2020 Senior Class Awards

This year’s virtual Senior Awards Ceremony took place on June 10th. The ceremony was an opportunity to formally acknowledge members of the Class of 2020 for their outstanding commitment and accomplishments in the areas of academics, athletics, and service to school, and service to the larger community.

Video

Service & Community Awards

EDWIN D. 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.
Ryan Pohly

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.
Ryan Bernbach

THE SJK AWARD AND SCHOLARSHIP FOR THE PURSUIT OF SCIENTIFIC KNOWLEDGE AND TRUTH
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.
Holly Cheng

XIAO HU LIU FAMILY SCHOLARSHIP AWARD
Presented to a college-bound senior who has demonstrated academic excellence in science, is determined to fulfill goals and dreams, shows a passion for reading to expand knowledge and personal development, has a positive attitude, is friendly, has confidence, humility and warmth. This student earns respect from teachers and peers, builds community through collaboration, leadership, and supportive learning and is appreciative and accomplished in music and the arts.
Matthew Friedman

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.
Matthew Eiden

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.
Daniel Greenstein and Mariah Walsh

HUDSON VALLEY BLOOD SERVICES AWARD
In recognition of extraordinary work and extensive dedication of time and effort to Horace Greeley High School Blood Drives.
Sydney Saltiel

SCHOLAR ATHLETE AWARD
The Torrey D. Dodson Male Scholar-Athlete of the Year Award is given to the top senior scholar-athlete who has distinguished themselves in the classroom and on the field of athletic completion.
Jared Caspar

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

THE PTA AWARD
Awarded to a graduating senior who, though actions, demeanor and activities, improved the Horace Greeley Community.
Emma Langlois

CLASS PRINCIPAL'S AWARD
This award is given by the assistant principal to recognize students who have made important contributions to Greeley and have demonstrated unique personal qualities.
Isabella Garcia, Arden Katz and Mariah Walsh

CLASS ADVISORS' AWARD
This award acknowledges students whom the class advisors recognize as having contributed in a significant way to their class.
Anjali Bhattacharyya, Kate Mazzarelli, Madison Rosenthal,, Ellen Tsai and Luiza Zibenberg

 

Department Awards

COUNSELORS' AWARD
Given to students who have overcome difficult circumstances with grace and grit.
Joseph Agaba

PATRICK DOUGHERTY SCHOLARSHIP AWARD
Given to a student who embodies the same qualities exemplified by our friend and counseling 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.
Griffin Brown

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.
Jamie Fine and Daniel Meringolo

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.
David Katz and Ji Min Yoo

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.
Ethan Chin

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.
Paul Garell, Cameron Grant and Claire Roane

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.
Mariah Walsh

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.
Allison Lupatkin

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.
Alec Xiang

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.
Spencer Brown

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.
Paul Garell

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

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.
Jordan Burrows

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

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

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.
Gavrie Elliott and Ellie Leibner

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.
Zachary Andrews, Lauren Fischer, Kristen Kibler and Avery Rothstein

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.
Luke Mozarsky, Katherine Petrillo and Madison Rosenthal

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

L.I.F.E. SCHOOL KINDLING WONDERMENT AWARD
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.
Joseph Agaba and Elizabeth Slattery

L.I.F.E. SCHOOL UBUNTU AWARD
This award is for the student(s) who most embody the spirit of ubuntu and commitment to our community and values.
El Cetinski and Katherine Petrillo

L.I.F.E. SCHOOL LIPSONIAN AWARD
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.
Acacia Puleo

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

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.
Leif Vargas

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

OUTSTANDING SCIENCE STUDENT AWARD
This award is to recognize seniors who have excelled in a particular science.
    Sydney Ford - Biology
    Ryan Pohly - Chemistry
    Kristen Kibler - Environmental Science
    Jennifer Leahy - Forensics
    Kira Lindner - Forensics
    Spencer Brown - Physics
    Ethan Zalasin - Physics
    Isabelle Malone - Psychology
    Lily Shapiro - Science Research
    Alec Xiang - Science Research 

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.
Jacob Miller

CHINESE, FRENCH AND SPANISH AWARDS
Given to the student(s) who demonstrate academic excellence in each of the languages.
    Matthew Friedman - Chinese Award
    Maggie Li - French Award
    Riley Bresner - Spanish Award
    Jacob Miler - Spanish Award 

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.
    Daniel Greenstein - Chinese Award
    Sydney Ford - French Award
    Kate Mazzarelli - French Award
    Penelope Toll - Latin Award
    Zachary Andrews - Spanish Award
    Leif Vargas - Spanish Award 

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.
Alec Xiang


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

NATIONAL MERIT COMMENDED STUDENTS
Naomi Abe
Rohan Acharya
Henry Asa
Sarah Bonder
Allison Chen
Ethan Chin
Owen Clendenin
Peter Conway
Amelia Evans
Lauren Fischer
Jack Fitzgerald
Matthew Friedman
Tess Fuqua
Isabella Garcia

Stephanie Gschwind
Jacklyn Katz
Kirsten Kibler
Meredith Klepper
John Laidlaw
Maggie Li
Kelly Liu
Matthew Maitland
Vedan Malhotra
Fabien Mathias
Ellie Mehrara
Amanda Michael
Luke Mozarsky
Ryan Pohly

Dyllon Preston
Alexander Rouyer
Sophia Rutman
Sydney Saltiel
Harry Samuels
Lindsay Schwartz
Jonathan Seidman
Tao Sun
Pranay Talla
Penelope Toll
Jordan Troob
Bering Tse
Ji Min Yoo
Eric Yu

NATIONAL FINALIST STUDENTS
Jared Caspar
Elizabeth Chen
Holly Cheng
Noah Falbaum
Zain Jafar
Arden Katz
David Katz
Ellie Leibner
Kira Lindner
Jacob Miller
Samuel Stewart
Christina Tavlarakis
Charlotte Templeton
Kevin Wang
Alec Xiang
Daniel Xu
Rebecca Zadeck

NATIONAL MERIT SCHOLARSHIP AWARDS
Arden Katz
Jacob Miller
Alec Xiang