2024 Underclassmen Awards

At the end of the school year, we gather together for an Underclassmen Award Ceremony to honor and celebrate students who have excelled in academics, music and arts, and who represent the character and mission of our school in leadership, service, and faith. Photos from the ceremony are available online and a description of the awards is listed below.

View Photos

English Department Awards:

• Sister Mary Jeanne Fournier Award for Progress and Attainment - Sister Jeanne served with love and dedication for many years as a member of the Rice English Department and for many more years as a patient and resourceful tutor. This year, the award is being given to a student who has shown a dedication to English by consistently going above and beyond with every task and taking risks in her thinking and expression. Her writing shows maturity and skill beyond her years, and her analysis of literature is inspiring. She is a joy to have in class. Recipient: Ilektra Kalimeri
• The John Donoghue Awards for Growth and Achievement - A graduate of Rice, John Donoghue taught here for over 20 years until his death in 1988. A scholar, mentor, and friend, John left a deep legacy that continues to be reflected in the culture and tradition of Rice. Friends and family have endowed annual awards to the sophomore, junior, and senior who, in the estimation of the English Department, exemplify the academic growth and achievement that John Donoghue prized and admired so highly in his students. With the award, the English Department recognizes students in whose progress we think John would have taken particular delight. Recipients: Sophomore, Sarah Biggins and Junior, Kaitlyn Zierak
• The Manfred K. Hummel Award - The family of Manfred Hummel created and endowed an annual award to honor his decades of dedicated teaching at Rice. The award is presented to a member of the junior class who has excelled in the close analysis of prose, especially in a term paper .  The recipient of this year’s award wrote an outstanding paper entitled “A Journey to Self-Reliance in the Embrace of a Good-Hearted Community” in which she explored the difficulties facing new Americans from Somalia now living in Vermont. She writes with sophistication that reflects her understanding of complex issues and ideas. Recipient: Maddie Hammond
• The Quill and Scroll Honor Society - Rice is a charter member of the Quill and Scroll International Honorary Society for High School Journalists, whose purpose it is to recognize the achievements of high school journalists. Recipients: Logan Forcier and Marissa Cross

History Department Awards:

The history department awards are given in honor of Kristen Charlebois. Kristen was an extraordinary student of history and a voracious reader setting a standard of excellence in the history department to which all scholars aspire. 

• The Kristen Charlebois Freshman Excellence in History Award is presented to that student who demonstrated excellence in all areas of the curriculum in the 9th grade Honors level course, and who has displayed exemplary work in both the written and analytical study of history. This year’s recipient studies, writes and speaks with integrity, insight and maturity as he works tirelessly toward excellence in understanding of human history. He is always willing to share his ideas in class and support his peers in a quietly patient way. Finally, he is willing to learn from mistakes and improve. Recipients: Freshman - Theo Washburn, Sophomore - Ben Edwards, Junior - Maddi Hammond

Mathematics Department Awards:

• The Freshmen Excellence in Mathematics Award recognizes a student in Honors Algebra II, who is a persistent and thorough problem solver, using both intuition and logic when exploring strategies and working toward solutions. This student readily accepts challenges, seeking each as an opportunity for growth and improvement. An effective communicator, this student participates regularly in class discussion and is a positive presence in the class. Recipient: Luke Senesac
• The Sophomore Excellence in Mathematics Award recognizes a student currently studying Honors PreCalculus.  This student possesses a curiosity and true appreciation for the subject that invokes thought provoking questions during class discussion.  This student’s organized and insightful work clearly reveals a deeper understanding of the material.  Consistent effort, a willingness to meet every challenge, and outstanding achievement make this student a pleasure to teach. Recipient: Jake Broe
• The Junior Excellence in Mathematics Award celebrates a student whose mastery of mathematical concepts has truly shone this year. They have not only met but exceeded expectations, demonstrating an exceptional grasp of the challenging content we have covered in both AP Statistics and AP Calculus. Recipient: Evey Slavik 
• The Excellence in Computer Science Award recognizes an individual who is inspired by all aspects of computer science. This sophomore student exhibits unique and creative thought processes, which allows for the writing of efficient and effective program code.  When coding this student enjoys discussing the various approaches for decision making and readily accepts challenges, seeking each as an opportunity for growth and improvement. Recipient: Madeleine Robinson
• The UVM Math Exam took place in March. High school students throughout the state of Vermont were invited to compete in the University of Vermont Department of Mathematics and Statistics Annual High School Prize Examination. This year’s recipient of the “Certificate of Merit” is: Vega Tariyal

 

Science Department Awards:

• The Freshmen Excellence in Science Award is presented to a student who has demonstrated high achievement and insatiable curiosity in Biology. Her dedication to Life Sciences, from molecular biology to ecosystems, is matched only by her desire to contribute positively to the field with her future career.  Recipient: Ilektra Kalimeri
• The Sophomore Excellence in Science Award is presented to a dedicated student who demonstrated high achievement in both Honors Chemistry and AP Biology. This student has the unique distinction of being the only sophomore in AP Biology this year and the only Rice student to compete in and win a gold medal in this year’s state Science Fair. He also competed in this year’s Vermont State Brain Bee as a part of the Rice Neuroscience Club. Recipient:  Jeonghun (Ryan) Jin
• The Junior Excellence in Science Award is presented to a motivated student who excelled this year in AP Chemistry. This award recognizes this student’s active engagement in class, mastery of the material, and positive contribution to the classroom environment. 
  Recipient: Marissa Cross
• The Bausch and Lomb Science Award - Since 1933, Bausch & Lomb has paid tribute to outstanding high school science students with the Bausch & Lomb Honorary Science Award. Winners of the award are automatically considered for the Bausch & Lomb Science Scholarship, which is worth at least $6,000 per year for four years at the University of Rochester. The 2024 Bausch and Lomb Honorary Science Award is presented to an exceptional student whose strong work ethic, interest, and aptitude in science and math are evident daily. Recipient: Hunter Bowen
• The RPI Medal Award  - This award was first presented in 1916 with two purposes: to recognize the superlative academic achievement of young men and women and to motivate students toward careers in science, engineering, and technology. It is awarded to promising secondary school juniors who have distinguished themselves in mathematics and science. This merit scholarship, with a value of $40,000 per year, is guaranteed for four years for each medalist who is accepted and enrolls at Rensselaer. Recipient: Amani Ronga
• The Society of Women Engineers awards certificates of merit are awarded to three juniors who have demonstrated excellent performance in science and math and are active citizens in their school and community. Highest Honors goes to: Evey Slavik, High Honors goes to: Marissa Cross, and Honors goes to: Kaitlyn Zierak

Foreign Language Awards

• The Foreign Language Awards are presented to students who not only have successfully completed the requirements for learning the language but have also exceeded course expectations both inside and outside of the classroom. These students are hardworking, enthusiastic, and exemplify a love of language learning. Three outstanding foreign language students--one in French, one in Spanish, and one in Latin--have been selected for their Freshman, Sophomore, and Junior years. 
• The Freshman Excellence in Foreign Language Award Recipients are: French - Abby Booth, Spanish - Ilektra Kalimeri, Latin - Brayden Hill
• The Sophomore Excellence in Foreign Language Award Recipients are:  French - Sarah Biggins, Spanish - Alayna Havreluk, Latin - Laural Callan
• The Junior Excellence in Foreign Language Award Recipients are: French - Alexia Tutino, Spanish - Addy Eldred, Latin: Rafaella Bird Matarazzo

 

Religion Department Awards 

• The Freshman Excellence in Religion Award is presented to a student who demonstrates outstanding Scriptural knowledge and expresses meaningful insights in class discussions. His writing displays a depth of perception that reflects a strong, living faith. He is active in his home parish, participates in Campus Ministry and is always respectful and considerate of teachers and peers. His prayerful demeanor and actions show a commitment to the Catholic faith and are infused with humility and joy. Recipient: Jack Griffin 
• The Sophomore Excellence in Religion Award is presented to a student who embodies the Rice pillar of seeking God. In religion class this student demonstrates a genuine interest in theology and is always thirsting to know more about the Catholic faith. Her academic interest is more than matched by a deep personal faith that constantly seeks understanding of what she believes. This student is active in campus ministry and radiates Christian kindness in all her personal interactions.  Recipient: Sarah Biggins
• The Junior Excellence in Religion Award recipient possesses a unique combination of academic tenacity and a gentleness towards others. She is willing to tackle serious problems with the appropriate amount of respect but will also use humor to lighten the mood of a difficult class. The approachable way she lives out her deep faith stands as an example to others. In addition her strong background knowledge of scripture and Catholic teaching has brought depth to our classes this year.  Recipient: Marissa Cross

Fine Arts Awards 

• The Excellence in Digital Filmmaking Award is presented to two students who have exemplified their skills in digital filmmaking through the creative use of digital videography, directing, editing, sound design, and overall creative themes. Both of these students have shown creativity in their approach to all aspects of the filmmaking process including script writing, storyboard creation and video production. Recipients: Ashlee Morris & Renzo Pizzagalli
• The Excellence in Digital Photography Award is presented to a student who has improved their skills in photography and is capturing stunning images of the world around them.  He has produced exceptional work, many uniquely suited for the project at hand.  
  Recipient: Quentin Burton
• The Ansel Adams Digital Photography Award recognizes students who have demonstrated exceptional photography skills. They take time to carefully compose a shot and capture an image with precision, quality, and attention to detail. They clearly show understanding of concepts learned in class and consistently submit photographs that are both beautiful and impactful. Recipients: Henry Gogo, Kaitlyn Zierak, and Maggie Robinson
• The Applied Knowledge Digital Photography Award recognizes students who have demonstrated initiative and drive. They’ve taken concepts learned in class and applied it to real world settings - taking photos of their teams, field trips, and special events at Rice. They have gone above and beyond what was asked and have put their knowledge into action. Recipients: Charlie Leonard, Renzo Pizzagalli, and Sevie Smith
• The Freshmen Excellence in Visual Arts Award is presented to a student who possesses a natural desire and ability to create visual compositions. She listens to each unit presentation and then develops a thoughtful response that meets both the instructor’s criteria and her own high standards for a work of art. Recipient: Tess Nagy
• The Sophomore Excellence in Visual Arts Award is presented to a student who’s patience for a remarkable attention to detail and creative perfection often surpasses that of her art instructor. Every one of her artworks are of a quality that makes them suitable for framing and exhibiting. Recipient: Lily Swan
• The Junior Excellence in Visual Arts Award is presented to a student who goes above and beyond his peers to develop a unique response to the assignments and units presented. He is already developing a style that is recognizable as his own. He often makes time to create additional artworks in his free time as a way of exploring optional responses to class assignments. Recipient: James Duxbury

Music, Vocal & Drama Awards

• Excellence in Instrumental Music is presented to a student who has consistently exhibited leadership, passion, and enthusiasm for band.  Additionally, this student has taken many musical risks this year auditioning both for the New England Music Festival and All-State Music Festival as well as participating in the District Music Festival.  This student was chosen as principal chair on his instrument at All-State.  He continuously pursues and expands his musical knowledge and skill.  Recipient: Ben Edwards
• Excellence in Instrumental Music is presented to a student who has consistently shared her enthusiasm, skill, dedication, and passion for music.  This student has participated in the district music festival and was selected as part of the orchestra on her instrument for the All-State Music Festival.  She always is offering her support to peers in a positive way and her kindness is abundant.  This student consistently leads by example.  Recipient: Lily Collins 
• The Freshman Excellence in Vocal Music Award will be presented to a freshman full of potential.  He has a natural baritone placement of the voice that pleases the ear.  He is focused and driven and will be a future leader of the bass section in chorus.  He was accepted into the All State Music Festival this year.  In Into the Woods he gave an entertaining and well sung rendition of Cinderella’s Prince. Recipient: Gabriel McAlarney
• The Sophomore Excellence in Vocal Music Award is presented to a student who was born to be a performer.  He has great natural talent but has been working to improve.  He has made good progress developing his voice and was accepted into both the All State and New England Music Festivals.  He will have more opportunities to help lead the tenor section next year.  He also gave two excellent performances in the drama department this year as the Modern Major General in The Pirates of Penzance and Jack in Into the Woods. Recipient: Markus Hammer
• The Junior Excellence in Vocal Music Award is presented to a student who consistently works hard to improve his craft.  He has a thirst for knowledge and self improvement.  Through voice lessons, the vocal performance class and chorus he does just that.  He was accepted into the New England music festival this year and is a future leader of the tenor section. He also sang the role of the Pirate King in this year’s production of The Pirates of Penzance. Recipient: Aleksander Kulapin
• The Freshman Excellence in Drama award is presented to a freshman who is fearless and full of potential.  Since coming to rice she has participated in all of the performing arts activities.  She has a desire to learn more about her voice and improve her acting.  Her hard work as Cinderella’s Understudy in Into the Woods was truly remarkable and admirable.  We can’t wait to see how the artistry develops over the next three years.  She will undoubtedly be a force to be reckoned with in the performing arts. Recipient: Kizzie Carpenter
• The Sophomore Excellence in Drama Award is presented to a student that was born to be on the stage.  She embodies her characters to the point you cannot tell if she is acting or not.  Her portrayal of The Witch in Into the Woods was one of the best we have seen.  She works hard to improve her singing and overall artistry.  Mixed with her natural talent she could perform almost anything you asked her to.  We are fortunate to watch her on stage for two more years! Recipient: Laural Callan
  The Junior Excellence in Drama Award is presented to a student who has a quiet confidence that allows her to thrive.  She is always prepared and makes the most of every moment on stage.  Her portrayal of Kate in The Pirates of Penzance and Cinderella’s Stepmother in Into the Woods were both spot on.  She continues to help be a leader in the music department and makes everyone around her better.
  Recipient: Addy Eldred

Guidance Awards:

The Harvard Prize Book Award -  As was defined by the Harvard Alumni Association, the Prize Book is awarded to the outstanding student in the junior class who “displays excellence in scholarship and high character, combined with achievement in other fields.”  The winners of this award, through their intelligence and variety of achievements, exemplify Harvard’s concern for excellence. Recipient: Evey Slavik

Saint Michael’s College Book Award - This award recognizes outstanding students who are committed to volunteerism and leadership in their community service endeavors. The college’s founders had a special commitment to serving others as an extension of their Catholic Faith. Today, the Scholarship and Service Book Award represents just one way in which Saint Michael’s fulfills its mission to better the human condition by honoring those who demonstrate the true spirit of volunteerism. Recipients: Aleksander Kulupin and Mirium Callan   

Saint Anselm College Book Award - The Saint Anselm College Book Award goes to a devout young lady who approaches spiritual growth as one of the most important parts of her life.  She works hard and is motivated to help others. This student is a positive member of the Rice community and has made a significant impact on the people around her.  Recipient: Rafaella Bird Matarazzo  

University of Rochester Awards
The University of Rochester sponsors the “Frederick Douglas and Susan B. Anthony Award” to recognize a member of the junior class who has maintained rigorous courses within the humanities and demonstrates a commitment to understanding and addressing complex social issues. The recipient of this award is selected by the history department. Recipient:  Jack Hill 

The University of Rochester also sponsors the “George Eastman Young Leaders Award”.  This award is given to a student who demonstrates strong leadership in the community, high grades in challenging courses, and extensive involvement in extracurricular activities. Recipient: Forest Hines

Clarkson University Award
Clarkson University would like to recognize two members of the junior class.  To be eligible for these awards the students must demonstrate outstanding leadership, academic excellence, and strong personal character. 

• Clarkson Leadership Award Recipient: Elizabeth Cunningham
• Clarkson Achievement Award Recipient: Alexandra Botten            

Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership Award - Three students have been selected to represent Rice at the four-day Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership Seminar held at Saint Michael’s College. HOBY is a leadership conference involving high school sophomores from around Vermont. Students who are selected are members of the Rice community who have shown great leadership and both academic and personal potential. This year's recipients are: Kathryn Larkin, Cade Mulcahey and Benjamin Edwards
 

Principal's Achievement Awards:

• The Freshman Principal's Achievement Award - This award goes to a student who has a strong and consistent presence in the classroom.  This student brings a positive attitude to all of her classes and actively participates in each subject area. She asks thoughtful questions, seeks extra help when needed and makes valuable contributions to classroom activities.  In addition to her academic achievements, this student is kind, respectful and represents the values we hold at Rice. Recipient: Celeste Hines
• The Sophomore Principal’s Achievement Award - This student has quietly taken on a leadership role in promoting mental health and wellness in the school community. She sets an example by being a kind, caring, and compassionate friend. She has bravely taken on more challenging classes across the board this year and has grown exponentially to meet and overcome those challenges. She consistently and selflessly advocates for and assists others. She seems to be perpetually happy and positive, and that positivity is infectious to everyone who has the pleasure of being around her. She is a model to others of a dedicated student, an unselfish team player, and a giving community member.  Her hopefulness, enthusiasm, and courage are inspiring to us all. Recipient: Sarah Biggins
• The Junior Principal’s Achievement Award - This award goes to a student who has excelled in her academic and athletic endeavors. She is a leader amongst her peers and teammates and is a kind, compassionate young person who brings a positive energy to the classroom, the course, and the slopes. Whether tutoring a student or organizing an event to inform her peers about the voter registration process, she is truly working to make a difference at Rice. Recipient: Taylor Moulton