2022 Senior Class Awards

This year’s Senior Awards Ceremony took place on June 7th. The ceremony was an opportunity to formally acknowledge members of the Class of 2022 for their outstanding commitment and accomplishments in the areas of academics, athletics, and service to school, and service to the larger community.

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.
Sabrina Johnston

CONGRESSIONAL COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARD
This award recognizes a graduating senior who has demonstrated outstanding service to the community.
Emma Saltiel 

NYS ATTORNEY GENERAL TRIPLE “C” AWARD
This award recognizes the “Courage, Commitment and Character” of New York’s hard working students.  Whether succeeding in academic pursuits, participating in community service, displaying leadership skills among their peers, or overcoming personal obstacles; this student provides us with hope for a brighter future.
Alexandra McCarthy

PTA COMMUNITY 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.
Owen Platt

ASSISTANT 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.
Lily Cohen, Anvi Datta, Jonah Halperin and Benjamin Wang

CLASS ADVISORS' AWARD

This award acknowledges students whom the class advisors recognize as having contributed in a significant way to their class.
Zoe Gellert, Sofia Jacobson, Nicole Renzulli, and Avery Schwartz

L.I.F.E. School Awards

L.I.F.E. SCHOOL AWARD FOR KINDLING WONDERMENT
This award is for students who embody the sense of curiosity and wonderment and a joy of learning we hope to instill in all of our students and ourselves.
Emily Adler and Kira Desai

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.
Kyler Charles-Midonnet, Arden Myers and Ninoshka Nicolau-Zacarias

L.I.F.E. SCHOOL AWARD FOR UBUNTU
This award is for students who most embody the spirit of ubuntu and commitment to our community and values.
Gabrielle Strauss

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.
Jonathan Suh

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.
Emma Zhu

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.
Benjamin Madden

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.
Julia Herzner and Emily Kahan

COUNSELORS' AWARD
Given to students who demonstrate strength of character with grace, grit, and determination.
Sam Mason

Performing Arts  Department Awards

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.
Miao Hou

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.
Justin Ng

NEW YORK STATE SCHOOL MUSIC ASSOCIATION (NYSSMA) AWARD - 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.
Jingyang Zhang

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.
Sydney Katz

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.
John Weynand

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.
Alexander Watts

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.
Nile Christensen

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.
Mason Balber

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.
Emily Hutchings and Alessia Lombardi

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.
John Gustafson

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.
Matthew Cooperberg

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.
Emily Adler

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.
Kelly Yan

GLENN SWAYNE ART AWARD
This award is given to the senior who has demonstrated outstanding production and growth in the arts.  The recipient exemplifies Glenn Swayne’s philosophy that the journey is as important as the destination.  Glenn founded the photography and yearbook program at Greeley in 1972.  So many years later, we carry on his tradition of creating, designing and photographing a slice of Greeley life.
Taylor Quinto

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.
Gwendolyn Toll

English  Department Awards

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

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.
Nailah Elliott

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.
Calvin VanDenbergh-Curry

OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT IN MATH AWARD
Given to a student who has demonstrated interest, enthusiasm, and promise in the field of mathematics.
Matthew Cooperberg

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

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.
Matthew Cooperberg

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.
Anika Puri

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.
Jessica Ji

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.
Jillian Gordon

ROBERT ODDO ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE 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.
Niels VanRitbergen

OUTSTANDING SCIENCE STUDENT AWARDS
These seniors are recognized as extraordinary science students, ones the science department agrees will make significant contributions in the field(s) of science they will ultimately pursue.  These students are highly respected and admired by their teachers..
Jack Liu - Biology
Katherine Hulme - Chemistry
Spencer Katz - Forensics
Mack LaRosa - Physics
Abigail Zebrak - 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.
Lucy Feng and William Hollister

World Language  Department Awards

Given to the student(s) who demonstrate academic excellence in each of the languages.
Michael Huaca Marin - French
Emily Jiang - French
Jasmine Li - French
Caroline Slaski - Mandarin
Lucy Feng - 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.
Kenny Santos - French
John Jeffrey - French
Jack Liu - Latin
Noah Lim - Mandarin
Charles Emanuel - Spanish
Tatum Krase - Spanish
Owen Platt - 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.
Adam Soomro

Other Recognition

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

NATIONAL MERIT COMMENDED STUDENTS
Colette Baek
Molly Cashman
Ting Ting Chung
Matthew Cooperberg
Amy Dorfman
Jake Friedman
Elias Herder
Stephen Hotchkin
Kathryn Hulme
Sofia Jacobson
Emily Jiang
Spencer Katz
Jay Kim
Sunoo Kim
Jason Lavender
Jasmine Li
Noah Lim
Dillon O'Malley
Pablo Perez
Anika Puri
James Reynolds
Emma Saltiel
Dylan Satow
Niels Van Ritbergen
Benjamin Wang
Greyson Weddle
John Weynand
Abigail Zebrak
Emma Zhu

NATIONAL MERIT FINALISTS
Lucy Feng
Jack Liu
Andrew Seidman
Linda Sun
Jingyan Zhang

VALEDICTORIAN HONOREES
Matthew Cooperberg
Lucy Feng
Stephen Hotchkin
Sofia Jacobson
Spencer Katz
Sunoo Kim
Owen Platt
Amanda Pohly
Anika Puri
Hallie Rackoff
Linda Sun
Benjamin Wang

NYSED SCHOLARSHIP FOR ACADMIC EXCELLENCE
Ting Ting Chung
Matthew Cooperberg
Lucy Feng
Sunoo Kim
Anika Puri
Banmjamin Wang
Kelly Yan
Emma Zhu