Cheers to the Class of 2023, Lawrentians who have distinguished themselves in so many ways. The School is proud today to honor Fifth Formers for excellence in academics, athletics, leadership, and service.

Head of School Murray noted that the School community often celebrates student achievements in public arenas with awards that are “immediate and quite public.” Today, he said, the School takes time to honor “… other forms of achievement that don’t always lend themselves to awards or recognition. Displaying that kind of curiosity to ask questions that no one has asked before. Spreading goodwill around the Harkness table every time you pause to listen with a smile. Respecting your opponent in competition always. Practicing a particular piece all afternoon and then, before you pack up your instrument, going through it one more time. Getting out of bed in the morning and having the courage to just be yourself. For today’s honorees, sometimes the motivation was just simply the satisfaction of doing the right thing and being true to oneself.”

THE EXCELLENCE IN LEADERSHIP - PERFORMING ARTS PRIZE:  For excellence in leadership in the discipline of Performing Arts.  Presented to: Autri Banerjee Basu

THE JEAN S. STEPHENS PERFORMING ARTS DEPARTMENT PRIZE: For excellence in creativity in the Performing Arts. Presented to: Harris Lynch

THE PETER CANDLER PERIWIG AWARD: For significant contribution and extraordinary dedication to the dramatic arts at Lawrenceville. This award was established in 1904, and renamed in honor of the longtime director of dramatic arts at Lawrenceville. Presented to: Emily Whitesides Hammond

THE JAMES E. BLAKE PRIZE:  For excellence in technical theater. Presented to: Lily Lynn Hooge

THE EXCELLENCE IN LEADERSHIP - DANCE PRIZE:  Awarded to a Fifth Form student for significant contribution and extraordinary dedication to the art of dance. Presented to: Sasha Mykhantso

THE ADDISON H. GERY, JR. JAZZ PRIZE:  Awarded to that member of the Fifth Form whose talent, energy, and performance skills have brought recognition to the medium of jazz in the school community.  This award makes funds available for books and recordings of jazz in the library in the name of the recipient. Presented to: Grant S. C. Shueh

THE EXCELLENCE IN INSTRUMENTAL PERFORMANCE PRIZE: For general excellence in instrumental performance. Presented to: Praachi Chakraborty

THE EXCELLENCE IN VOCAL PERFORMANCE PRIZE:  For general excellence in vocal performance. Presented to:  Roan B. McDonald

THE MATTHEW DOMINY PRIZE:  This award is given to the student who has contributed most to the musical life of the School. Presented to: Alistair Chi Kin Lam

THE R. JACK GARVER VISUAL ARTS DEPARTMENT PRIZE:  This award goes to a Fifth Former who has continually extended themselves. Presented to: Frances Adrienne Hsu  

JOHN R. ROSE, JR. PRIZE: Awarded jointly by the Visual Art, Performing Arts and Music Departments to a student who has demonstrated unusual creativity and who has made substantial contributions to the arts at Lawrenceville. Presented to: Stephanie Maple Xu  

THE VISUAL ART DEPARTMENT FACULTY AWARD: VISUAL COMMUNICATION: Given to that student who has most distinguished themselves in the art of visual communication through dedicated studio work and the pursuit of knowledge. Presented to: Jisu Claire Kim  

VISUAL ARTS COMMUNITY AWARD: Given to that student who has made extraordinary contributions to the visual arts at The Lawrenceville School beyond the academic curriculum. Presented to: Rania Amalia Shah  

THE ENGLISH DEPARTMENT PRIZE FOR GENERAL EXCELLENCE (FIFTH FORM): Presented to: Yewon Chang

THE ENGLISH DEPARTMENT PRIZE FOR ACHIEVEMENT IN CREATIVE WRITING: Presented to:Ashley Wang

THE OWEN C. SMITH POETRY PRIZE: Established in 1986 by a gift from Owen C. Smith, Class of 1959, for excellence in the study of poetry. Presented to: Jocelyn Rose Acosta

THE RELIGION and PHILOSOPHY DEPARTMENT PRIZE: Awarded in exceptional circumstances to a student who demonstrates through academic work a special and significant contribution to religious studies. Presented to: Turner Wells Hamilton

THE JAMES SIPPLE AWARD:  Given in honor of Dr. James Sipple, accomplished scholar and past chair of the Religion and Philosophy Department, to the student who displays excellence in the area of religion with the writing of superior papers dealing with religious content. Presented to:  Adeline N.L. Zhou

THE RELIGIOUS LIFE PRIZE: The Religious Life Prize is given to that Fourth or Fifth Form student who best serves the School community through their energetic and imaginative commitment to religious life at Lawrenceville. The Religious Life Prize is given to that student who best demonstrates and exemplifies an active, open, and respectful engagement based on their religious understanding and practice. Presented to: Catherine Christabelle Sutter

THE JOHN W. GARTNER PRIZE:  Awarded to that student who has shown the greatest devotion to the study of French for at least two years.  Books relating to the study of French will be given to the School library in the recipient’s name. Presented to: Grace Hansen Gellatly

THE JOHN P. PHELPS, JR. PRIZE:  For accomplishment in the study of Spanish. Presented to: Yewon Chang

THE CHINESE LANGUAGE PRIZE: For accomplishment in the study of Chinese.  Presented to: Jisu Claire Kim

THE BENJAMIN H. TRASK CLASSICS PRIZE: Established in 1946 by a gift from Benjamin H. Trask of the Class of 1907 for excellence in the study of classics. Presented to: John Edward Barthlow Williams

THE FREDERICK P. KING PRIZE: Presented to that student who best exemplifies passion, dedication, and collaboration in the study of one or more languages. Presented to:  Catherine Christabelle Sutter

THE PAUL L. MARROW AWARD: Presented in memory of Paul Marrow, a dedicated employee of Lawrenceville, for excellence in science and citizenship. Presented to: Thomas Christopher Irvine  

THE RICHARD C. SMITH PHYSICS PRIZE:  Presented for excellence in the study of physics.  It is a gift from Owen C. Smith, Class of 1959, in honor of his brother. Presented to: Satvik Dasariraju  

THE LEVER F. STEWART PRIZE:  Awarded to that student who has achieved the most outstanding record in biology while at Lawrenceville. Presented to: Mia Elizabeth Bocian  

THE WENDELL HERTIG TAYLOR PRIZE:  Presented to a member of the Fifth Form who has bridged the two worlds of science and the humanities. Presented to: Madeline Elizabeth Laws

THE BENJAMIN F. HOWELL JR. SCIENCE PRIZE FUND: Presented for accomplishment in the study of a subject related to geophysics or any aspect of physics. Presented to: Ely Hahami

THE LAWTHER O. SMITH COMPUTER SCIENCE PRIZE:  This prize is for excellence in the study of computer science. Presented to: Julina Jenni Savela

WALKER W. STEVENSON, JR. PRIZE:  To honor a member of the class who has most distinguished themselves by the achievement of excellence in the study of economics.  Presented to: John Edward Barthlow Williams

FREE ENTERPRISE AWARD:  For an economics essay that demonstrates the greatest understanding of free enterprise and the free market system. Presented to: Thomas Christopher Irvine  

THE MEGNA-SCHONHEITER AWARD:  Established to honor the half-century of faithful service to the School Camp rendered jointly by Mr. and Mrs. George Schonheiter and Mr. and Mrs. Ed Megna. Given to the member of the graduating class whose service to the School Camp best exemplifies unselfish devotion to helping others.  Presented to: Kevin Chiang

PARENTS AT LAWRENCEVILLE COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARD:  Presented annually to a Fifth Former who has demonstrated an outstanding commitment to community service, a deep concern for the needs of others, and the quality of life in our communities.  Presented to: Sara Elizabeth Chiang

THE ROBERT MAMMANO FREZZA MEMORIAL: Named in memory of Bob Frezza, Class of 1998, this scholarship is given each year to a Lawrenceville senior who best exemplifies the values and potential that Bob evidenced during his short but dynamic life. Presented to: Iris Wu

THE RICHARD H. ROBINSON PRIZE:  Awarded annually to that student who has shown the most conscientious and persistent effort in the field of publications and who, by faithfulness and initiative, has contributed most toward gaining the highest possible standards in this line of activity. Presented to: Kyle Park

THE HENRY C. WOODS, JR. CRITICAL WRITING AWARD:  This award is given for the best essay for an English elective this year. It is given in honor of the outstanding contributions of Henry C. Woods, Jr., Class of 1940, who has by his unparalleled benefactions and long, distinguished service to the school as teacher, department chair, coach and trustee, transformed Lawrenceville for the best. Presented to: Jack H. Patel 

INDEPENDENCE FOUNDATION PRIZE:  Awarded for the best two or more years of work in the study of history. Presented to: Autri Banerjee Basu

THE WILLIAM MAYHEW DICKEY ’64 PRIZE:  Given to that two-year student of history who has consistently demonstrated the qualities of scholarship, sportsmanship, and service that characterized the lifetime achievements of Will Dickey, Class of 1964, and history teacher from 1978 through 2005. Presented to: Kyle Park  

THE THOMAS F. SHARP INTERDISCIPLINARY AWARD:  Established in honor of Thomas F. Sharp, poet, musician, and scholar to recognize achievement in textured and integrated thinking in the humanities.  Presented to: Walter Odin Murdoch

THE MATHEMATICS FACULTY AWARD:  In the opinion of the members of the math department, the recipient of this prize has demonstrated great perseverance to fulfill a strong desire to study mathematics. Presented to: Ava Kathryn Noorchashm

THE HOWARD HILL MATHEMATICS AWARD:  Given to a senior who has shown the most outstanding achievement in mathematics. Presented to: Satvik Dasariraju

THE HERMAN HOLLERITH PRIZE: Awarded to the student who exhibits the most creativity, ingenuity, or entrepreneurial flair in the application of computer science.  Presented to:  Alexander B. Noviello and Andrew C. Noviello

ALDO LEOPOLD ECOLOGY PRIZE:  Presented in memory of conservationist Aldo Leopold, alumnus of the Class of 1905, for outstanding contributions to ecology and sustainability at Lawrenceville. Presented to: Alistair Chi Kin Lam  

THE HENRY AND JANIE WOODS PRIZE FOR RESEARCH SCIENCE:  Awarded to an outstanding student in research science in memory of Mr. and Mrs. Woods, staunch supporters of science education at Lawrenceville. Presented to: Madeline Elizabeth Laws

HUBERT ALYEA CHEMISTRY PRIZE:  Awarded to an outstanding student for enthusiasm in the field of chemistry. Presented to: Ria Rakesh Patel

THE CLASS OF ‘95 JOURNALISM AWARD:  For achieving a level of journalistic quality achieved by The Lawrence of 1995. Presented to: Presented to:  Autri Banerjee Basu

THE NICK GUSZ BEST MALE ATHLETE AWARD: Given annually to that member of the senior class who exhibits, in two or more sports, the highest degree of leadership, sportsmanship, and skill. It is awarded in honor of Nicholas F. Gusz, director of athletics at Lawrenceville from June 1966 to July 1984. Presented to: Cole Sebastian Shannon

THE MELISSA MAGEE SPEIDEL BEST FEMALE ATHLETE AWARD:  Given annually to that member of the senior class who exhibits in two or more sports the highest degree of leadership, sportsmanship, and skill. Awarded in honor of Melissa Magee Speidel, former Lawrenceville associate athletic director and a member of the 1980 United States Field Hockey Team.  Presented to: Caitlin Elliott Hoover

NJISAA NICK GUSZ MALE SCHOLAR ATHLETE AWARD: Awarded annually to the top male scholar athlete in New Jersey for their academic and athletic achievements. Presented to: George Northup.

THE TOMMY SULLIVAN AWARD:  Given annually to that member of the senior class, with two or more years of varsity experience, who best exemplifies the qualities of a true athlete: dedication, desire, congeniality, sportsmanship and above all, competes as a team player. Presented to: Hampton Kharon Brandon Sanders  

THE JOHN H. THOMPSON, JR. PRIZE:  This honor is awarded annually to that member of the Fifth Form who has demonstrated excellence as an athlete, a scholar, and a human being.  Presented to: Mia Elizabeth Bocian

THE ADAM and MACKELLAR VIOLICH AWARD:  This annual honor is given to two members of the Fifth Form who have demonstrated the qualities of an athlete and scholar on the playing field, as well as in the classroom, and who have earned a minimum of three letters in at least two different sports. Presented to: Max Jacob Blecher and Julia Chiang  

MAJOR L BLANKETS: Given to members of the senior class who, over their years at Lawrenceville, have earned nine or more Major L letters for interscholastic participation on varsity teams. Presented to: Jalen Lespinasse, Sean Scarpa, and Madeline Laws  

L12 AWARD: Given to student-athletes who have earned varsity letters in all 11 eligible terms over their four years at Lawrenceville. Presented to: Anna Gill

THE KATHLEEN WALLACE AWARD:  Presented to the best one-year Fifth Form student.  Presented to: Joseph Jenry Morsman  

THE DIRECTOR’S AWARD:  Awarded to a member of the senior class, who in the opinion of the Director of the Fifth Form and Fifth Form Heads of House has contributed significantly to the style and tone of the Form through their energy and spirit. Presented to: Andrew Paul Bonah  

THE BOCZKOWSKI AWARD:  This award was a gift in recognition of Dr. Catherine Boczkowski’s 25th anniversary as a member of the faculty at Lawrenceville.  It has been given annually since 2002 to that young person in the graduating class who best exemplifies personal moral integrity and loyalty to Lawrenceville. Presented to: Lillian G. Gessner

THE DEANS’ AWARD:  This award is given by the Head of School and the Deans to a Fifth Form student, who, by example, has shown steadfast dedication and consistent effort in the best traditions of the School. Presented to: Lucas Garcia

THE ELIZABETH LOUISE GRAY PRIZE:  Presented to that student of at least two years who through energy, commitment, and service has joyously sought the fullest measure of the Lawrenceville experience. Presented to: Rory Margaret Murphy

THE ANDREW T. GOODYEAR CLASS OF 1983 AWARD:  A special merit award to a student who has demonstrated unusual courage in overcoming adversity. Presented to: Samuel Huh  

THE MAX MAXWELL AWARD:  This award was established by the African American-Latino Alliance in honor of Mr. Max Maxwell, for his dedication in helping students inside and outside the classroom during his 27 years of service to the school as an English Teacher.  It is given annually to a senior who has demonstrated a dedication to diversity in his or her career at Lawrenceville.  Presented to: Eric Atlas Frankel  

THE PHI BETA KAPPA AWARD:  Presented to a member of the Fifth Form whose academic record is worthy of special praise. This award is named for the Phi Beta Kappa Honor Society, whose motto reads, “Love of learning is the guide to life.”  Presented to: George Robert Northup  

SCHOLAR’S PRIZE:  Awarded to the outstanding scholar of the Fifth Form. Presented to: Mia Elizabeth Bocian  

THE AURELIAN HONOR SOCIETY AWARD:  Each year the graduating class chooses one of their own to receive the Aurelian Honor Society Award. This year they chose two. Given to that member of the graduating class who is outstanding in sterling character, high scholarship, and forceful leadership -- qualities upon which the Aurelian Honor Society was founded at Yale University in 1910. Congratulations to Jaelyn Renee Bennett and Jack H. Patel

The Lawrenceville School would also like to honor five Fifth Formers who have committed to serving their country. Thank you to Ben Reiland (appointment to the The United States Naval Academy), and Madeline Rygh and Robert Simone (appointments to the U.S. Military Academy West Point), and Andrew Chen and Satvik Dasariraju, who will be a part of the ROTC programs at Vanderbilt and Harvard, respectively.

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

See more photos from Lawrenceville's Fifth Form Prize ceremony on the School's Flickr page.