Senior Awards Ceremony

The 128th Commencement Weekend May 30 and 31 included Saturday’s Senior Awards and Alumnae Induction ceremonies held in Centennial Hall.

Seniors were recognized for service to the School and presented with academic honors and all-school awards. The graduates-to-be were then welcomed by Alumnae Council President Mary Atwood ’83 into the global community of Miss Hall’s alums.

They also received their senior charms and stamped the Book of the School, which contains the name of every alum to attend the School. Students sign the book when they enter the School and stamp it on the eve of Commencement, signifying their journey from student to alum!

Class Representatives who will lead the way in keeping the Class of 2023 connected to MHS and to each other were announced: Izzy Aponte, Beta Gu, Paw Nguyen, Trinity Ren, Fabi Romero, and Zoey Zhou.

For their class gift, the Class of 2026 — who had a special affinity for the Student Center — purchased a new coffee table for future inhabitants of this comfy, home-like space to enjoy for years to come.

The Margaret Witherspoon Award is given to the student who exemplifies the qualities of integrity and honor that Miss Witherspoon fostered in her 35 years at Miss Hall’s School. Specifically, this award must recognize unusual distinctions in some areas of School life. Two students are recognized this year. Throughout her years at MHS, she has served ina. variety of roles. In all of these spaces, she is curious and passionate, respectful and purposeful with her words and actions: Hyeon

This student is a global citizen who thinks critically about our world. She has been deeply committed to creating a truly intercultural community at MHS. Her commitment to contribute boldly and creatively to the common good in undeniable and leaves a lasting legacy: Yoyo

The Christine Fuller Holland Class of ’33 Service Prize recognizes volunteerism and honors a student who has been active in any and all forms of service, both on and off campus. This student poured herself into the MHS community, involved in many areas of school life, from affinity groups to Social Committee to communications to Admissions Ambassador and TikTok creator: Fabi

The Faculty Commendation Award is given to a student who has demonstrated commendable growth during their years at Miss Hall’s School. “The faculty recognize this student’s growth over the past four years. Looking back at the 9th and 10th grade version, teachers noted significant development in both academic performance and confidence. Others noted that, as a proctor, this student supports peers and looks to create connections across the community.” This year’s recipient: Rafi

The Joseph F. Buerger Memorial School Spirit Cup honors the student who best represents the true spirit of Miss Hall’s School and recognizes a student whose joy of life, goodwill toward other students, integrity, spirit of character, and enthusiasm are ever present and a source of enrichment for the School community. The recipient is nominated by students and approved by a vote of the faculty: Akshara

The tenets of the School’s core competencies — Vision, Voice, Interpersonal Efficacy, and Gumption — together with the School’s core values — Honor, Respect, Authenticity, and Growth — embody the School’s motto, Meus Honor Stat, or “My Honor Stands.” Thus, the recipients of the Core Competency awards receive a Meus Honor Stat Key.

The Vision Award honors a student or students who have demonstrated the ability to nurture curiosity, innovate, recognize opportunities, and act as an ally for others. In the words of the faculty: “She cares about making her own experience, and those of others, better.” As an ISA and Div-Co leader, she doesn’t shy away from tough issues and makes sure that others have the opportunity to share their opinions. She uses her vision to share joy, and to bring more joy to student life. “From ISA to the Spikeball tournament, when she has a vision, she goes for it.” The Vision Award is presented to Noya.

The Voice Award honors a student or students who has demonstrated the ability to present herself with integrity, communicate effectively, confidently advocate and negotiate, and demonstrate and command respect. Even before this year, this student sought out opportunities to use her voice and express ideas creatively. Her talents as a writer and artist have been recognized by the faculty and outside organizations. This year, as school president, she has the responsibility of speaking to and for the MHS student body. She approaches this task with thoughtfulness, purpose and grace: Idia.

The Interpersonal Efficacy Award honors a student or students who have demonstrated the ability to navigate diverse contexts with ease while maintaining consistency of character and building strong relationships and networks. Two awards are presented this year

In the words of the faculty: This student “actively seeks opportunities to connect with community members…. Forging relationships, and leading with kindness and joy are an essential part of who she is.” “As a proctor, she demonstrates cultural sensitivity and makes a great effort to ensure everyone feels included.” She uses her leadership to make MHS a better place to be: Paw.

This student is a true empath. During her time at MHS, she has grown into someone others naturally turn to, because she listens and responds with strength and heart. As a big, team captain, and proctor, she demonstrates wisdom, sturdiness and a deep well of kindness. She advocates for herself without entitlement and is generous with her time and knowledge. Her peers see her as a role model, and the faculty see her as a grounded, compassionate, and respected leader: Mea.

The Gumption Award honors a student or students who have demonstrated the ability to take calculated risks to create change, to practice self-reflection, and to distinguish the pursuit of one’s best self from the pressure for perfection. This student has generously contributed her talents, strengths, and passions with the MHS community. This is most evident in her musical expression. To hear her sing and play piano is a powerfully moving experience. This year, she clearly challenged herself to do a Senior Recital. She overcame her fear of solo performing and debuted several original compositions, demonstrating both courage and growth: Becca.

Rusty Everdell was a noted graduate of Miss Hall’s School, excelling in the classroom and on the athletic field. She was a remarkable amateur athlete, capturing most of the athletic honors at her school. The Sylvia “Rusty” Shethar Everdell ’38 Prize recognizes this student’s athleticism, ability to visualize, execute and motivate, and her quiet and strong leadership skills on the fields and court: Simma

The Iive Rouse Science Award is named for the teacher who taught a generation of young women to love science and gifted this institution with 25 years of exemplary teaching. In recognition of her dedication to collaboration, her thoughtful, inclusive leadership, as well as the excellence of her scientific scholarship, the Iive Rouse Science Award goes to: Yoyo

James K. Ervin was a beloved teacher, coach, advisor and mentor, who inspired students to believe in themselves and strive to do their very best. The recipient of the James K. Ervin Mathematics Prize honored tonight is an excellent mathematical thinker. Whether it be performing mental math, accessing years old algebra skills, or solving complex physics applications using calculus, she stands out among her peers. She is a leader and always willing to help out her classmates. It has been a privilege to teach her for the last three years and to watch her grow in confidence and skill: Akshara

The Miss Hall’s ESOL Award is given to a student who demonstrates consistent excellence in the study of the English language. For her ongoing dedication and positive spirit in her English language journey, distinguished by an authentic voice in writing and an influential presence in public speaking, this year’s ESOL Award is presented to: Paw.

The Spanish Prize is given to a student for excellence in, and dedication to, the Spanish language during her time at Miss Hall’s. In recognition of her hard work, and love and appreciation for the Spanish language and culture, the Spanish Award is given to: Kara

The Monique Jalbert French Prize is named for a teacher with the highest standards for scholarship and character. She motivated generations of students to achieve distinction in the study of French culture, literature, and language, and contributed 29 years of exceptional teaching to our institution. For her curiosity, her gumption in the learning process, and her passion for languages, the Monique Jalbert French Prize is awarded to: Nefertiti

The Horizons Award is presented to a student who demonstrates exemplary leadership, dedication, and a commitment to think critically about community needs and the greater good at Miss Hall’s School and beyond. The Horizons Award goes to: Chloe.

The Paul C. Cabot, Jr. History Prize is given to a student with a passion for history and devotion to learning. To recognize her tireless dedication to the historian’s craft beyond Miss Hall’s, as well as her exceptional ability to think critically, engage thoughtfully with complex historical questions, and inspire others through collaborative discussion, the Paul C. Cabot Jr. History Prize is awarded to: Mea

Susanna McCreath was Miss Hall’s Music Department Chair throughout the 1950s, and a demanding educator. The Susanna McCreath Music Prize is given in the spirit of Miss McCreath's high standards. For the many outstanding performances as a pianist and vocalist and the many contributions this musician has made to the musical life of the school, the Susanna McCreath Music Prize is awarded to: Trinity

The Theater Prize bears the name of former MHS Teacher, Angela Kalischer, who served the school for 37 years and taught generations of students in dance, choreography, and theater until her retirement in 2006. This student has been a dependable force backstage for four years and ten-plus productions, and they have done it all–stage management, performance, lighting design, and yes, even the finest toothbrush prop this program has ever seen! Their unwavering dedication and boundless creativity have truly transformed our shows! The Angela Kalischer Technical Theater Prize is awarded to: Izzy

The Studio Art Prize is named for Elizabeth Gatchell Klein, a beloved art teacher who served Miss Hall’s with distinction for 38 years. For her sustained investigation of ideas and materials over many years and across multiple studios in the Klein, this student serves as a mentor, inspiring the next generation of student artists to honor their voices and dream boldly. The Elizabeth Gatchell Studio Art Prize is awarded to: Ploy.

The Virginia Breene Wickwire ’67 Reading Prize is awarded to a senior student who demonstrates a deep love for the written word and exemplifies a wide range of interests that reflect how reading profoundly enriches her life. This prize is awarded to a student who demonstrates a deep love for the written word and exemplifies a wide range of interests that reflect how reading profoundly enriches her life. The Virginia Breene Wickwire Reading Prize is awarded to: Rafa.

The Doris E. Pitman English Prize celebrates a student who has demonstrated “sustained excellence of achievement” over their career at Miss Hall’s. To recognize her devotion to the written word and her commitment to bringing truth and beauty to the world through language, the Doris E. Pitman English Prize is awarded to: Idia.

The Department of Engineering and Technology embodies the principles of design and problem-solving, fostering a sense of confidence and inclusion in STEM fields. This year’s recipient is among the first MHS students to take four years of Engineering course work. This student is creative, dedicated, and inventive. The Engineering and Technology Innovation Award goes to: Jaimie