The Linda Cataldo Gerlach Award is granted each year to a senior who has demonstrated transformative growth through their community service learning project, in the areas of service, love of learning, and seeking of God. 

This year's recipient designed his community service project with a heartfelt mission: to provide meals for those less fortunate. Using the profits from his own business, he purchased ingredients and prepared seven nourishing meals for ANEW Place. Though he initially chose this project simply to fulfill service hour requirements, he soon discovered a deeper meaning. Witnessing the joy on the faces of those receiving a warm meal transformed his perspective. He came to understand not only how fortunate we are—and how often we take that for granted—but also recognized what we call "our biggest responsibility, which is to take care of the less fortunate."

His words and actions reflect a profound awareness of the personal and spiritual growth he has experienced during his time at Rice. For his authentic embodiment of the Rice mission of Service through his CSL project, we are honored to recognize Henry Monaghan! ​

This award is granted to a recipient who in the estimation of the faculty who nominated them, emulate what it means to be a true learner. She demonstrates exceptional dedication to her academic growth, a passion for learning, the perseverance to overcome challenges, and so much more.  She embodies intelligence and persistence, consistently demonstrating a remarkable work ethic, approaching each assignment with diligence and a keen eye for detail. 

Her commitment to academic excellence is evident in her ability to exceed expectations, maintaining an impressive GPA throughout her high school career, while undertaking a progressively rigorous course load that included 8 AP courses. This student possesses an innate curiosity that fuels her academic pursuits, driving her to delve deeper into subjects and seek out new understanding. 

Beyond her academic achievements, she is someone who has a passion for the arts and has participated in multiple theater productions throughout her time at Rice. This award celebrates the culmination of her remarkable academic journey in high school. Her insatiable curiosity for learning will undoubtedly help her continue to thrive in the fall where she will be studying at Boston University. This year's Female Commitment to Learning Award goes to Marissa Cross​!

The Male Commitment to Learning Award is presented to a student who has an infectious vivacity and remarkable intellect. His adaptability to the moment is uncanny as he is blessed with a sublime mathematical acumen, but he can also spin a tale with the deft touch of the most polished raconteur. And this is the heart of his appeal. He is polished but malleable and continuously challenges himself to learn and elevate his education to unheard-of heights.  

He challenged himself with a rigorous curriculum that included 10 Honors classes, 9 AP classes, and Calculus II at the University of Vermont.  He finished Summa Cum Laude in the National Latin Exam the past three years.  He was awarded a Certificate of Merit for his score on the University of Vermont Math exam as a Sophomore.  He is an AP Scholar with Distinction and is a National Merit Scholarship Finalist. 

He isn’t just accomplished in his academic pursuits, he approaches learning with a genuine curiosity and excitement to both comprehend, solve problems, and add to a deeper understanding of the subject.  There is an intensity about him in the way he approaches his learning.   He has a brilliant mind, he is an enthusiastic scholar, a giving volunteer, and a valued community member.

This year’s Male Commitment to Learning Award goes to Hunter Bowen!

The Commitment to Service Awards are named in honor of Matthew W. Gieger, who graduated from Rice in 1991. Mathew’s love of faith and service was deep, and he inspired many high school students whom he taught to be faithful and to serve others. He passed away in 2016, and leaves a legacy of love and compassion.

This award recognizes a student whose commitment to serving others is rooted in compassion, integrity, and quiet leadership. This year’s recipient embodies all of these qualities and more. Her service is not something she adds to her schedule—it is woven into who she is. She has spent countless early mornings volunteering at the Humane Society, delivering meals to the elderly, and helping organize events that build and strengthen our school community. Whether through her work on student council or school-wide initiatives, she is consistently the one who shows up, follows through, and inspires others to do the same.

What sets her apart is not just the number of hours she’s given, but the heart she brings to every moment of service. She listens deeply, acts thoughtfully, and cares genuinely—never seeking recognition, but always making a difference. She leads with humility, often working behind the scenes, ensuring things run smoothly so that others can shine. Her strong communication skills, along with her kind and generous nature, make her both approachable and well-respected by all. She is highly disciplined, self-motivated, and consistently shows the dedication and integrity of an outstanding student. Academically, she is inquisitive and driven, often taking on complex topics with depth and rigor. But even in the classroom, her motivation often stems from a desire to better understand the world in order to help improve it.

Her talents and interests are many, but what defines her most is her commitment to others. Whether supporting peers, advocating for justice, or caring for the most vulnerable, she consistently answers the call to serve—not for credit, but out of deep personal conviction. We are pleased to present this year's Female Service Award to: Addy Eldred!

The Male Matthew W. Geiger Commitment to Service Award is awarded to a student whose impact on our school community has been both profound and lasting. With a steadfast commitment to civic engagement, this student has consistently gone above and beyond to embody the values of leadership, empathy, and responsibility. 

He played a central role in organizing transformative events such as the Naturalization Ceremony and Civics Day, bringing local and national leaders to campus and inspiring meaningful dialogue around citizenship and community responsibility. His work not only elevated our school’s mission but also left a deep and lasting impression on students and faculty alike. 

In the classroom, he has demonstrated remarkable intellectual curiosity and drive. Whether conducting in-depth research on voting patterns or engaging passionately with literature and political theory, his academic pursuits reflect a strong commitment to understanding and bettering the world around him. His teachers consistently speak to his thoughtfulness, work ethic, and his eagerness to explore complex ideas with insight and originality. Beyond his intellect, he brings a warmth and kindness to every interaction—lifting others up with quiet encouragement, compassion, and a deep respect for all members of our community. 

He is also an accomplished athlete, balancing rigorous academics and leadership roles with excellence on the ski team. His dedication is evident in every corner of school life. Above all, he embodies the principle of living not for oneself, but in service to others. His integrity, humility, and passion for justice make him a role model for his peers and a powerful force for good in our community. It is with great pride and deep admiration that we present this year’s highest service award to Jack Hill!

Each year two graduating seniors are recognized for their commitment to faith and to serving God.  These awards are named in honor of Mr. Robert L. Wright, who taught religious studies at Rice for over 30 years.

The Female Robert L. Wright Commitment to Faith Award recipient is a quiet, yet powerful, force for good. She lives her faith not through words alone, but through the consistent way she uplifts those around her, inspires joy, and embodies the mission of Rice in everything she does. She leads by quiet example—humble, grounded, and gracious—offering support to her classmates and teachers with a kind word, a warm smile, or a burst of positive energy when it’s needed most. Her joy is contagious, and she has the ability to gently steer conversations toward hope and light.

A true model of humility, she never seeks the spotlight, but shines in every corner of our community—from the classroom to the drama stage, from the sidelines as a manager of the ultimate frisbee team to her deeply impactful work as a Teen Counselor at a Catholic summer camp. Whether she’s cheering on her peers or guiding younger children in faith and fun, her actions speak volumes.

She brings a spirit of non-judgment, humor, and authenticity to every interaction. Teachers speak of her thoughtful engagement and genuine love of learning. She doesn't take herself too seriously, yet always puts her best foot forward—academically, spiritually, and personally. A pillar in her family, a light in our school, and a joyful disciple of faith, she reminds us all that simple, faithful acts—done with love—can leave a lasting impact. This year's Female Robert L. Wright Commitment to Faith Award recipient is: Miriam Callan! 

The Male Robert L. Wright Commitment to Faith Award recipient is described as a young person whose life is a profound testament to faith in action. Throughout his years at Rice, this student has demonstrated unwavering devotion to his Catholic faith, embodying it in both humble service and courageous leadership. He has served faithfully as an altar server and lector for daily morning prayer during his entire high school career, becoming a steady and inspiring presence in the spiritual life of the school. As a core team leader in Campus Ministry and a retreat planner, he has nurtured the faith journeys of others, fostering a community centered on prayer, reflection, and service.

His commitment to the Church reaches beyond Rice, through his active role in the Diocese and his hometown of Milton. He has been a proud representative of Rice at Diocesan events, frequently altar serving at major liturgies including ordinations of priests and the installation of Bishop McDermott. His reverence, reliability, and commitment make him a trusted and respected servant within the broader Catholic community.

Beyond his liturgical service, he lives out his faith through tangible acts of love and sacrifice. As an active firefighter in his town, he devotes his time and energy to protecting and serving others—always placing the needs of his community before his own. Those who know him describe him as kind, gentle, and selfless: a young man who leads not by words alone, but by his quiet and consistent example. For his passion for the Catholic faith, his servant leadership, and his daily embodiment of Gospel values, we are proud to present this year's Male Commitment to Faith Award to Kyle Clougherty!

The recipient of our Miss Rice award is a young woman who made an unforgettable, positive contribution to the Rice community from the day she arrived on campus.  She has a love and passion for learning. She is highly intelligent, athletically gifted, a talented musician and a giving volunteer. As a driven scholar, she took the most rigorous course load possible and obliterated every challenge along the way. 

She has a deep commitment to serving others that permeates everything she does. She saw her role as Captain of the Track team as an opportunity to serve her teammates. She helped them develop and achieve goals that went far beyond their times at the meets and into their academic and personal development. She didn’t just compile some hours to meet her community service requirement she did something truly special. She wanted to do something for veterans. So she took her viola and learned a repertoire of patriotic, classic and gospel songs and traveled around the state playing for veterans at their care facilities. And her joy is palpable when she talks about her experience as a Book Buddy to a Kindergartener at the King Street Youth Center. 

She has used her time at Rice to develop her God-given potential in ways that are evident to all.  She is a person of character and has championed her peers by representing them as the President of the Student Council where she has been thoughtful and eloquent during meetings. She plays Viola with the Vermont Youth Orchestra.  She has served on the Burlington City Conservation Board. And her daily “Dad jokes” during the school announcements have brought a smile to our faces on many school mornings this year.  She is beloved, respected, and admired.

It gives us great pleasure to name this year’s Miss Rice award recipient, Miss Elizabeth Cunningham!

The recipient of our Mr. Rice award is a young man who embodies the very heart and soul of our school’s mission. This young man has consistently demonstrated the values that define our community: faith, academic excellence, service, and a deep sense of belonging. His journey has been one of remarkable personal growth—one marked by quiet strength, determination, and a deep commitment to both his own development and the well-being of those around him. Throughout his time at Rice, he has proven to be more than just a student; he is a leader, a friend, and a joyful presence in every space he occupies. 

Known for his politeness, approachability, and constant positivity, he brings light and warmth to our community. Whether he is leading the drumline with dedication, playing ultimate frisbee with enthusiasm and sportsmanship, or simply offering a witty remark to brighten someone's day, he radiates a spirit of joy that inspires those around him. But behind the humor and light-heartedness lies a deep well of character. He is compassionate, steadfast, and generous with his time. He serves without seeking recognition, leads without needing applause, and gives without keeping count. He is also a student who delights in sharing his knowledge and passions, often diving into detailed discussions on military history or engaging in thoughtful debates over even the smallest details. 

His intellectual curiosity, combined with his approachable nature, makes him a great conversationalist and a reliable, supportive presence in any group. He is the type of person who listens deeply, offers encouragement, and shows up when it matters most.

It gives us great pleasure to name this year’s Mr. Rice award recipient, Mr. Renzo Pizzagalli!

Blue & Gold Officer Margot Phillips joined us at graduation to present a special award to Ophelia Mast for her appointment to the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland—a truly significant honor!

Many will know the U.S. Army has its military college at West Point in New York. The Naval Academy, based in Annapolis, is the nation’s top military school for the United States Navy and Marine Corps. It is one of the most rigorous and prestigious institutions in the country—ranked it the #1 public college in the nation by the U.S. News & World Report in 2025. Alumni of the Naval Academy include presidents, senators, Nobel Prize winners, and more astronauts than any other school in the country! An appointment to the Naval Academy is equivalent to a full four-year scholarship.

This year, Ophelia was one of over 16,000 applicants nationwide competing for roughly 1,200 spots in the Naval Academy’s Class of 2029. The admissions team evaluates candidates thoroughly, looking for well-rounded individuals with strong academic records, demonstrated leadership, and a sincere commitment to serving our country. As a Blue and Gold Officer, Ms. Phillips is an alumni representative who supports students throughout this process and conducts interviews with applicants.

Ms. Phillips stated, "Over the past year, I had the pleasure of getting to know Ophelia and her family. I was deeply impressed by her dedication—not only to her academics but also to her hockey team. Ophelia demonstrated not only strong leadership potential but also exceptional teammate potential. The way she spoke about the importance of humility and openness to feedback in leadership was remarkably wise for someone her age.”

On behalf of the Superintendent of the United States Naval Academy, it is our honor to present Ophelia Mast with this Certificate of Appointment to the Naval Academy’s Class of 2029!