The buzz of Upper School Prize Day lent momentum to the festive air on campus leading up to graduation. A traditional celebration at King, the event honors excellence across the academic disciplines, clubs, arts, athletics, and in the King community.

“Prize Day allows us the time to name and acknowledge all that we at King value and the excellence that we hold up each and every day,” said Head of Upper School Marnie Sadlowsky. “I think one of the more rare examples of this type of excellence happens when one of our graduates is admitted to, and chooses to attend, one of our 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.”

Sadlowsky went on to introduce special guest Senator Richard Blumenthal, who presented senior Norah Shattan with her appointment to the United States Military Academy. Candidates for West Point must be nominated by a president, vice president, or a member of Congress. Blumnethal joined Nora on stage for the celebration, she will become a cadet in the fall.

“When we say we seek excellence at King, we are really saying that we try to encounter, and even to hold up, the best of what all of us seek to accomplish every day,” Sadlowsky said as she continued the ceremony. “You are all part of a long line of excellence-seekers that we at King will ensure continues well into the future when you come back as members of our alumni community.”

Congratulations to all of our recipients this year! View Photos here. 

 

Award Winners

Academic Awards

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 recipient is Nicole Roer ’22.

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 recipient is Mariana McOsker ’22.

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 recipient is Chloe Zanga ’23.

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 recipient is Ronnie Harvey ’22.

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 recipient is Tommy Heaton ’23.

The Philosophy Prize is awarded to a senior who shows true passion for philosophy, combined with character and thoughtfulness. The Philosophy Prize recipient is Billy Bernfeld ’22.

The Future Global Leader Award goes to a junior who has consistently demonstrated academic leadership and achievement with particular focus on global issues and the ability to address innovative problems with global impact. The Future Global Leader Award recipient is Chloe Zanga ’23.

The Economics Prize is presented to the student who has an outstanding record in the study of economics, and who has the potential to successfully study economics at the college level. The Economics Prize recipient is Fushi Wang ’22.

American Mathematics Competition (AMC) is held annually nationwide. The winners of AMC 12 competition are Nick Jiang ’22 and Clare Liao ’23. These two students were also invited to the American Invitational Math Competition where they received the Honorable Mention from the Math Association of America. 

Every year our school participates in the Fairfield County Mathematics League competition. The Top Scorer for the School is Nick Jiang ’22. 

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 recipient is Nick Jiang ’22. 

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 career. The Rensselaer Medal recipient is Clare Liao ’23.

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 recipient is Nicole Roer ’23.

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 recipient is Nicole Roer ’23.

The Computer Science, Engineering and Innovation Prize is awarded to a student whose hard work, creativity, and general excellence in the STEM fields has allowed them to demonstrate great potential in this field. The Computer Science, Engineering, and Innovation Prize recipients this year are Simon Fox ’23 and Morgan Hils ’24.

The French Language Prize is given to that student who demonstrates excellent verbal and written skills with the French Language and an outstanding mastery of French grammar and vocabulary. The recipient is Anabelle Creveling ’22.

The Spanish Language Prize is given to that student who demonstrates excellent verbal and written skills with the Spanish Language and an outstanding mastery of Spanish grammar and vocabulary. The recipient is Gouri Krishnan ’23.

The Chinese Prize is presented in recognition of high scholastic achievement in the study of Mandarin Chinese. The recipient is Joz Butler ’22. 

The Drama Award is given to a student who, through talent and dedication, has achieved excellence in drama performance. The Drama Award recipients are Olivia McGrath ’22 and Joz Butler ’22.

The Musical Theater Award is given to that student who, through talent and dedication, has achieved excellence in musical theater performance. The Musical Theater Award recipient is Sarah Cepeda ’22.

The Instrumental Music Award is given to a student who has enriched the King Community through passion for performance in a variety of musical settings. The Instrumental Music Award recipient is John Russell ’22.

The Choral Award is given to a student who has shown excellence in choral singing. The Choral Award recipient is Lillian Mitchell ’22.

The King Community Musician Award is given to a senior who has over four years at King, demonstrated not only a passion for performing in a variety of settings, but also a passion for sharing musical knowledge with younger students in the King and larger Stamford community. The Community Musician Award recipients this year are Faith Walton ’22 and Jamie Munno ’22.

The Boo Forster Drama Award is given in memory of Elizabeth Chapman Forster, a 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. The recipient is the Austin Laramie ’22.

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 recipient is Clare Liao ’23.

The Engineering Prize is awarded to a student who has demonstrated not only a passion for the subject but also a talent for constructing innovative solutions to technical challenges. The recipients are Kiran Rao ’25 and Lucas Vlak ’24.

The Biology Prize for excellence in the study of biology is awarded to Meredith Joo ’23 and Ben Persily ’23.

The Chemistry Prize for excellence in the study of chemistry is awarded to Gouri Krishnan ’23.

The Physics Prize for excellence in the study of physics is awarded to Joz Butler ’22.

The Excellence in STEM Award is given to the student who has demonstrated: passion for STEM, excellence in STEM coursework, and talent for applying interdisciplinary knowledge to address real-world challenges. The recipient is Ben Persily ’23.

The Catalani Memorial Art Prize recipient is Jamie Munno ’22. Jamie spent her time at King making art every chance she had. Her work ethic and determination to fulfill her vision served as an inspiration to many of the students working in the Art department. When called upon, she was able to share the skills she taught herself with students in the fashion class. 

The Ceramics Award recipient is Billy Bernfeld ’22, who hit his stride early and never stopped running. He pushed the boundaries of Sgraffito, his preferred method of embellishment. His curiosity and eagerness to learn are as strong now as the first day he walked into the studio. 

The Art and Design Prize is awarded to a student who represents the spirit of our program. This year's recipient is Paige Baird ’22. Through practice, Paige became skillful in a wide variety of media, created original and personal work, and never ceased to explore novel ideas and approaches to art making. The theme that guided her explorations this year was based on her deep-felt convictions which she fearlessly advocated for.

Certificates of Distinctions 

Global Studies Certificate of Distinction 

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

• Grace Cadman ’22
• Nick Clark ’22
• Ori Divon ’22
• Emmi Freeman ’22
• Eleanor Goudie ’22
• Hugh Hentschel ’22
• Nikolas Hils ’22
• Rahill Jaiswal ’22
• Dean Kaduboski ’22
• Olivia McGrath ’22
• Luke Nardella ’22
• Davis Piper ’22
• Karina Rao ’22

STEM Distinction 

The certificate of STEM Distinction 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 recipient are:

• Giovanna Armetta ’22 
• Billy Bernfeld ’22 
• Adam Nomani ’22 
• John Russell ’22 

Leadership 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 the completion of a capstone project. This year's recipient is Lily Claire Alpert ’22.

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 the 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:

• Paige Baird ’22
• Jamie Munno ’22
• Anna Sheridan ’22

World Language Certificate of Distinction 

The certificate of distinction in World Language is awarded to students who successfully complete a rigorous program of study in world language studies over the course of their high school career. This year’s recipient is Olivia McGrath ’22.

Cum Laude Society 

At this time, please recognize those students who have been elected into the King Chapter of the Cum Laude Society. 

Members of the Class of 2022 who were inducted earlier this year are: 

• Madeline Bramel
• Joz Butler
• Anabelle Creveling
• Ronald Harvey
• Adam Nomani
• Carson Perlman
• Karina Rao
• John Russell
• Norah Shattan

At the end of Grade 12 our Cum Laude Chapter is permitted to elect additional students into membership for a final total of no more than 20% of the graduating class. The new inductees are the following:

• Emily Alexander
• Dalton Aysseh
• Peri Ferguson
• Dean Kaduboski
• Waddill Platt
• Nicole Roer
• Nicole Salantay
• Jonah Savitz
• Beckett Walters

Athletic Awards

Our Five-Year Varsity Letter Winners are: 

• Norah Shattan ’22, who started playing Varsity Volleyball in Grade 8
• Hugh Hentschel, who started playing Varsity Tennis also in Grade 8

Our Twelve Varsity Season Letter Winners,

• Emmi Freeman ’22, who played soccer, basketball, and softball
• Catelyn Peters ’22, who played soccer, basketball, and tennis

The Karen Peterson Outstanding Freshman Female Athlete Award recognizes the strongest female athlete in the freshman class. This athlete was a key contributor and immediate impact player this fall for the Vikings, helping volleyball capture a regular-season league title and a New England championship. A fierce competitor and loyal teammate, who has been named captain as a sophomore. The Karen Peterson Award is presented to Caroline Ellis ’25. 

The Daniel Hudson Outstanding Freshman Male Athlete Award recognizes the strongest male athlete in the freshman class. In his first year at King, this freshman is already a 2-season Varsity letter winner in Ice Hockey and Lacrosse. He is a skilled force on the ice and field and has contributed to three championships on these teams, two regular-season FAA titles, and an OT tourney win over St. Luke’s. The Daniel Hudson Award goes to Brandon Chan ’25. 

The Outstanding Senior Male Athlete Award recognizes the strongest male athlete in the senior class. This skilled and versatile athlete was a leader from the moment he stepped on campus as a junior and was named captain of both the football and lacrosse teams as a senior. In addition to his outstanding performances on the field, this student also excels in the classroom and has earned Fairchester Athletic Association Scholar-Athlete Award recognition. Named out of the more than one thousand seniors in the league to recognize the top overall student-athletes, this is a very selective honor and major accomplishment. While we don’t know if we will see him on the field next spring as a freshman at Harvard, USA Lacrosse has honored him this year with two extremely impressive awards, as he has been named an Academic All-American and the winner of the prestigious Bob Scott Award for going above and beyond in service to his team, his school, and his community. He will now also be a finalist for the National Bob Scott Award. The Outstanding Male Athlete Award, along with the FAA and USA Lacrosse awards, goes to Tommy Fitzgibbons ’22. 

The Outstanding Senior Female Athlete Award recognizes the strongest female athlete in the senior class. This athlete earned 5 varsity letters in Volleyball, was named captain as a junior and senior, helped the teams she was a part of win four New England titles and three separate FAA league titles, and was a multi-sport athlete who also played lacrosse. A true competitor and winner, whose power, focus and drive set her apart, she also shined brightest in the biggest moments, taking home New England Player of the Year in the fall. In recognition of all she accomplished as a Viking, she was named our second ever Under Armour “Women of Will” graduation award winner. This prestigious national award celebrates female athletes who exhibit a will to win, outstanding athletics, superior academics, positive sportsmanship, and strong leadership. This athlete has also been recognized with the Stamford Exchange Club Jack Keegan Female Scholar-Athlete Award, which honors an outstanding female scholar-athlete from each of the four high schools within the City of Stamford. This athlete leaves an incredible legacy at King and will no doubt do the same as she moves on to play volleyball at Army West Point next year. The Outstanding Female Athlete and the Under Armour Graduation awards recipient is Norah Shattan ’22. 

The Viking Athletic Service Award, is presented to a non-coaching individual or individuals to recognize outstanding contributions and going above and beyond in support of King Athletics. This individual stepped into a new role this year, leading with thoughtfulness, care, and expertise, in support of the mental and physical health, and overall well-being, of all of King’s student-athletes. This year’s Vikings Service Award winner is Director of Student-Athlete Health Services, Emma Jonsson. 

The Northrop Cup is awarded to the member of the senior class who has made an outstanding record in athletics, not only because of ability, but also because of a high level of sportsmanship. This high-character senior left a tremendous mark at King as an outstanding leader and teammate, and was a major force this past winter as a captain on the Ice Hockey team which captured the FAA regular season and tournament titles. The Northrop Cup recipient is Senior Henry Rattner ’22. 

The Jody Veeder Richards Award is presented to an upper school girl who has demonstrated the highest standard in sportsmanship. This phenomenal athlete set a high mark as a captain and leader on the Volleyball team, and was instrumental in the success of the team. This student set a tremendous example for her teammates and the next generation of Vikings, leading with unmatched dedication, a passionate and joyous demeanor, an infectious spirit, and the highest level of class. This athlete was also named American Volleyball Coaches Association Best & Brightest with Distinction and was recognized by Prep Volleyball as an All-American. This Viking has been presented with the Stamford Old Timers Scholar-Athlete Award, presented annually to one Stamford resident senior scholar-athlete (female or male) at each of the four city schools. The Jody Veeder Richards Award goes to Nicole Salantay’22.

The Ware Award recognizes valuable contributions in athletics, high academic achievement, thoughtfulness for others, and a sense of responsibility for the school. This standout student demonstrated all of this and more as an impact member of our championship Volleyball team, as a friend, mentor, and citizen of the community, with a commitment to service and giving back, and an impressive lineup of innovative research initiatives. In the Fall, this student was also named American Volleyball Coaches Association Best & Brightest with Distinction. The Ware Award goes to Karina Rao ’22. 

Community and Club Awards

The Grade 9 Class Prize – This year’s Grade 9 Class Prize is awarded to Taylor Ansel ’25. Taylor served her community well and has led by example. She stepped up to take responsibility as a Grade 9 leader. She faced challenges with integrity and perseverance. She regularly took initiative to step in and serve where she could with utmost grace, kindness, and dedication.  She quickly emerged as a model student who showed genuine care and respect towards her peers, teachers, and community. 

The Grade 10 Class Prize – is awarded to a member of King's 10th-grade community who works tirelessly to achieve excellence in the realm of academics, who projects positivity in all areas of school life, and who personifies King's virtues of integrity, kindness, perseverance, and respect. In the words of his teachers, this individual is "up for anything, genuinely, earnestly curious about academic work, and ridiculously kind, supportive, and welcoming." Not only does this person "look for and bring out the best in everyone," but also this individual displays "a level of maturity that is more in line with someone 10 years their senior." By all accounts, this sophomore is "the nicest kid in town" and a member of our King community who truly and genuinely cares about his school, his classmates, his peers, and his learning. This year's Grade 10 Class Prize is awarded to Brian Karle ’24.

The Grade 11 Class Prize is awarded to a student who truly embodies King’s virtues and is involved in many aspects of our community. This year’s recipient has been deeply involved in enriching and celebrating our community’s uniqueness and character through her leadership and energy in a large number of areas. Whether she was captaining the girls’ varsity basketball and softball teams, leading the Human Rights Cohort and AAPI Affinity group, excelling in the classroom, being selected for the Global, Youth Summit and Fellowship, or being a constant force of positivity and friendliness, she spent this year helping to make King a better place. This year’s Grade 11 Class Prize is awarded to Meredith Joo ’23. 

The Grade 12 Class Prize is awarded to a determined, kind, and confident student who has been dedicated to King since joining the community in the Lower School. The Grade 12 Class Prize recipient is Emily Alexander ’22. Whether planning events for student activities, ably leading the lacrosse team, being concerned about ways to help our Earth, or creating masterpieces in the art room, Emily is someone who always gives it her all. Through her maturity and compassionate nature, she has helped shape the character of the senior class and won the respect of both her peers and the faculty. 

The Cathy Mishkin King Cares Award recipient is Maggie Ruvinsky ’22, who during her time at King, has participated in All School King Cares events. She has been a very enthusiastic and active member of several King Cares clubs, such as Building One Community, Stamford Peace and Health and Wellness. Maggie enjoys engaging in activities that involve helping and working with younger children, and she was one of the leaders this year of King Connections, a club that partners with the Children’s Learning Centers of Fairfield County. 

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 recipients are:

• Ellie Goudie ’22
• Nii Adom Laryea-Adjei ’23
• Billy Bernfeld ’22
• Emmi Freeman ’22

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 not only organized team practices and shared their debating experience with our younger debaters, but also they helped grow our ranks and lead our teams to great successes this year, despite the challenging circumstances of the pandemic. The Debate Club Prize recipients are Kenny Backes ’23 and Brian Karle ’24.

The Investment Club Prize is awarded to a member of the Investment Club in recognition of 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 Nicole Roer ’22.

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 recipients are John Russell ’22 and Ben Persily ’23.

The Student Council Prize recipient is Dean Kaduboski ’22. Dean is the outgoing President of the Student Council. He has filled that role as a president for the people, demonstrating passion, organization, kindness, and enthusiasm. As part of the Student Council Prize, Dean was presented with a ceremonial gavel.

The Meryl Kann Cup is awarded to a senior whose unselfish spirit, dedication, and versatility have enriched the total life of King School. The Meryl Kann Cup is presented to Catie Baer ’22.

The Lauren Leslie Award is presented to the student who displayed the greatest courage, determination, and fortitude while attending the Upper School. The Lauren Leslie Award recipient is Catie Baer ’22.

The Nancy Cunningham Nickerson Award is awarded to a senior in recognition of commitment to improving the lives of those facing physical and/or spiritual challenges, and having an abiding concern for others. The Nancy Cunningham Nickerson Award recipient is Maggie Ruvinsky ’22.

The Marc L. Hoffman Award is given to a rising senior who has utilized strengths along with embracing a sense of an effective learning style to achieve academic excellence. Furthermore, this student has demonstrated honor, integrity, good judgment and fair play. The Marc L. Hoffman Award recipient is Charlotte Black ’23. 

The Eleanor Christensen Prize is presented to a student who models the attributes of self-awareness, self-advocacy, commitment to their own development as a learner, and has mastered the art of learning well. The Eleanor Christensen Prize recipient is Lily Ryan ’22.

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 recipient is Carson Perlman ’22.

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. The recipient of the Jefferson Book Award is Meredith Joo ’23.

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 immediate outcome. In addition, the student has demonstrated kindness and respect not only to the fellow students, but also to everyone in the community. The Bill Wallace Memorial Prize recipient is Penelope DeMartin ’24.

The Gregory Dean Muggeo Memorial Award is presented to the member of 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 recipient is Dean Kaduboski ’22.

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 recipient is Fushi Wang ’22.

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 recipient is Emmi Freeman ’22.

The Michelson Memorial Award is presented to the member of the senior class who has demonstrated outstanding personal effort. The Michelson Award recipient is Nicole Roer ’22.

The Boyle Prize is presented to a senior who has entered King within the last two years and who, through enthusiasm and initiative, has enhanced the quality of the school. The Boyle Prize recipient is Tommy Fitzgibbons ’22.

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 recipient is Anabelle Creveling ’22. 

The Kenneth and Harriette Cooper Prize was established in the memory of Kenneth and Harriette Cooper, faculty members from 1932 to 1964. The prize is awarded to a student who has combined success in athletics, the arts, and excellence in the study of the French language and culture. The Kenneth and Harriette Cooper Prize recipient is Paige Baird ’22.

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 recipient is Dean Kaduboski ’22.

The Upper School Prize is presented to a member of the senior class who, through scholastic, athletic and/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 recipient is Norah Shattan ’22. 

The Faculty Prize is presented to a member of the senior class who, through character, intelligence and thoughtfulness, has won the respect of the faculty. The Faculty Prize recipient is Dean Kaduboski ’22. 

The Alumni Prize is awarded to a senior who demonstrates a mature 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 recipient is Karina Rao ’22.