates art using conscious skill and creative imagination.” Georgia does that and more. The Visual Arts Department is pleased to recognize Georgia Dorrian with the twelfth-grade Excellence in Visual ArtsAward.
Ava has quietly created extremely beautiful artwork in each of the art classes she has taken. Whether it was Art Studio, Graffiti or Printmaking, Ava demonstrated a natural ability to create attractively composed art. Strong drawing skills, along with an innate understanding of composition, helped Ava excel with each new project, earning her an A-grade average throughout her artistic journey at Portledge. The Visual Arts Department is pleased to recognizeAvaCalleowiththetwelfth-gradeLoveofLearningAward.
The Bliss Award is presented to the member of the graduating class who displays extraordinary commitment, enthusiasm for the creative process, and appreciation for the craftsmanship needed to excelinthePerforming,Theatre,orVisualArts.
How is one supposed to articulate all the achievements that constitute a Bliss award recipient? In 2022, I wrote that her ability to absorb and execute instructions supports the depth of her growth. Boring. In 2023, I wrote, “She is truly one of the most outstanding artists I have had the pleasure to watch grow and mature as both an artist and a person.”Better.Unfortunately,Iwasunabletocontinuewaxingpoetic about this person as they had entered the IB Art program and were now under the tutelage of Mr. Krause. My loss. So now I’m back to my originalquestion:How?IsitherstraightAsinallherartclasses?Oris it the many art competitions that she has entered? Or perhaps it’s the countless hours she spends using her artistic talents to support the many causes she is passionate about. Maybe it’s simply the fact that whennotcreatingartorexcellinginheracademicclasses,sheis
sharing her gift of music by performing at Carnegie Hall. Wait, I’ve got it! It’s as plain as the nose on my face. It’s the simple fact that she is truly what I would call a Renaissance Woman. It is a tremendous honor for me to be able to recognize Maddy Cohen as the recipient of the 2025 Bliss AwardintheVisualArts.
Alexis has maintained a minimum average of 98 for the entire year. She is always focused in class, extremely conscientious, and has an academicmaturitybeyondheryears.Shefrequentlyscores100intests and is able to infer meaning from the context if there are words she does not know. Alexis also takes the time to write down new vocabulary that comes up in class, as she knows it will be useful. She reallydoesembodywhatitmeanstobeacademicallyexcellent,yetshe is also modest. Alexis is a joy to have in class, and she is a truly exceptionalstudent.
Mila is the type of student who goes to great lengths to reach perfection. She has a strong affinity for Spanish class and has become truly invested in connecting with her Chilean culture. She proudly boasted of speaking strictly in Spanish upon returning to visit family inChileoverspringbreak.Hernear-perfectaverage,coupledwithher workethic,makesheranassettotheclassandapartnerthateveryone wants to have when completing class projects. She scored high intermediateontheAAPPLandalmost-perfectscoresontheNational Spanish Exam. It is evident that she is invested in learning and appreciatesstudyingtheSpanishlanguageandHispanicculture.
Jiayi positively faces the challenging skills in learning Chinese, which are recognizing and writing Chinese characters. She is willing to correct herself to achieve the best consistently. She always has a positive attitude toward learning Chinese and is not lazy because of her Chinese family background. She takes the initiative to share the knowledge of Chinese humanities and culture in the classroom and asksforconfirmation.
Matthew has an insatiable appetite for learning and is therefore an ideal recipient of this award. He is motivated to learn by a sincere desire to know and understand as much as possible. He is able to retain what he studies and recall it later in order to enrich his understanding of newly presented material. On a daily basis in class, Matthew offers insightful reflections, connections to topics he has studied in other classes, and questions that force both his classmates and his teachers to delve deeper into the subject at hand. It is a pleasure and an inspiration to teach Matthew Ferrillo, this year’s recipient of the tenth-grade World Languages & Cultures Love of LearningAward.
Peyton is an extremely strong student who has maintained his A average all year. He is humble yet secure in his grammar and content knowledge, and this enables him to work efficiently in class. Peyton has wonderful ideas and is able to think deeply and express his opinionsinFrenchabouttheIBtopics,showingamaturitybeyondhis years. He also asks good questions that further his understanding in class. Peyton takes the time to actually learn from his mistakes, truly taking on board the feedback given after an assignment. He has consistently impressed with his quiet determination to complete tasks to the best of his ability. Peyton’s attitude, maturity, and excellent language skills have elevated the rest of the class, and he is a perfect candidateforthisaward.
For Daniel, English is his mother tongue, Ukrainian is his family heritage,andMandarinishisthirdlanguage.KnowingthatChineseis a very difficult language to learn, he once wanted to give up because he was confused about learning Chinese. But time and time again, he saw his passion for the language and insisted on learning the Chinese language. Currently, he is working as an ENL tutor online for a student in Ukraine, and he also integrates Chinese language and cultureintohistutoringprogramtosharethewonderofthelanguage. Danielisverydeservingofthisaward.
Twelfth-Grade World Languages & Cultures
Academic Excellence
Ava is a very bright student and an impressive linguist who is able to express herself well in French. She has solid opinions and a strong moral grounding that help her to form ideas when discussing IB topics. Ava has maintained an A average all year, and despite the difficulty of the Higher Level IB French course, Ava has shown determination and motivation to do well. I hope this award helps Ava to believe in herself because she truly is academically excellent.
JOSHUA LEVY
Joshua once told his teacher, “When my Chinese teacher in middle school said I couldn't learn Chinese because I would be bad at it. I was not willing to give in to this teacher's prejudice, and I decided to learn Chinese. To this day, I am very aware of the vastness and depth of the Chinese language and the difficulty of learning it. But I will not give up. If I could make the choice again, I would still choose to learn Chinese.” Joshua's dedication to his language study makes him the most deserving of this award.
These awards are granted to students who show a passion for World Languages and Cultures and outstanding dedicationto,andachievementin,theirstudies.
This student is extremely capable and a very talented linguist. She always thinks deeply about the topics in class, bringing her own experience and strong moral compass, whilst also retaining impressive amounts of information and vocabulary. She does not panic if presented with a new word or idea, but shows consistent determination to achieve outstanding work. It has been a pleasure and a privilege teaching this student, who has suchapassionanddedicationtothelanguage.TheDistinguishedAchievementAwardin FrenchgoestoEdenCunningham.
Thisstudentisoneofthemosthardworkingstudents,whodemonstratesstrongcharacter. In class, this student always thinks deeply, drawing on self-experience and strong feelings about Chinese humanity, yet retains a great deal of information and vocabulary. This student is etymologically comfortable with new words or concepts, and consistently demonstratesajoyoflearningdespitetheheavyworkload.Thestudentishumbleanddoes not publicize accomplishments, and is generous in offering support and encouragement to classmates.Iamhonoredtoworkwithastudentwhoissopassionateaboutlanguagesand continuestoworkhard.EllisRosenbergstronglydeservestheDistinguishedAchievement AwardinMandarin.
This student has demonstrated outstanding dedication and achievement throughout his four years of high school Spanish. Consistently focused and engaged, he brought thoughtfulness and precision to his work, producing polished written and oral communication. While listening comprehension was not initially his strongest skill, he took the initiative to practice independently, and his steady progress reflects both his determinationandstrongworkethic.Hiscommitmenttoexcellenceearnedhimtopresults on national language assessments. Beyond the classroom, he extended his passion for SpanishbyteachingchesstonativeSpanishspeakers,thoughtfullycombininghisinterests in the service of others. It is with great pleasure that we present the Distinguished AchievementAwardinSpanishtoJeremyRatner.
TheUpperSchoolAwardsCeremony,heldonWednesday,June11,2025,wasrecorded,andtheevent canbeviewedbyclickingontheimagebelow.
Please note that some of the awards listed in this booklet were not presented at the Upper School Awards Ceremony.
