2021 Senior Class Awards

This year’s Senior Awards Ceremony took place on June 10th. The ceremony was an opportunity to formally acknowledge members of the Class of 2021 for their outstanding commitment and accomplishments in the areas of academics, athletics, and service to school, and service to the larger community.

Valedictorian Honorees
Riley Card
Elizabeth Knox
Valerie Lippin
Leona Liu
Kayla Singer
Katharine Wohl
Thomas Ye

Scholar Athlete Awards

The Torrey D. Dodson Male Scholar-Athlete of the Year Award is presented to the top senior scholar-athlete who has distinguished themselves in the classroom and on the field of athletic completion.
Ryan Guber

The Jeanne B. Irwin Female Scholar-Athlete of the Year Award is presented to the top senior scholar-athlete who has distinguished themselves in the classroom and on the field of athletic completion.
Lauren Schmutz

Service & Community Awards

ALISON CASO GUERRA SCHOLARSHIP AWARD
The scholarship award is presented to a graduating senior in loving memory of Alison Caso Guerra; a teacher at Westorchard Elementary who tragically passed away in 2016. After graduating from Boston College, she received Masters Degrees in Elementary Education and Educational Leadership. She was a NYC Teaching Fellow and taught at Westorchard from 2004-2016. With her infectious laugh and great sense of humor, Mrs. Guerra was an influential teacher, well-respected colleague and loyal friend who left an indelible mark on the lives of those she touched. She was an intelligent and passionate individual, who took great pride in her family, students, and career. Through determination, resilience, and a positive attitude, Alison Caso Guerra inspired those around her to work hard to exceed expectations and fulfill their dreams.
Carolyn Lerner

HARLAN R. WEINBERG, MD AWARD
This award recognizes a high school senior who has demonstrated a continuing commitment to a public service project locally, nationally, or abroad for a minimum of two years while in high school.
Catherine Coffino

THE PTA AWARD
Awarded to a graduating senior who, through actions, demeanor and activities, improved the Horace Greeley experience, and exemplified the values of the Chappaqua PTA by joining in activities and by supporting all members of the school community.
Lauren Levine

CLASS PRINCIPAL'S AWARD
This award is given by the senior class principal to recognize students who have made important contributions to Greeley and have demonstrated unique personal qualities.
Siena Jarrin, Braeden Lummel, Kayla Singer and Kirsten Whyte

CLASS ADVISORS' AWARD
This award acknowledges students whom the class advisors recognize as having contributed in a significant way to their class.
William Brades, Eli Metzger, Justin Miller, Molly Nick, Lily Safran, Benjamin Stern and Isabella Watson

Counseling Department Awards

PATRICK DOUGHERTY SCHOLARSHIP AWARD
Given to a student who embodies the same qualities exemplified by our friend and colleague Patrick Dougherty, who passed away suddenly in 2019. Patrick strived to see the best in all things, was always ready to lend a helping hand, and was known for his compassionate, caring and socially conscious beliefs. He also found peace and happiness in nature. This award is accompanied by a scholarship given by the Class of 2019.
Elizabeth Knox

HARVEY POLCEK AWARD
Chosen by the Counseling Department, this memorial award is presented in honor of Mr. Harvey Polcek, who was a very popular teacher, coach and counselor at Horace Greeley from 1966 until his untimely death in 1987. Harvey was sensitive, outgoing, funny, caring and a source of consolation and inspiration to all of his students. This award goes to the senior who most epitomizes the qualities of life that were important to Mr. Polcek.
Annie Segal

COUNSELORS' AWARD
Given to students who demonstrate strength of character with grace, grit, and determination.
Krishn Bhagat and Sydney Lerman

Performing Arts  Department Awards

CHORUS - OUTSTANDING SENIOR AWARD
This is a citizenship and a musicianship award presented to students who have been responsible, productive and enthusiastic members of the choral program.
Sinead O"Connor

NATIONAL SCHOOL CHORAL ASSOCIATION AWARD
This is awarded to a senior chorus member who has participated in every aspect of the choral program. Most importantly, this member has brought a special spirit to the ensembles and has shown a real dedication to the Horace Greeley High School music program.
Kyle McAfee

NEW YORK STATE SCHOOL MUSIC ASSOCIATION (NYSSMA) AWARD
Each year, thousands of junior and senior musicians from New York State audition at the New York State School Music Association Evaluation Festival. The top scoring high school musicians are chosen to perform in the All-State Band, Orchestra, Chorus and Jazz Band. The Performing Arts Department is honored to recognize those students from Horace Greeley who have been selected for these ensembles.
Skylar Choi, Jason Kang, Leona Liu and Zoya Yan

NATIONAL SCHOOL ORCHESTRA ASSOCIATION AWARD
Awarded to a senior orchestra member who has participated in every aspect of the orchestral music program. Most importantly, this person has brought a special spirit to the ensemble and has shown a real dedication to the Horace Greeley music program.
Nicolas Andreshak

NYSSMA – ALL-STATE ORCHESTRA AWARD
Each year thousands of junior and senior musicians from New York State audition at the New York State School Music Association Evaluation Festival.  The top scoring high school musicians are chosen to perform in the All-State Band, Orchestra, Chorus and Jazz Band.  The Performing Arts Department is honored to recognize those students from Horace Greeley who have been selected for these ensembles.
Nicolas Eichenberger and Alan Gu

DIRECTOR’S AWARD – CHAMBER ORCHESTRA
Given to seniors who have demonstrated outstanding achievement and commitment to the high school orchestral program above and beyond the regular organizational program.
Leona Liu

JOHN PHILIP SOUSA CONCERT BAND AWARD
Given to a senior in recognition for exceptional musicianship and outstanding contributions to the Symphonic Band. This award is given by the Music Educators National Conference.
James Shaw

NATIONAL BAND ASSOCIATION OUTSTANDING BAND MUSICIAN AWARD
Presented to a senior band member who has participated in every aspect of the band program, and who is unselfish with his/her time in assisting with the day-to-day aspects of the program. Most importantly, this person brings a special spirit to the program, a great gusto for the band that is infectious to other bandsmen.
Samuel Cashman

LOUIS ARMSTRONG JAZZ BAND AWARD
This award is presented to a senior member of the stage band who is recognized for his/her exceptional musicianship and personal commitment to the ensemble.
Jack Hanlon

KENNETH G. JACKSON AWARD IN TECHNICAL THEATRE
Presented to a senior who has made an outstanding contribution to the Horace Greeley Theatre Company in the areas of set design/construction, lighting design, and/or sound design.
Benjamin Hirschfield

MELISSA J. RUBIN AWARD
Presented to a senior whose theater work has shown outstanding creativity, "M.J." was a smiling, unsentimental optimist who could not be pried from her opinions. Melissa absorbed books, reruns of M.A.S.H. and would often dance with Fred Astaire.
Olivia Snow

THEATRE COMPANY AWARD FOR OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTION IN ACTING/ DIRECTING
Presented to a senior who has demonstrated exemplary skills in the areas of acting and directing.
Kyle Arzaga 

THEATRE COMPANY AWARD FOR OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTION IN PLAYWRITING/DIRECTING
Presented to a senior who has demonstrated exemplary skills in the areas of playwriting and directing.
Carolyn Gugick

THEATRE COMPANY AWARD FOR OUTSTANDING LEADERSHIP IN THE THEATRE
Presented to a senior who has demonstrated exemplary leadership skills in the areas of directing and producing.
Danielle Plotnick

Art  Department Awards

KATHERINE MILLIKEN ART AWARD
This award is given in recognition of growth, effort and excellence in Art. Katherine taught Drawing and Jewelry at Greeley for many years and is still a life-long learner. The recipient of this award is honored for an exemplary portfolio and work ethic.
Colin Dunne and Danielle Plotnick

STANLEY TUCCI Sr. ART SPIRIT AWARD
This award is presented in honor of Stanley Tucci Sr., the first long-time art teacher at Greeley who exemplified engaged commitment to life-long personal growth in the visual arts, an evident curiosity and exploration of the visual world and a vision of personal expression evident in both spirit and work. The student honored with this award embodies true creative energy and verve.
Jack Lehrhoff

English  Department Awards

DEPARTMENTAL EXCELLENCE IN ENGLISH AWARD
Given to the most outstanding senior in the subject of English.
Gregory Caesar

AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF UNIVERSITY WOMEN - WESTCHESTER EXCELLENCE IN WRITING AWARD
Presented to an outstanding senior girl who has demonstrated excellence in creative writing as well as formal writing.
Ainsley Cunningham

ENL AWARD
Given to the student who demonstrates academic excellence in learning English.
Maria Alejandra Marroquin

L.I.F.E. School Awards

L.I.F.E. SCHOOL AWARD FOR KINDLING WONDERMENT
This award is for the student(s) who embody the sense of curiosity and wonderment and a joy of learning we hope to instill in all of our students and ourselves.
Akanksha Basil and John Marinello

L.I.F.E. SCHOOL AWARD FOR UBUNTU
This award is to the students who most embody the spirit of ubuntu and commitment to our community and values.
Samantha Arriaga, Dean Impastato and Siena Jarrin

L.I.F.E. SCHOOL LIPSONIAN AWARD FOR GROWTH, PERSISTENCE AND OVERCOMING OBSTACLES
This award is in honor of Jared Lipson (’14), who demonstrated tremendous grit and persistence in overcoming significant health challenges much of his brief but spectacular life.  This award goes to students who have overcome challenges, exhibited tremendous grit, and/or demonstrated significant growth personally or academically.
Allegra Benardo and Natalia de la Fuente

Math  Department Awards

EDWIN R. BARLOW DISTINGUISHED STUDENT AWARD
Presented to the Horace Greeley High School graduating senior who has demonstrated recognizable strength of character, courage and dignity; consistent pursuit of learning; distinctive participation in some extracurricular activity; continuing commitment to community service; and recognition and respect for a teacher’s lifelong influence on students.
Jack Lehrhoff

DOUGLAS FRANK AWARD
This senior award memorializes the challenge and satisfaction Doug found in mathematics as a result of his conscientious efforts.  Doug died in 1979 while a student at Horace Greeley.
Maria Alejandra Marroquin

OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT IN MATH AWARD
Given to a student who has demonstrated interest, enthusiasm, and promise in the field of mathematics.
Tuan Anh Dang and Anna Hallac

COMPUTER SCIENCE AWARD
This award is given to a student for outstanding achievement in the field of computer science.
Thomas Ye

Science  Department Awards

THE SJK AWARD AND SCHOLARSHIP FOR THE PURSUIT OF SCIENTIFIC KNOWLEDGE AND TRUTH
The SJK Award and Scholarship for the Pursuit of Scientific Facts has been created in honor and remembrance of SamSabrina Kaplan ('19). The SJK Award will be given annually to a Horace Greeley High School Senior who exhibits the same pure and fierce passion and love for exploring the remote corners of science and the mathematics that SamSabrina was known for.
Jonathan Zhou and Ayden Simpson

XIAO HU LIU FAMILY SCHOLARSHIP AWARD
The scholarship award is presented to a graduating senior for academic excellence in science in loving memory of Dr. Xiao Hu Liu, parent of Margaret (‘13) and Jeffrey (‘16), who passed away suddenly in 2018.  Dr. Liu was an award-winning scientist in the field of semiconductor technologies, a world class scholar with over 80 publications and more than 90 patents, and the recipient of the 2016 Best of IBM Award. With integrity, energy and a passion for learning, Dr. Liu inspired those around him to strive for creative solutions, to pursue their passions and exceed their expectations. A gifted and meticulous individual, his brilliance as a strategic thinker was balanced by his warm smile and gentle demeanor. A dedicated husband, father and son, he is also remembered as a kind, generous, and loyal friend in Chappaqua and around the world.
Leona Liu

THE LINDA J. ZHANG ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP AND SUSTAINABILITY AWARD
The scholarship, sponsored by the Linda J. Zhang Foundation, will be given annually to two Horace Greeley High School seniors, who, through their own actions and advocacy, have contributed to environmental stewardship and sustainability that Linda Zhang was known for and passionate about.
Alexandra Fitzgertald and Ayden Simpson

CHAPPAQUA GARDEN CLUB SCHOLARSHIP AWARD
Presented to college bound seniors who express a strong interest and dedication in pursuing college fields of study in the following areas:  Environmental Science, Horticulture, Landscape Design, Botany, Conservation Forestry, Farming.
Akanksha Basil and Jack Engel

ROBERT ODDO BOOK AWARD
For excellence in Environmental Science, this award commemorates the beloved Horace Greeley teacher who instituted the course here for his exuberance, his dedication to his students, and his love for the natural world.
Anna Hallac

OUTSTANDING SCIENCE STUDENT AWARDS
This award is to recognize seniors who have excelled in a particular science.
Leena Rouyer - Biology
Katherine Wohl - Chemistry
Tuan Anh Dang - Physics
Ashley Goldbaum - Psychology

Social Studies  Department Award

SENIOR HISTORY AWARD
Presented to that student who, over the course of a high school career, has demonstrated the greatest ability and interest in the field of History.
Elizabeth Knox and Valerie Lippin

World Language  Department Awards

Given to the student(s) who demonstrate academic excellence in each of the languages.
Matthew Crowe - Chinese
William Lu - French
Zoya Yan - French
Karinna Cvijanovich - Spanish
Ryan Guber - Spanish
Dina Millerman - Spanish

JAMES P. WRINN AWARDS
Presented to seniors who have shown dedication, enthusiasm and a love of the language which has remained undaunted.  James P. Wrinn was a teacher of French and Spanish at Horace Greeley until his untimely death.
Lexie Goldman - Chinese
Riley Card - French
Miranda Christ - French
Carolyn Gugick - Latin
Reese Highbloom - Spanish
Molly Pluta - Spanish
Brenden Schildkraut - Spanish
Katherine Wohl - Spanish 

ELIZABETH RIPPE MACDUFF AWARD
Presented to a senior who best exemplifies the qualities Mrs. MacDuff most admired:  scholarship and dedication to the study of foreign language, especially Latin.  Mrs. MacDuff was a former Latin, French and German teacher at the Robert E. Bell School.
Jonathan Zhou

Other Recognition
These students have been recognized for their accomplishments earlier in the year. 

NATIONAL MERIT COMMENDED STUDENTS
Nicolas Andreshak
Evan Bazel
Kaitlin Blakeslee
Caroline Bomback
William Brandes
Matthew Burack
Riley Card
Daniella Chung
Matthew Crowe
Ainsley Cunningham
Karinna Cvijanovich
Jack Engel
Andrew Fogarty
Matthew Ginsburg
Anna Hallac
Eliza Hawthorne
Benjamin Hirschfield
Jason Kang
Elizabeth Knox
Sabastian Kockler
Eleanor Lynch
Owen Parsons
Molly Pluta
Samuel Rosenberg
Monica Rosu
Daniel Seong
Zoya Yan
Rishi Young
Jonathan Zhou

NATIONAL MERIT SEMIFINALIST
Ishan Roy

NATIONAL MERIT FINALISTS
Akanksha Basil
Joseph Blair
Tuan Anh Dang
Caroline Gershman
William Hutchings
Valerie Lippin
Leona Liu
Kyle McAfee
Dina Millerman
Sumer Moudgill
Lauren Schmutz
Cadence Weddle
Jack Wei
Katharine Wohl
Thomas Ye
Morgan Ziegler

NATIONAL MERIT SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS
Ryan Guber
Lori Saxena
Kayla Singer