Head of Middle School Bernardo Guzmán welcomed everyone to the Middle School Awards ceremony, held on Wednesday, May 28, by acknowledging that we are here not just to applaud academic excellence, but also to recognize the qualities of leadership, character and citizenship that make our community so vibrant and strong. He continued:

Please know this: each and every one of you is navigating a complex world, and you are all deserving of praise for the effort you put in every single day.

A strong sense of self is your most powerful weapon in this world.

Let us not only celebrate the accomplishments of these deserving students but also recommit ourselves to fostering that inner strength within each and every member of our Middle School community. Embrace your individuality, trust your instincts, and let your own unique compass guide you.

Following the Pledge of Allegiance, led by Associate Head of Middle School Nicole Brown, students were recognized with grade-level character awards. 

Layne Stirman Award

The Layne Stirman Award recognizes two sixth-grade students for their sportsmanship, perseverance and compassion and was created in honor of Layne, Class of 2002, who died tragically in a plane crash with his mother in 1995.  Congratulations to:

• CC Galkoski ’31
• Parker Tesh ’31

Edward C. Yohman Award

The Yohman Award is presented to two seventh-grade students who personify the traits of humility, leadership and integrity that former teacher Edward Yohman modeled throughout his long career at Ravenscroft. Congratulations to:

• Libby Gibbons ’30
• Christopher Wilson ’30

Ione D. Pegram Award 

In 2001, an award was created for eighth-grade students in memory of Ione Pegram, who was the Middle School Administrative Assistant for twenty-one years. The award recognizes grace, integrity and optimism — traits Pegram personified. Congratulations to:

• Anika Le Cheminant ’29
• Alex Orndorff  ’29

DAR Youth Citizenship Medals

The Youth Citizenship Medal and Certificate is given by the Samuel Johnston chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution to one student in each grade that Ravenscroft chooses on the basis of their honor, courage, leadership and patriotism. Congratulations to:

• Caroline Wells ’31 - Sixth-grade Youth Citizenship Medal Winner
• Grayer English ’30 - Seventh-grade Youth Citizenship Medal Winner
• Ashton Yelverton ’29 - Eighth-grade Youth Citizenship Medal Winner

Hunter Family Scholarship

Created in 2001 by Dr. and Mrs. Merrill Hunter, the Hunter Family Scholarship recognizes students who show marked proficiency and commitment to Fine Arts while demonstrating academic achievement, character, integrity and leadership. Congratulations to:

• Tucker Layton ’29 - Voice
• Dorian Robbins ’29 - Violin

Academic Scholar Awards

Head of Middle School Bernardo Guzmán then presented the Academic Scholar Awards to a student in each grade who excels academically in all subject areas, demonstrates academic integrity and an ongoing desire to learn.

• Sixth grade: Blair Tayrose ’31
• Seventh grade: Lily Ferretti ’30 
• Eighth grade: Hudson Purdue ’29

Subject Area Awards

Following the presentation of the Academic Scholar awards, faculty from across subjects presented the subject area awards. Reserved for eighth-grade students, the awards recognize those who have demonstrated an academic average at the top of the class, shown genuine engagement and enthusiasm for the subject, and modeled Lead From Here competencies such as being growth-minded, accountable, and resilient.

• English Language Arts: Macie Mackinnon ’29, Sophie Boram Allen ’29 
• Mathematics: Siena Duncan ’29, Jacob Hodgkins ’29, Sophia Slotnik ’29 
• Science: Alaina Brown ’29
• Social Studies: Nolan Ward ’29
• World Language:  Knox Musante ’29 (Latin), Anika Le Cheminant ’29 (Mandarin), Jackson Glover ’29 (Spanish)
• Fine Arts Awards
  • Band: Andrew Nunalee ’29 
  • Choir:  Sophie Boram Allen ’29
  • Strings:  Kaia Petty ’29
  • Theatre: Graham Sundstrom ’29
  • Visual Arts: Esha Dahiya ’29 

Special acknowledgement was given to Dorian Robbins ’29, who in February won Division II for violin at the Concerto Competition.

• Physical Education: Siena Lowman ’29, Parker Sonntag ’29
• IDE: Ray Tseng ’29

Guzman also thanked the many students who served in voluntary roles, including Ravens Ambassadors, Peer Council, Service Learning Task Force, Frankie's Friends, SALT, Shadow Buddies and student government. 

Enjoy photos from the event on our Flickr page.