2023 Senior Class Recognition Ceremony

This year’s Senior Recognition Ceremony took place on June 12th. The ceremony was an opportunity to formally acknowledge members of the Class of 2023 for their outstanding commitment and accomplishments in the areas of academics, athletics, service to school, and service to the larger community. (continued below)

 

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 a 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.
Justin Potack

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.
Stephanie Novick

NYS COMPTROLLER'S ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
This award is presented to a graduating student who has shown academic excellence and the potential for leadership through involvement in activities that improve the school and/or the community.
Samuel Tainsky

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.
Sara Lippin

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.
Ava Ametrano, Henry Gefsky and Martin Kalathil

CLASS ADVISORS' AWARD

This award acknowledges students whom the class advisors recognize as having contributed in a significant way to their class.
Michelle Kasulka, Aarush Kumar and Otto Mildenhall

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.
Sydney Topiel

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.
Cameron Mutkoski

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.
Helen VanDenbergh-Curry

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.
Leela Young

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.
Lindsay Kinstlinger

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.
Daisy Benardo and Jane Spiro

Athletic Department 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.
Hudson Chung

The JEANNE B. IRWIN FEMAIL 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.
Michelle Kasulka

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.
Luke Chang and Kiernan Toner

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.
Riya Trivedi

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

English  Department Awards

EXCELLENCE IN ENGLISH AWARD
Given to the most outstanding senior in the subject of English.
Trisha Saxena and Tessa Wheeler

Math  Department Awards

HGSF EDWIN R. BARLOW DISTINGUISHED STUDENT AWARD
Presented by the Horace Greeley Scholarship Fund 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.
John Flannery

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.
Alex Beltran

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

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

Performing Arts  Department Awards

CHORUS - OUTSTANDING SENIOR AWARD
This is a citizenship award and a musicianship award presented to students who have been responsible, productive, and enthusiastic members of the choral program.
Jordan Klein and Tessa Wheeler

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.
Jolie Leibner

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.
Rachel 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.
Zachary Wolk

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.
Anthony Ruscigno

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.
Bailey McCarthy

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.
Otto Mildenhall

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.
Dahlia Segal

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.
Vanessa Pliskow

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.
Jordan Klein

Science  Department Awards

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.
Luke Chang

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.
Alex Friedman - Biology
John Flannery - Chemistry
Leon Jacobson - Forensics
Emily Ni - Physics
Jolie Leibner - Psychology

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 Sam Sabrina 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 Sam Sabrina was known for.
Elvin Lo

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.
Julia Sun

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.
Regina Velasco and Amy Yang

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.
Eli Brown and Owen Sibinga

Social Studies  Department Awards

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.
Netra Easwaran and Lauren Mazzarelli

World Language  Department Awards

Given to the student(s) who demonstrate academic excellence in each of the languages.
Anna Olteanu - French
Jane Spiro - Mandarin
Maria Zvereva - 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.
Cheryl Zhang - French
Gabriel Paley - Latin
Drew Schlesinger - Mandarin
Nat Anh Dang - 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.
Owen Sibinga

Other Recognitions

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

NATIONAL MERIT COMMENDED STUDENTS
Sara Asa
Noah Behrman
Jordan Beicke
Krissh Bhargava
Anne Bomback
Allison Bray
Luke Chang
Hudson Chung
Peter Correia
Nhat Anh Dang
Elizabeth Fallon
Lauren Fanter
Alex Friedman
Katherine Ginsburg
Alexa Googel
Sophia Huang
Connor Hufnagel
Ethan Kuperman
Jolie Leibner
Jamie Lynch
Emily Ni
Morgan O’Malley
Lizzy Osinski
Hayden Parsons
Ava Peters
Isaac Saland
Trisha Saxena
Sarah Serota
Ellie Slive
Daniel Stankiewicz
Azim Usmanov
Diego Weiss
Zachary Wolk
Leela Young
Jordan Zeiger
Cheryl Zhang
Rachel Zhang

NATIONAL MERIT FINALISTS
Daphne Cao
Lea Duesterwald
Netra Easwaran
Patrick Fang
John Flannery
Devisi Goel
Carly Googel
Elvin Lo
Gabriel Paley
Siri Reddy
Julia Sun
Justin Xiang
Amy Yang

NATIONAL MERIT WINNERS
Lea Duesterwald
Carly Googel
Gabriel Paley
Siri Reddy
Justin Xiang

VALEDICTORIAN HONOREES
Daphne Cao
Lea Duesterwald
Netra Easwaran
Patrick Fang
Alexa Googel
Jordan Klein
Niambh Lee
Sara Lippin
Elvin Lo
Emily Ni
Morgan O’Malley
Lizzy Osinski
Gabriel Paley
Siri Reddy
Marielle Seigel
Sarah Serota
Julia Sun
Zachary Wolk
Justin Xiang

NYSED SCHOLARSHIP FOR ACADMIC EXCELLENCE
Patrick Fang
Elvin Lo
Emily Ni
Lizzy Osinski
Gabriel Paley
Siri Reddy
Julia Sun