Just days before graduation, the King School community came together under the tent on Wednesday, May 28, to celebrate one of the most meaningful traditions of the year: Upper School Prize Day. With joy, applause, and a touch of springtime excitement, students were recognized for their exceptional achievements across academics, clubs, activities, athletics, and service to the community.

The event was filled with pride and admiration, as families and teachers celebrated the hard work, talent, and leadership shown by this year’s honorees. Prize Day celebrates both individual accomplishments and the vibrant spirit that defines King: intellectual curiosity, integrity, perseverance, and a deep sense of community.

As seniors prepared to cross the graduation stage two days later, Prize Day offered a meaningful moment to reflect on the journeys, contributions, and bright futures of the students who make King, well, King.

“Seniors, your teachers and I know that you will continue to deepen your sense of who you are as you move on in your lives and that you will continue to actively seek excellence,” said Head of Upper School Marnie Sadlowsky. “Embody these little markers of excellence. Right now, at this time.”

Award Winners

The English Prize is presented to a member of the senior class whose commitment to and passion for literary and rhetorical studies has allowed that student to consistently achieve at a high level in English over the course of that student’s high school career. The English Prize is presented to Jaipal Dohil ’25.

The Dater Prize for Improvement in English is presented to a senior and was established by Mr. and Mrs. Phillip Dater in memory of their daughter, Julia Lee Dater, an honors graduate of the class of 1956. The Julia Lee Dater Prize is presented to Allie Rosztoczy ’25.

The American Studies Prize is presented to a member of the junior class in recognition of ongoing intellectual curiosity and dedication to the study of American literature and history. The American Studies Prize is awarded to Kyleigh Luther ’26.

The History Prize is awarded to a member of the senior class in recognition of general excellence in the study of history. The History Prize is presented to Ryan Sullivan ’25.

The American History Prize is awarded to a member of the junior class in recognition of excellence in the study of the American past. The American History Prize is presented to Sophie Fishkin ’26.

The Philosophy Prize is awarded to a senior who shows true passion for philosophy, combined with character and thoughtfulness. The Philosophy Prize is presented to Duncan Baird ’25. 

The Future Global Leader Award goes to a junior who has consistently demonstrated academic leadership and achievement with a particular focus on global issues and the ability to address innovative problems with global impact. This year’s Future Global Leader Award is awarded to Joaquin-Antonio Arteta ’26.

The Economics Prize is presented to the student who has an outstanding record in the study of economics and who has the potential to study economics at the college level successfully. The Economics Prize is awarded to Jakari Morgan ’25.

The Rensselaer Medal is presented to a member of the junior class who has demonstrated outstanding achievement in mathematics and science and has the potential for a successful career in a science or technology-related field. The Rensselaer Medal is awarded to Bruno Reinhoefer Ribeiro ’26.

Every year, King students participate in the Fairfield County Mathematics League competition. This year, the top scorer for the school is Bruno Reinhoefer Ribeiro ’26. 

The Mary Horne Memorial Prize in Mathematics is awarded to the student who has demonstrated outstanding achievement in the study of Upper School mathematics. The Mary Horne Memorial Prize is presented to Kiran Rao ’25.

The Math Prize is given to a senior who, through their determination, has achieved at a high level and has earned the respect of the Math Faculty. The Math Prize is given to Parker Hayashi ’25.

The Statistics Prize is awarded to a student who demonstrates a sophisticated understanding of statistical concepts and, with a consistent effort, has produced outstanding work in AP Statistics. The Statistics Prize is awarded to Jaipal Dohil ’25.

The Computer Science Prize is awarded to a student whose hard work in coding, creativity, and general excellence has allowed them to demonstrate outstanding potential in this field. The Computer Science Prize is awarded to William Peacock ’25.

The Excellence in STEM Prize is awarded to a student who has demonstrated: a passion for STEM, excellence in STEM coursework, and talent for applying interdisciplinary knowledge to address real-world challenges. The Excellence in STEM Prize goes to Parker Hayashi ’25.

The French Language Prize is given to the student who demonstrates excellent verbal and written skills in the French Language and an outstanding mastery of French grammar and vocabulary. The French Language Prize recipient is Raphael Monteiro ’25.

The Spanish Language Prize is given to the student who demonstrates excellent verbal and written skills in the Spanish Language and an outstanding mastery of Spanish grammar and vocabulary. The Spanish Language Prize is awarded to Felicity Goudie ’25.

The Chinese Prize is presented in recognition of high scholastic achievement in the study of Mandarin Chinese. The Chinese Prize recipient is Brandon Chan ’25.

The Vocal Arts Award is presented to a student who consistently brings music to life with authenticity and depth. Their passion and dedication make them a standout in the Vocal Arts program. This year's award is presented to Hathaway Liparidis ’26.

The Musical Theater Award is given to the student who, through talent and dedication, has achieved excellence in musical theater performance. The Musical Theater Award is presented to two students this year, Isabella Kolenberg ’25 and Maria Sharavarnyk ’25.

The Instrumental Music Award is given to a student who has enriched the King Community through a passion for performance in a variety of musical settings. The Instrumental Music Award goes to Lucas Pignotti Phillips ’27.

The Choral Award is given to a student who has shown excellence in choral singing. The Choral Award is presented to Grace Anderson ’25.

The King Community Musician Award is given to a Senior who has attended at least four years at King and demonstrated both a passion for performing in a variety of settings and a passion for sharing musical knowledge with younger students in the King and larger Stamford community. The Community Musician Award is presented to Ailyn Martinez-Ocampo ’28.

The Boo Forster Drama Award is given in memory of Elizabeth Chapman Forster, former drama teacher at King. Boo was an inspiration to her students and passionate about her work in the theater. The award goes to the student who displays dedication, versatility, and commitment to the King Performing Arts Department. This year, the award is presented to Adam Flynn ’25 and Zachary Louizos ’25.

The Late Bloomer Award is given to a student who has displayed great talent, potential, and enthusiasm during senior year in the Performing Arts. The Late Bloomer Award is presented to Tim McGrath ’25.

The Bausch and Lomb Award is presented to a member of the junior class who has demonstrated excellence in science. The Bausch and Lomb Award is presented to Dillon Maltese ’26.

The Biology Prize for excellence in the study of biology is awarded to Lucia Vivanco ’26 and Leon Wang ’26.

The Chemistry Prize for excellence in the Study of Chemistry is awarded to Bruno Reinhoefer Ribeiro ’26.

The Physics Prize for excellence in the Study of Physics is awarded to Campbell Essex ’25.

The Catalani Memorial Art Prize honors a student who is passionate about the Visual Arts. This year’s recipient created a powerful, bold, and reflective body of work that explores identity, culture, and self-acceptance with unapologetic clarity and depth. The Catalani Memorial Art Prize is awarded to Kioja Duff ’25.

The Art and Design Prize is awarded to a student who represents the spirit of our program. This student created original and personal work and explored novel ideas. She was instrumental in expanding and enriching our program. The Art and Design Prize is awarded to Olivia Rodrigues ’25.

The Ceramics Prize is awarded to a student who exhibited some natural ability early on and has gone on to form the King Pottery for a Purpose club, which, through her leadership, has helped spread the joy of pottery with other King students and the wider community. This year’s Ceramics Prize is awarded to Claire Prichard ’25.

 

Certificates of Distinction

Global Studies Certificate of Distinction

The Certificate of Distinction in Global Studies is awarded to those students who have successfully completed a rigorous program of study in global studies over the course of their high school career. This year's recipients are: 

• Jaipal Dohil ’25
• Charlotte Frank ’25
• Felicity Goudie ’25
• Charles Iverson ’25
• William Pufko ’25
• Matthew Rivera ’25
• Katherine Ruhe ’25
• Jack Solomon ’25

STEM Distinction

The Certificate of Distinction in STEM is awarded to those students who have fulfilled the requirements that include, in part, rigorous coursework, club activity, and the completion of a capstone project. This year’s recipients are:

• Anya Anderson ’25
• Taylor Ansel ’25
• Duncan Baird ’25
• Parker Hayashi ’25
• Madeleine Prather ’25
• Annaliese Saleeb ’25
• Madeline Scanlon ’25
• Ethan Schamberg ’25
• Alexander Zaken ’25

Art and Design Certificate of Distinction

The Certificate of Distinction in Art and Design is awarded to those students who have fulfilled the requirements that include, in part, rigorous coursework, club activity, and participation in the Senior Art Show and Colloquium, as well as the submission of an AP Art and Design Portfolio. This year’s recipients are:

• Sofia Acosta ’25
• Ava Angelov ’25
• Kioja Duff ’25
• Sydney Hauben ’25
• Lila Perkins ’25
• Morgan Powell ’25
• Elise Prather ’25
• Caroline Resnick ’25
• Dermott Robinson ’25
• Olivia Rodrigues ’25

Performing Arts Certificate of Distinction

The Certificate of Distinction in Performing Arts is awarded to students who have successfully completed a rigorous program in the Performing Arts. This includes comprehensive coursework, active participation in multiple productions and community concerts, and the completion of a capstone project. This year’s recipients are:

• Grace Anderson ’25
• Adam Flynn ’25
• Isabella Kolenberg ’25
• Zachary Louizos ’25
• George McCormack ’25
• Madeline Scanlon ’25
• Maria Sharavarnyk ’25

Leadership Studies Certificate of Distinction

The Certificate of Distinction in Leadership Studies is awarded to students who successfully complete a rigorous program of study in leadership theory. In addition, these students have taken on numerous leadership roles, community leadership projects, and completed a capstone project. This year's recipients are:

• Tate Anderson ’25
• Abigail Block ’25
• William Glassmeyer ’25
• Abigail Kuffel ’25
• Sophia Roy ’25

 

Cum Laude Society

The following students have been elected into the King Chapter of the Cum Laude Society, an organization that recognizes scholastic achievement among high school students:

• Anya Anderson ’25
• Taylor Ansel ’25
• Owen Blaine ’25
• Jaipal Dohil ’25
• Alexis Feldman ’25 
• Molly Gordon ’25
• Felicity Goudie ’25
• Parker Hayashi ’25
• Griffin Joo ’25
• Timothy McGrath ’25
• Katherine Persily ’25
• Elise Prather ’25
• Madeleine Prather ’25
• Kiran Rao ’25
• Katherine Ruhe  ’25
• Madeline Scanlon  ’25
• Alexander Zaken ’25

 

Service Academy Recognition

This type of excellence is rare and only happens when one of our graduates is admitted to and chooses to attend one of our nation’s elite service academies – institutions that, by their nature, define excellence as not about the self but about serving the common good, even to the point of the ultimate sacrifice. This year’s Service Academy Recognition was presented to Adam Flynn ’25.

 

Athletic Awards

Four-Year Senior Varsity Letter Winners: Grace Anderson, Sofia Acosta, Anya Anderson, Tate Anderson, Ava Angelov, Taylor Ansel, Dahlia Barrett, Abigail Block, Brandon Chan, Charles Cook, Jaipal Dohil, Ayanna Doreste, Caroline Ellis, Adam Flynn, Gavin Garrison, William Glassmeyer, Jacob Greenberger, Sydney Hauben, Christofer Ippolito, Charles Iverson, Griffin Joo, Ashlynn Koons, Abigail Kuffel, Lila Leibowits, Dean Liner, Olivia Mangold, Genevieve Mansfield, Charles Mattson, Timothy McGrath, Liam McGuire, Jakari Morgan, Maggie O'Callaghan, Paige O'Hoppe, Kiran Rao, Sophia Roy, Katherine Ruhe, Madeline Scanlon, Ethan Schamberg, Maria Sharavarnyk, Jack Solomon, Ryan Sullivan, Alexander Zaken

Twelve-Season Senior Varsity Letter Winner: Ava Angelov

The Karen Peterson Outstanding Freshman Female Athlete Award recognizes the strongest female athlete in the freshman class. This three-sport standout athlete has made an incredible mark in her first year, earning all-New England recognition and making a major contribution on two championship teams. The Karen Peterson Award is presented to Carolyn Joo ’28.

The Daniel Hudson Outstanding Freshman Male Athlete Award recognizes the strongest male athlete in the freshman class. An all-league hockey player, this standout athlete helped lead the Vikings to a title in his first season. The Daniel Hudson Award is presented to Brayden Hekle ’28.

The Viking Athletic Service Award is presented in recognition of outstanding contributions and going above and beyond in support of King Athletics. This individual positively impacts the lives and well-being of our student-athletes, coaches, teachers, and the entire community every day with her caring, supportive, and engaging approach to caring for others, often putting the needs of others before her own. This year’s Vikings Service Award is presented to Head Athletic Trainer Katie Bryant.

The Fairchester Athletic Association Scholar Athlete Award recipients are selected out of the more than twelve hundred seniors in the league to recognize the top overall student-athletes. Since 2018, King has had only four seniors recognized. This year’s recipients are Anya Anderson ’25, Taylor Ansel ’25, and Griffin Joo ’25.

The Stamford Exchange Club Jack Keegan Female Scholar-Athlete Award honors an outstanding female scholar-athlete from each of the high schools in Stamford at a banquet each year in May. The Val Dickinson Memorial Volleyball Award recognizes candidates with exemplary volleyball skills who exhibit leadership, teamwork, coachability and a love of the game while also consistently demonstrating courtesy, respect and good sportsmanship on and off the volleyball court. This year, both awards are presented to Vivi Mansfield ’25.

The Outstanding Senior Male Athlete Award recognizes the strongest male athlete in the senior class. The Outstanding Senior Male Athlete Award is presented to Brandon Chan ’25.

The Outstanding Senior Female Athlete Award recognizes the strongest female athlete in the senior class. The Outstanding Senior Female Athlete Award is presented to Caroline Ellis ’25.

The NEPSAC Player of the Year awards are presented to Caroline Ellis ’25 and Ashlynn Koons ’25.

The Jody Veeder Richards Award is presented to an upper school girl who has demonstrated the highest standard in sportsmanship. The Jody Veeder Richards award is presented to Maggie O’Callaghan '25.

The Northrop Cup is awarded to the member of the Senior Class who has made an outstanding impact in athletics, because of their ability and because of a high level of sportsmanship. The Stamford Old Timers Scholar-Athlete Awards are given annually to Stamford resident standout senior athletes at each of the four city schools. These awards are presented to National Football Foundation Scholar-Athlete Jakari Morgan ’25.

The Ware Award recognizes valuable contributions in athletics, high academic achievement, thoughtfulness for others, and a sense of responsibility for the school. The Ware award is presented to Stamford Old Timers Scholar-Athlete Anya Anderson ’25.

 

Class Citizenship Prizes

The Class Citizenship Prizes are given to those students who make an exceptional contribution to the daily life of the King community through their leadership and engagement in course and club work, school initiatives, student life programming, and afternoon activities. Through their spirit and discipline, these students have demonstrated a deep commitment to the King Virtues and have partnered with students and faculty to enrich the life of the school. 

The Grade 9 Class Citizenship Prize is awarded to the following students: Carolyn Joo ’28, Vikrant Krishnan ’28, Oliver LaCour ’28, Isabella Ryan ’28, and  CT Thomson ’28. 

The Grade 10 Class Citizenship Prize is awarded to the following students: Priya Dohil ’27, Kate Johnson ’27, Marcus Ortiz ’27, and Lucas Pignotti Phillips ’27.

The Grade 11 Class Citizenship Prize is awarded to the following students: Steven Blanco ’26, Evelyn Kircher ’26, and Hathaway Liparidis ’26.

The Grade 12 Class Citizenship Prize is awarded to the following students: Taylor Ansel ’25, Kioja Duff ’25, Felicity Goudie ’25, Connor Neary ’25, and Alex Zaken ’25.

 

Community and Club Awards

The Cathy Mishkin King Cares Award is presented to 3 seniors. These students have been consistently involved in King Cares events during their time at King, and have created or helped to lead King Cares clubs, as well as several events, projects, and activities in collaboration with partner organizations. In addition they have actively participated in events at partner organizations and generated ideas for projects drawing from the connections they have made and the experiences they have had during the events. The Cathy Mishkin King Cares Award goes to Maggie O'Callaghan ’25, Elise Prather ’25, and Maddy Prather ’25.

The Adam Boaz Community Impact Award is named after a beloved former faculty member, Adam Boaz, and is awarded to a student who demonstrates a commitment and dedication to creating a sense of belonging within the King community. This student exhibits a commitment to issues focusing on self-reflection, forming allies, and building community, and independently engages in activities and initiatives that focus on ways to harness the power of our similarities and differences to create mutual understanding and joyful connections within the King community. This year’s Adam Boaz Community Impact Award goes to Kioja Duff ’25.

The Ambassador Prize recognizes leaders who have demonstrated exceptional dedication, enthusiasm, and direction. Through their welcoming spirit, engaging tours, and genuine passion for our school, they have left a lasting impression on prospective students and their families. The inaugural Ambassador Prize is awarded to Abby Block ’25 and Connor Neary ’25.

The Model UN Prize is awarded to members who have consistently shown enthusiasm and dedication to the Club and have demonstrated a deep understanding of the global issues and concerns facing the United Nations. The Model UN Prize is presented to Olivia Asnes ’25, Kate Persily ’25, Jaipal Dohil ’25, Steven Blanco ’26, and Joaquin-Antonio Arteta ’26.

The Debate Team Prize is awarded to members who have consistently shown enthusiasm for and dedication to the Debate Team and whose debating skills demonstrate excellence in the art of public speaking and argumentation. These team leaders organized team practices and shared their debating experience with our younger debaters and helped grow our ranks and led our team during monthly debate meets throughout Connecticut. The Debate Club Prize is presented to Ryan Jakubowski ’26, Amy Powell ’26, and Leon Wang ’26.

The Investment Club Prize is awarded to a member of the Investment Club in recognition of a commitment to improving the club's understanding of the financial world through enthusiasm, energy, and efforts to organize the club meetings and activities. The Investment Club Prize is awarded to Jaipal Dohil ’25.

The Math Team Prize is given to an individual who, through loyalty to the team, faithful participation in its practices, strong involvement, and contributions to the team in competitions, has won the recognition and respect of the team and its coaches. The Math Team Prize is given to Taylor Ansel ’25 and Leon Wang ’26.

The Math Teaching Assistant Prize offers a service opportunity that spans divisions, enabling upper school students to share their knowledge with younger students. The Math Teaching Assistant Prize is awarded to students who altruistically assist their peers throughout the year. The Math Teaching Assistant Prize goes to Christian Gonzalez ’25 and Samantha Tillman ’27.

The Student Council Prize and Ceremonial Gavel are presented to Kiran Rao ’25, the outgoing President of the Student Council. He is organized, kind, mature, and friendly. Most importantly, he leapt out of his comfort zone with this position by leading the Homecoming Pep Rally, speaking at multiple engagements, and organizing an infamous Holiday dance at assembly.

The Lauren Leslie Award is presented to the student who displayed the greatest courage, determination, and fortitude during the upper school years. The Lauren Leslie Award is presented to Dermott Robinson ’25.

The Nancy Cunningham Nickerson Award is awarded to a senior in recognition of commitment to improving the lives of those facing physical or spiritual challenges and having an abiding concern for others. The Nancy Cunningham Nickerson Award is presented to Owen Blaine ’25.

The Marc L. Hoffman Award is given to a rising senior who has utilized strengths, along with embracing an effective learning style, to achieve academic excellence. Furthermore, this student has demonstrated honor, integrity, sound judgment, and fair play. The Marc L. Hoffman Award is presented to Ella Philips ’26. 

The Eleanor Christensen Prize is presented to a student who models the attributes of self-awareness, self-advocacy, and commitment to their own development as a learner and has mastered the art of learning well. The Eleanor Christensen Prize is presented to Olivia Asnes ’25.

The Bill Wallace Memorial Prize is presented to a sophomore who best exemplifies the qualities that Bill Wallace displayed in his years at King. These qualities include hard work, a growth mindset, and a commitment to daily, tireless engagement with the discipline, regardless of the immediate outcome. In addition, the student has demonstrated kindness and respect to fellow students and to everyone in the community. The Bill Wallace Memorial Prize goes to Elizabeth Tuttle ’27.

The Evald B. Olson Prize is awarded to a senior who, throughout the years at King, has combined success in athletics with excellence in the study of mathematics and science. The Evald B. Olson Prize is awarded to Tim McGrath ’25.

The Jefferson Book Award was established to recognize outstanding high school students who show exceptional promise of developing, through education, into leaders who are well prepared to help shape the future of the nation and the world. This was Thomas Jefferson’s vision when he founded the University of Virginia. This year’s recipient of the Jefferson Book Award is Hathaway Liparidis ’26.

The Gregory Dean Muggeo Memorial Award is awarded to a boy in the graduating class who best exemplifies the qualities Gregory Dean Muggeo displayed in his years at King. These include leadership, devotion, generosity, vitality, and consideration for others. The Gregory Dean Muggeo Award is presented to Jakari Morgan ’25.

The Meryl Kann Cup is awarded to a girl in the graduating class whose unselfish spirit, dedication, and versatility have enriched the total life of the School. The Meryl Kann Cup is presented to Abby Block ’25.

The Mildred G. Anderson Memorial Prize is awarded to the member of the Senior Class who has been in the school for a minimum of two years and has shown the greatest overall development both as a student and as a person. The Mildred G. Anderson Prize is awarded to Duncan Baird ’25.

The William Bartram Memorial Prize is awarded to that member of the Senior Class who has contributed the most to the school in co-curricular activities. The William Bartram Prize is presented to Katie Ruhe ’25.

The Michelson Memorial Award is presented to the member of the Senior Class who has maintained his or her position in their class on the basis of outstanding personal effort. The Michelson Award is presented to Kate Persily ’25.

The Robert Morse Carpenter Memorial Prize is awarded to a member of the Senior Class for high scholastic achievement as well as for an excellent record as a citizen of the school. The Robert Morse Carpenter Prize is presented to Jaipal Dohil ’25. 

The Ann Ayres Herrick Award goes to the senior who, through loyalty, integrity, and friendliness, has contributed most to King’s high standards of character. This award is voted on by the entire Upper School, both faculty and students. The Ann Ayres Herrick Award is awarded to Jaipal Dohil ’25.

The Upper School Prize goes to a member of the senior class who, through scholastic, athletic, or artistic achievements, leadership, and versatile and positive contributions to the life of the school, has earned the recognition of the faculty. The Upper School Prize is awarded to Griffin Joo ’25. 

Faculty Prize goes to a member of the senior class who, through character, intelligence, and thoughtfulness, has won the respect of the faculty. The Faculty Prize is awarded to Kiran Rao ’25. 

The Alumni Prize goes to the senior who embodies the promise of an adult sense of responsibility and obligation to the community and who, in maturity, intelligence, and altruism, seems best fitted to take a place in the world. The Alumni Prize is awarded to Jaipal Dohil ’25.