Celebrating Spirit and Leadership: Lawrenceville’s 2025 Mario Award Recipients

Congratulations to Lawrenceville's 2025 Mario Award winners, Kellen Fisher (Circle) and Jael Gaines (Crescent), recognized as role models embodying integrity, leadership, and community spirit. The award, given annually to one Circle and one Crescent House resident, honors their dedication to House traditions and fostering unity among Lawrentians.

The Mario Award

The award was established by Lawrenceville Trustee Emeritus Jeremy K. Mario ’88, chairman of The Mario Family Foundation which supports the award. Mario noted that while Lawrenceville had long recognized excellence in academics, athletics, teaching, and coaching, there was no formal award for House leadership and spirit – an integral element of students’ experience.

“The driving force behind this award has been to emphasize House culture by recognizing one boy and one girl who really have embraced the idea of House spirit and who have generated camaraderie at the highest level in their House,” Mario explained. “Hopefully, these awards continue to inspire more excellence in the Houses year after year.”

Honorees receive a merit award to help cover tuition or other expenses during their Fifth Form year, a stipend for family travel, and funding for a House celebratory event. The stipend for family travel, he explained, is intended to “recognize the sacrifice that families make in sending their children to Lawrenceville, including time they may have missed spending together.” The House celebration reinforces the elements of leadership and camaraderie. "While this is an individual award, it's also a House award -- you can't generate House spirit without Housemates!"

Meet the 2025 Mario Award Recipients

Hamill House President and Diversity Representative Kellen Fisher values his House’s balance of commitment to both academics and well being. “In Hamill, we know that our little family thrives on a mutual understanding . . . for example, we take our academics very seriously, but also value the importance of rest and relaxation.”

Fisher is a member of the Black Men at Lawrenceville Club council, a peer tutor, captain of the boys’ sabre fencing team, and competes on the varsity B boys’ lacrosse team. He also plays House football.

“I try to connect with as many people as possible and listen to what they have to say,” Fisher said. “At a school that thrives on conversation and human connection, it is important to remember that all anybody wants is to be heard.”

The Mario Award reinforces Fisher’s belief that one of the School’s biggest strengths is its ability to build connections. “The House system creates a way for people who attend this school, who are often separated from their families throughout the year, to avoid the isolation of being one of 800 and, instead, feel like they really belong to more than a community, but a family,” he said. “The idea that you can win an award not just for yourself, but for your House fuels the spirit of many Lawrentians, like me, to try and strengthen their connections to their House in all areas. This effect overall makes the campus and the House a better place.”

Jael Gaines is the President of what she called “the best House on campus, McClellan.”

“The people and the community in McClellan are everything I could ask for,” Gaines said. “They make being a leader and a member of this House more rewarding than I could ever imagine.”

She said she creates and supports House spirit by “being myself and operating in kindness. I was taught that it is important to recognize that you never know what someone is going through. No matter what you feel or what they have done to you, you should always show them kindness and respect. This bleeds into my showing of unity, camaraderie, and pride in everything I do,” she said.

Gaines is also a leader outside of McClellan, heading the Crochet Because We Care Club and as co-president of Mixed Kids at Lawrenceville. She’s also a library proctor, Lawrence writer, and Ropes Course Instructor. In addition, she’s involved with the Olla Pod, Model United Nations, Black Women at Lawrenceville, and Lawrenceville Singers. Manager of the girls’ varsity volleyball team, Gaines also participates in both soccer and track.

“I have always wanted to be a leader in every place because I believe in doing the right thing and helping out those who need it,” she said.

Fisher and Gaines exemplify the leadership, integrity, and commitment to community that the Mario Award seeks to recognize. Their contributions to their Houses and the broader Lawrenceville community highlight the importance of House spirit and the connections that make campus life meaningful. Through this award, their efforts are not only acknowledged but also serve as a reminder of the lasting impact of strong House leadership.

Photo credit: Nicole Halucka '26/The Lawrence

For more information, contact Lisa M. Gillard H'17, director of public relations, at lgillard@lawrenceville.org.