蘑菇传媒

Opening remarks given by Associate Head of School, Brandon Bennett: 

Our mission as a school, as I鈥檓 sure you all know, is not to issue awards, but rather to invite each of you to participate in the opportunities and challenges of a demanding liberal arts learning experience. In defining excellence as one of our core values, we say this:

We embrace elevated standards of knowledge, performance, and character. We strive for excellence in everything we do, starting with excellence of effort.

As we celebrate particular examples of excellence of knowledge, performance, and character in members of our Class of 2026 (and a few others), we are also celebrating the aspiration that animates our learning community, and the excellence of effort we see around us every day. It is that excellence of effort that allows for the highest and most meaningful forms of insight and understanding over the span of a lifetime. 

Thank you all for being a part of this celebration of the aspiration and effort that animate our ongoing work together as a school. To all the students specifically honored, we are grateful for the example you provide to all of us. Your determination, hard work, and excellence inspire us to rededicate ourselves to the quest of being and doing better over a lifetime, always learning, always seeking knowledge and understanding so that we might give back to the communities that have nurtured us.

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Opening remarks given by Class XII Dean, Harmony Button: 

Seniors. Brace yourselves. I鈥檓 about to make a sports metaphor. You see, I鈥檝e never been much of a sports fan. I just didn鈥檛 get the appeal鈥攕o much time spent watching鈥� what? Running! Kicking! Occasional collisions or throwing things? Which is not to say that I don鈥檛 appreciate athletes鈥擨 love watching a game, or a part of a game, and I admire everything athletes can do. But when it came to being a super fan鈥攅h, I just wasn鈥檛 that into it. Until I met the Class of 2026. When I met you, seniors, you were a bit of an underdog team. You were a bunch of kids who didn鈥檛 even know what sport you were playing, let alone how to play together. By Upper School, you had decided that your class had some key players, and everybody else was pretty happy chilling on the bench, eating some oranges. Since then, I鈥檝e been tracking the stats鈥�all the stats, not just the grades. In fact, I hope you know this by now, but your individual grades were often the least of my concerns. What really thrilled me was watching how you all found yourselves in the game, together鈥攈ow you learned how every single one of you really mattered to the team鈥攁nd how collectively, the Class of 2026 redefined and dominated their own definition of winning. Success, for the Class of 2026, is more than personal achievement鈥攁lthough y鈥檃ll have that in spades, too. Success is long term happiness, which means different things to different people, but what you all agree on is that it isn鈥檛 a status to be achieved, but a practice of being that needs to be maintained. Because, sports metaphors aside, your life is not a game. School is not a game. It鈥檚 the invigorating and sometimes painful process of molding yourself into the kind of person you want to be when your class dean isn鈥檛 around. And I just want you to know鈥攏o matter where you go or what you do鈥攏o matter what amazing achievements you accomplish or epic mistakes you make鈥擨 will always believe in you. Go get 鈥榚m, Seniors.  

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STUDENT GOVERNMENT LEADERS

Remarks shared by Jessie Lund, Associate Dean of Students for Upper School:  

蘑菇传媒 Student Government Leaders spend an enormous amount of time and energy working to cultivate and elevate the student life experience at 蘑菇传媒. This work is often done behind the scenes, with little recognition, and sometimes the payoff does not happen until after they graduate. I am happy to take a moment here to recognize our student leaders for all of their insight and energy and to thank them for their work this year.

A special note to our seniors leaders this year:
You have represented your Upper School peers this year with courage, perseverance, and optimism. You have made senior year memories, encouraged strong school spirit, and instituted traditions for all of us to look forward to. You have shared your spirit, your passion, and your voices – and you have listened to your peers. All of this 鈥渨ith kindness鈥� and grace. I am grateful to each of you for your leadership!

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DEAN’S AWARD

Remarks shared by Jessie Lund, Associate Dean of Students for Upper School: 

The 蘑菇传媒 Dean’s Award acknowledges that a community doesn’t spontaneously come into existence. It is built bit by bit by the willing contributions of those it seeks to serve.  Every year two students in Classes IX-XII are recognized for their positive and meaningful contributions to 蘑菇传媒鈥檚 Upper School community.

I am happy to present this year鈥檚 recipients of the 蘑菇传媒 Dean鈥檚 Award:

FRESHMAN – Class of 2029

Clara D.
Clara D. 鈥�29 is incredibly thoughtful, and always includes other people. Clara embodies kindness, she is helpful, she is consistently positive and energetic, and she regularly goes out of her way to say hi to people in the hall. Clara continually puts in effort to make others feel good. She is present and attentive with faculty and peers alike, and her grounded maturity mixed with her upbeat outlook on life makes her a warm and reassuring presence in and out of the classroom. Clara thinks proactively and mindfully about her impact on others in her extracurricular environments, like choir and dance, but beyond those spaces, she is keenly aware of how her small acts of kindness can make a big difference. We are so fortunate to have Clara bring us together as a grade through building bridges, and we are proud she represents the Class of 2029 through this award.

Everett J. 
Everett J. is magnetic. He is kind to absolutely everyone, without expecting anything in return. He innately sees his classmates, finding ways to authentically reassure them they matter. He naturally includes everyone around him no matter their varying hobbies or interests. Everett shows a true curiosity about everyone’s life and always asks others how their day is going. Everett has a knack for making people feel free to be themselves around him. He shows up every day with intention; he is present and attentive in class 鈥� and 鈥� wherever you find Everett, he will make it a fun environment. Even with adults on campus, Everett finds a way to make lasting connections, balancing respect, hard work, and wit, proven by the many inside jokes he has with his teachers. Everett, we are amazed, but not surprised, by your positive impact on our community. We are honored to award you this recognition.

SOPHOMORES – Class of 2028

Brendan B. 
Brendan is a positive force in our 蘑菇传媒 Community.  He displays a quiet leadership of confidence and kindness that makes others naturally follow him.  In class, he is prepared, participates meaningfully in activities and discussions, and genuinely tries to expand his understanding.  He has a great rapport with his classmates and makes everyone feel included.  He, truly, is a role model of citizenship.  Brendan is very active in student life.  He is involved in acting and stage management in the theatre department.  He is a regular in the board game club and attends many after-school events to support his fellow students, particularly in the performing arts.  Brendan is often found helping his friends with homework and is always willing to give a hand to anyone who needs it.  His generous, kind nature and good humor make him an ideal candidate for this reward.  Thank you, Brendan, for uplifting our community.

Cecily S. 
Cecily brings a positive, fun energy to our 蘑菇传媒 community. In the classroom, she is hard-working, respectful, and a good team player, bringing enthusiasm and curiosity. She seems to understand the balance between playfulness and seriousness, an important balance to strike in the classroom. Cecily is kind and generous and makes everyone in our community feel valued and seen.  She is a sweet and loyal friend who is always willing to listen.  She has an amazing sense of humor that can make any activity fun. Cecily has been a key contributor to the 蘑菇传媒 dance program for years, and recently helped choreograph Class X鈥檚 amazing lip sync dance. Cecily is never afraid to be her true self, and her authenticity shines through, brightening the day of anyone she comes in contact with. Thank you, Cecily, for your strong leadership, your inclusivity, and for making 蘑菇传媒 a better place.

JUNIORS – Class of 2027

Maya P.
Maya P. is the kind of person who makes everyone around her feel valued. No matter how busy she is, when she talks to you, she makes you feel like you are the most important person in the room. Maya has an incredible ability to connect with people鈥� whether it鈥檚 classmates, teammates, younger students or even complete strangers at robotics competitions. Within minutes, she can turn strangers into friends and make everyone feel included and comfortable. 
One of her teammates reports 鈥淥n our robotics team, Maya is truly 鈥渢he connector鈥�. She builds relationships within our team, with other teams, and even with organizations like NASA while helping manage media for multiple teams.鈥� What makes her even more remarkable is her balance. Between challenging classes, dance, robotics, family and countless responsibilities she still gives 100% to everything she does without complaining. Most importantly, Maya does all of this with kindness and positivity. She inspires others to see challenges as opportunities and always takes time to support the people around her

Joaquin P.
Joaquin Pont is the kind of person who rings positivity everywhere he goes. No matter the situation, he always has a smile and something encouraging to say, and that energy makes even the hardest classes feel a little less stressful. With his positive energy and a bit of humor, he has a way of making each day brighter simply by being himself. Joaquin鈥檚 impact reaches far beyond the classroom. He is a strong presence on his soccer team, involved in the outdoor program, active in running clubs, and can be constantly seen capturing moments through his amazing photography. No matter what he is doing he brings enthusiasm, kindness, and genuine support for those around him. What stands out most is how deeply people appreciate him. Friends, classmates, teachers and teammates alike see the impact that Joaquin has on every room he enters. We are all grateful to have Joaquin in our community.

SENIORS – Class of 2026

Molly Cook
Molly Cook is awesome, and what鈥檚 more, she thinks that 测辞耻鈥檙别 awesome, and chances are she鈥檚 going to go out of her way to find you and tell you so, and that will make you feel awesome. Molly knows how to do gratitude: she works her way through tough situations and community challenges while practicing gratitude for all the good things and great people around her. Which isn鈥檛 to say that she never sees the need for change鈥攐n the contrary, Molly is incredibly proactive in identifying opportunities to effect positive change. Molly can fix almost anything鈥攚ith care, diligence, empathy, and a whole lot of elbow grease. Her friends know that she will always listen鈥攁nd that her advice is industry gold. Molly, for years, you鈥檝e quietly gone about the business of making 蘑菇传媒 a better place for everybody. We see you, and we are so grateful for you.  

Charlie Groberg 
Charlie Groberg is a little bit like Peter Parker鈥攁nd not just because he鈥檚 literally bouncing off the walls, Spider Man style, whenever nobody鈥檚 watching. Or when they are. It鈥檚 because Charlie has a super power, which is his ability to make you feel like you鈥檝e been heard and valued鈥� while he鈥檚 simultaneously making you laugh so hard you might snarf chocolate milk out your nose. He is the goofiest empath I鈥檝e ever met. Seriously鈥擟harlie may seem unassuming, casually going about his business, just a Charlie doing typical Charlie things鈥� but then at the end of the day, how is it that he鈥檚 managed to bolster everybody鈥檚 spirits, diffuse several social tensions, secretly kick butt on his homework, and make one or two new best friends鈥攆or life? Charlie, your Super Hero cover is blown, but that鈥檚 okay鈥攚e always knew that you were our friendly neighborhood Spider Man.

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CUM LAUDE SOCIETY

The Cum Laude Society is a century-old organization dedicated to the goal of recognizing and honoring true academic excellence. Its member institutions include the very finest independent schools in the country and around the world. 

Every Cum Laude school may admit a fraction of its graduating class into the Society, and may establish the criteria for admission as it sees fit. 蘑菇传媒 has chosen to identify induction into the Cum Laude Society as the highest academic honor its students can earn. To be chosen for Cum Laude Society honors, students must have established remarkable records of broad, deep, sustained, first-rate achievement across all program areas in the Upper School.

The 2026 蘑菇传媒 Cum Laude scholars were officially inducted into the Society at a dinner with their parents earlier in the spring, but here at this Awards Assembly we want to recognize them again:

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DEPARTMENT AWARDS

VISUAL ART DEPARTMENT PRIZE – Diane Jung

Remarks shared by Andrew Patteson, Director of Arts:

The Visual Arts Department Prize for 2026 is awarded to Diane Jung. 

The Visual Arts faculty celebrate Diane:
For your love of beauty!
For always drawing! 
For your sketchbooks filled with images that rival the 鈥榝inished鈥� work of others.
For your thoughtful, intuitive exploration of concepts and materials which you layer together in service of your vision.
For your willingness to put in the extra work of developing your ideas through many iterations. 
For your AP Drawing portfolio which transforms art historical portraits into self-portraits as a beautiful tribute to your heritage.
For your participation in and recognition from Scholastic Art awards, Draper Visual Arts Scholar Competition, the Utah Museum of Contemporary Art,  and the Springville Museum of Art. 
For graciously sharing your artwork with  museums, universities, libraries, schools and galleries through the Utah Division of Arts and Museums 2026-27 Traveling Exhibition Program. 
For your beautiful paintings depicting Vivaldi鈥檚 Four Seasons in collaboration with Ms Morris and the Orchestra. 
For your enthusiastic leadership of the Poster Club, and crafting beautifully unique images to advertise school events. 
For your full circle transformation from a somewhat gruff, but clearly talented artist in Mr Brewer鈥檚 Class 6 Art Survey course — to now serving as a TA in that very class.
For giving back to those young students who admire you and learn so much from you. 
For exceptional, cheerful, and consistent commitment to refining your unique artistic sensibilities and talents.
For your wholehearted embrace of all that 蘑菇传媒鈥檚 Visual Arts program offers.

Congratulations!

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COMPUTER SCIENCE DEPARTMENT PRIZE – Fiona Jiang

Remarks shared by Ann Henriksen, Computer Science Department Chair:

Fiona eagerly completed all of 蘑菇传媒鈥檚 Computer Science courses, beginning early in Upper School, while making meaningful contributions throughout the program. As one of the few freshmen in the course, Fiona quickly emerged as a leader in AP Computer Science A鈥攁 role she continued to embrace as she fearlessly led the Upper School Computer Club each week for multiple years.

Under her direction, the club used neural networks, machine learning, and image recognition to develop a Python program capable of detecting, recognizing, and ultimately translating American Sign Language. She also led the club to numerous top finishes in national coding competitions; they are currently programming a robot car. 

Fiona is an accomplished coder having progressed from predictive statistical models to effectively combine her interest in ornithology with trigonometric functions and network modeling to analyze bird migration patterns.

She has consistently demonstrated exceptional attention to detail, critical thinking, and the ability to clearly communicate advanced concepts, particularly in her work studying population segregation and its effects through advanced agent-based modeling.

Fiona, your work in computer science is both meaningful and important. Your knowledge carries the power to make a positive impact on our world, and I cannot wait to see what you do next. Congratulations鈥攚e are so proud of you.

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DANCE DEPARTMENT PRIZE – Katelyn Cummings

Remarks shared by Annie Semans, Dance Department Chair:

I am starting this letter with one of my favorite quotes by Isadora Duncan, from her writings on 鈥淭he Dancer of the Future鈥�:

The dancer of the future will be one whose body and soul have grown so harmoniously together that the natural language of that soul will have become the movement of the body. The dancer will not belong to a nation but to all humanity. She will dance not in the form of nymph, nor fairy, nor coquette, but in the form of woman in her greatest and purest expression鈥�From all parts of her body shall shine radiant intelligence, bringing to the world the message of the thoughts and aspirations of thousands of women. She shall dance the freedom of woman …

Our Dance Department prize goes to Katelyn Cummings, for her consistent hard work and dedication, for her thoughtful attention to detail, and for her creativity and playfulness. These qualities could be seen in her own choreography projects as well as in her leading roles, such as 鈥淪ugar Plum Fairy鈥� in The Nutcracker, the 鈥淏ossy Sister鈥� in Cinderella, the 鈥淲hoville Mayor鈥� and the repeating role of 鈥淭hing 1鈥� in How the Grinch Stole Christmas, 鈥淜itri鈥� in Don Quixote, 鈥淒orothy鈥� in Wizard of Oz.  Thank you for your kindness and generosity on stage and off, and for the example you have been to those around you. 

You are the dancer of the future!

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ENGLISH DEPARTMENT PRIZE – Evie Hershkop

Remarks shared by Dr. Matt Davis, English Department Chair:

The winner of the 2025鈥�26 English Department Award is Evie Hershkop. In the introduction to her translation of Homer鈥檚 Odyssey, Emily Wilson explains that 鈥�The Odyssey puts us into a world that is a peculiar mixture of the strange and the familiar. The tension between strangeness and familiarity is in fact the poem鈥檚 central subject.鈥� Our Evie has such a deep love for this story of Odysseus as well as many other myths that they have become familiar to her. For Evie, tales of gods, wars and journeys home pop up in strange, new places and her ability to notice them is what makes her an accomplished student of English. Evie is always looking for connections and familiar patterns. She understands that texts are always in conversation and her own creative work reflects this, too. Most of all, Evie鈥檚 ability to connect with others in discussion of literature allows her to tap into a curiosity that is contagious, and we as a department have enjoyed getting to see this in action. We are so proud to bestow this award on Evie, and we thank her for reading and connecting with us.

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HISTORY DEPARTMENT PRIZE – Abi Quinn

Remarks shared by Julie Ransom, History Department Chair:  

Abi Quinn embodies the very best qualities of a historian and scholar: intellectual curiosity, thoughtful skepticism, creativity, and a genuine desire to understand the world more deeply. Across her history courses, Abi consistently elevated classroom conversations by asking the kinds of probing, nuanced questions that opened up new avenues of thought for her classmates and teachers. Whether analyzing the contradictions of imperialism in European History, drawing connections between John Locke and drama theory, or unpacking the relationship between film, culture, and historical memory, Abi approached ideas with sophistication and insight. 

Abi鈥檚 intellectual strengths are matched by her creativity and enthusiasm for bringing history to life, exemplified in her spirited portrayal of Thomas Hobbes at the Enlightenment Salon and her self-produced mini-documentary about absolute monarchs in which she starred as a witty Peter the Great. Beyond the classroom, Abi鈥檚 interests range from Russian history and Cold War politics to economics and film analysis, and she consistently draws meaningful connections between disciplines. Even amid a whirlwind of other commitments and challenges, she remained deeply engaged in learning and demonstrated resilience, maturity, and a true love of scholarship. Abi鈥檚 work ethic consistently helped her push beyond what is expected. She is also a playful historian, who can use history to understand the good, the bad and the ugly with humor, wit and when called for, solemnity.

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MATH DEPARTMENT PRIZE – Liam Reddy

Remarks shared by Megan Orton, Math Department Chair:

The 2026 Math Department award goes to Liam Reddy.

Liam Reddy is simply 鈥渂uilt different.鈥� Though here at 蘑菇传媒 we have been blessed with students of unmatched curiosity and confidence, Liam鈥檚 ability to think abstractly sets him apart as a generational talent. Liam entered 6th grade in single-variable calculus, a course that most people can only grasp once they have reached adulthood. After completing the calculus series and differential equations by the end of middle school, Liam has studied collegiate topics including linear and abstract algebra, real and complex complex analysis, combinatorics, and topology. 

Listing all of Liam鈥檚 achievements in math would feel infinitely long, so here is a humble fraction of his accolades. Last year he received 1st place in the university-level Intermountain Math Competition. He has completed advanced research with the MIT PRIMES-USA program. He has received two gold and one silver medal in the USAMO. He received first place in the Romanian Masters of Mathematics Competition. He is the first student in the history of the International Math Olympiad to represent Utah. He is, without hyperbole, one of the most elite mathematics students in the world, and, I assume, the universe.

When one is in a class of one鈥檚 own, it is common to isolate oneself from mere mortals. However, Liam is not only phenomenal in his greatness but also his goodness. He has spent countless hours encouraging, coaching, and creating curricula for his math club teammates. His patience and thoughtfulness exemplify our theme 鈥淲ith Kindness.鈥� He hasn鈥檛 just proved himself; he has honored us all.

Congratulations Liam from the Math Department!

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MUSIC DEPARTMENT PRIZE – Grant Brady

Remarks shared by Kathy Morris, Music Department Chair:

On behalf of the Music Department at The 蘑菇传媒, I am honored to present this year鈥檚 Music Department Award to Grant Brady.

Grant is one of the most accomplished music students we have ever had at 蘑菇传媒. He is an extraordinary violinist who can seemingly play anything, but what makes him truly special is the heart, beauty and depth he brings to everything he plays. His musicianship is rare. Whether performing as a soloist or leading an ensemble, Grant brings a level of artistry and musical understanding far beyond his years.

This year, Grant performed all four concertos of Vivaldi’s Four Seasons with remarkable brilliance and maturity. This is an incredible achievement for any violinist, let alone a high school student. He also won the Salute to Youth Competition and performed with the Utah Symphony, one of the highest honors a young musician in our state can receive. 

As Concert Master, Grant has led with both excellence and kindness. Younger students admire him not only because of how beautifully he plays, but because of the humility, generosity, and care he shows to others. He makes every ensemble better. He brings focus, beauty and inspiration into every rehearsal and performance. 

Over the years, Grant has helped shape the musical culture of our program in a profound way. There are a few students in a teacher鈥檚 career who raise the standard for everyone around them simply by the way they approach music each day. Grant is one of those students.

What I will remember most is not only his extraordinary talent, but the spirit and humanity he brings to music. He reminds us that great music is not only about skill. It is about expression, connection, and heart.

Congratulations, Grant!

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ATHLETIC DEPARTMENT PRIZE – Whitney Spanos

Remarks shared by Ryan Judd, Athletic Director:

It has been a fantastic year to be a Raven! With incredible individual performances from our teams, including multiple State Championships and All State Award winners. As a part of those athletic accomplishments, the 蘑菇传媒 Athletics Department would like to present Whitney Spanos as our Department Awards Winner. 

On the field, Whitney has thrived as a multisport athlete, serving as captain of both the Women鈥檚 Soccer Team and the Women鈥檚 Lacrosse Team. She brought a similar playing style to both of her sports, where she plays with relentless energy, toughness, and competitiveness. She is the type of player that other teams fear, but not because she is unsportsmanlike, but because she plays with such a fierce determination that if you get in her way, you are going to regret it. 

As a Senior Captain she blossomed into a leader who believed in her teammates and made intentional efforts to elevate the entire team. She also had a knack for playing her best in the biggest moments; scoring the final 3 goals in the semifinal lacrosse game to ignite a come from behind 9-8 victory, and leading her soccer team to a PK shootout victory in the State Championship. 

Most importantly, Whitney personified what we hope for from our Student Athletes. She shined on the field, and in the classroom and made a positive impact in her community. She volunteered at the Transplant Clinic at the Murray IMC Hospital, and even held down a part time job at the Milkshake Factory!

We are grateful for Whitney鈥檚 contributions to our school. Her legacy will last within our teams and we will watch with pride as she goes out to make her mark on the world.

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SCIENCE DEPARTMENT PRIZE – Jerry Xie

Remarks shared by Andy Gill, Science Department Chair:

It is my pleasure to present this year鈥檚 Science Award to Jerry Xie.

Jerry is, frankly, quite extraordinary. A demanding schedule, ridiculous AP scores, a 4.0 GPA, leadership roles in extracurricular activities such as Robotics and Science Olympiad. In a school filled with remarkable students, Jerry stands apart.

But what makes Jerry truly exceptional鈥攁nd exceptional is the word that comes forth from those that know Jerry鈥攇oes far beyond statistics and accolades. Again and again, his teachers describe not only his brilliance, but his relentless curiosity and humility. Whether he is designing advanced robotics systems, independently researching new technologies, mentoring younger students in Science Olympiad, or helping teammates solve difficult problems, Jerry approaches every challenge with generosity, precision, and genuine joy for learning.

Mr. Harris describes Jerry as one of the top students he has ever worked with. Ms. Callens speaks about how Jerry transformed our robotics program through vision-based navigation and advanced programming systems, while simultaneously serving as an organized, dependable leader whom both teachers and students trust completely.

For his senior year the scheduling Gods smiled on me and gave me a year with Jerry in Honors Biology. I can confirm, he is extraordinary.  And a joy. What I will remember most about Jerry is his demeanor. He is patient, calm, kind, and optimistic. His quiet giggle emerges just as easily when things go wrong as when they go right, reminding everyone around him to enjoy the process of discovery, and not take themselves too seriously.

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THEATER DEPARTMENT PRIZE – Truman Christensen

Remarks shared by Javen Tanner, Theater Department Chair:

The 2026 Theater Department Award goes to Truman Christensen. Truman鈥檚 first play at 蘑菇传媒, in Lower School, was notable, because at some point between casting the play and distributing the scripts, I inadvertently cut his character out of the play, in a last minute edit. Poor little Truman was at a loss, to say the least. In the intervening years, he more than made up for it, performing in twenty productions at 蘑菇传媒 alone. Truman has played roles as various as Lvov, in Chekhov鈥檚 Ivanov, George in Wilder鈥檚 Our Town, and The Boy in Beckett鈥檚 Waiting for Godot. But his true love is Shakespeare. He has read all of Shakespeare鈥檚 plays. He has edited, produced, directed, and acted in his own Shakespeare productions. He has played Romeo, Edmund in King Lear, Orlando in As You Like It, Richard II, Malvolio in Twelfth Night, Richard in the Henry VI trilogy, and Antony in Julius Caesar and Antony and Cleopatra. Last summer, Truman failed to mention that he wasn鈥檛 yet eighteen, so that he could tour with the Grassroots Shakespeare Company. Truman does all of this, not just because he loves being an actor鈥攚hich he does鈥攂ut because he loves the work of acting. He loves the work of making theater. He loves the work of being an artist. That is a rare trait. This fall, Truman will attend the prestigious film acting program at Chapman University, and we will miss him very much. Congratulations, Truman.

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WORLD LANGUAGES DEPARTMENT PRIZE – Danyou Tang

Remarks shared by Heidi Poole, World Languages Department Chair:

We recognize Danyou for her love of language, which extends far beyond vocabulary and grammar. Danyou is deeply interested in linguistics, etymology, and the ways language reflects culture and history. She speaks Chinese, Japanese, English, Spanish, and has recently begun studying Portuguese. She values cultural differences while also sharing pride in the traditions and experiences of her own home country. Danyou approaches learning with initiative and determination, always asking, 鈥淗ow can I get better?鈥� and then setting goals to make that growth happen.

Throughout the year, Danyou has also been an outstanding teammate and leader. As president of Chinese Club, she organized meetings where students explored Chinese culture, food, and games in a welcoming and engaging environment. She collaborates thoughtfully with classmates, supports others generously, and contributes positively to every discussion and activity.

We are delighted to recognize Danyou Tang as this year鈥檚 recipient of the World Language Department Prize.

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JUNIOR BOOK AWARD

Remarks shared by Casey O鈥橫alley, Academic Dean:

Each year, the school awards the Junior Book Award to the members of Class XI who have demonstrated exceptional performance in their academic endeavors鈥攂oth by their academic performance, their selection of rigorous courses, and in their willingness to think deeply and question ideas in and out of the classroom. These students hold the highest academic academic records in the class and exhibit great intellectual curiosity and generosity.

I want to extend my heartfelt congratulations to the students who have achieved this honor this year. I know that it has taken a lot of hard work, and I commend you all personally for doing it. The winners of 2026 Junior Book Award are:

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WATERFORD AWARD

Remarks shared by Andrew Menke, Head of School: 

Kenzie Sevy

Kenzie is the kind of person who makes our community stronger鈥� simply by being part of it. In the classroom, she is a curious and thoughtful learner鈥攕omeone whose ideas deepen conversations and whose questions draw others in. Teachers describe her as an original thinker, someone whose 鈥渕ind sparks with inspiration,鈥� and a student who brings both insight and empathy to her work.

But what truly sets Kenzie apart is how she lives within this community.

Kenzie is a deeply selfless friend. She notices people. She includes others. She offers encouragement in quiet鈥� but powerful ways. Whether she is mentoring younger students in the Outdoor Program, supporting classmates, or simply showing up for a friend, she consistently puts others first.

She also leads by example.

As a captain of the cross-country team, she gave her full effort every day鈥攃oaches describe her as someone who gives 鈥�100 percent at every practice鈥� and serves as an outstanding ambassador for the team. And beyond school, she takes on meaningful responsibilities at home鈥攃aring for younger siblings, helping her family, and managing the kind of responsibilities that speak to her maturity and character.

What makes all of this even more remarkable is the resilience she has shown along the way. Kenzie has faced challenges that would be difficult for anyone, and yet she has responded鈥� not by turning inward, but by becoming more compassionate, more present, and more committed to lifting others up.

And then there is her attitude.

Kenzie brings a spirit of positivity that is truly contagious. She shows up each day with optimism, good humor, and a genuine desire to make the people around her feel valued. Her presence makes classrooms better, teams stronger, and friendships deeper鈥�our school鈥� better!

Kenzie you exemplify what it means to be a 蘑菇传媒 student. You grow, you contribute, and you care for others in ways that matter deeply.

It is my great honor to recognize you as this year鈥檚 蘑菇传媒 Award recipient.

Congratulations!

Phoenix Sheranian

Phoenix is defined by a deep and unwavering sense of integrity. It is not something he turns on when convenient鈥攊t is something that lives  within him. He approaches the world with a clear internal compass, guided by a desire for fairness, clarity, and truth. And while that compass occasionally leads him to ask hard questions or challenge assumptions, it is always done with purpose鈥攁nd always in pursuit of something better.

At the same time, Phoenix engages with others in a way that reflects genuine respect and dignity. He listens carefully. He speaks thoughtfully. He brings honesty  and authenticity to every interaction.

In the classroom, Phoenix has become a central presence鈥攑articularly in discussion-based courses鈥攚here his intellectual curiosity, sharp insight, and willingness to engage elevate the experience for everyone around him. Teachers consistently note that his contributions deepen conversations, not only through what he says, but through how he invites others into the dialogue.

His growth as a writer has been equally striking.

What may have begun as a desire to strengthen his craft has evolved into something far more compelling鈥攁 voice that is original, thoughtful, and distinctly his own. His work reflects both vitality and sensitivity, a willingness to take risks, and an ability to see the world鈥攐rdinary moments included鈥攚ith clarity and meaning.

Phoenix, your recent PA comments conveyed this depth.

And yet, what makes Phoenix especially deserving of this recognition is not only his intellect or his skill鈥攊t is his presence.

He is focused, grounded, quietly confident, and guided by a sense of humility. He brings both seriousness of purpose and a well-timed sense of humor. And in doing so, he strengthens this community in ways that are both visible and lasting.

Phoenix, you embody what it means to engage fully in the life of the mind while remaining deeply committed to the people around you.

It is my great honor to recognize you as one of this year鈥檚 蘑菇传媒 Award recipients.

Congratulations!

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