Upper School Student Recognition Awards

The Rudolph Deetjen Awards are given in memory of Mr. Rudolph Deetjen, a 1950 graduate of Montclair Academy, Brookside School Headmaster from 1973-1974, and Head of Middle School from 1974-1977. He was instrumental in the merger of Brookside School, The Kimberley School, and Montclair Academy in 1974. The Rudolph Deetjen Award is presented to one female and one male student athlete in the senior class who have a distinguished record in MKA athletics and academic work and whose character and deportment have been a positive influence in the life of the school. Award winners will have demonstrated a positive attitude in the classroom, in their respective athletic arenas, and in the community at large, exemplifying the grace, humility, tenacity, and charisma that defined Rudolph Deetjen’s life.

Marjorie Winfield Easter, Headmistress at The Kimberley School from 1960-1965, encouraged creative self-expression and selfless dedication to the school community. It is with this in mind that we present the Marjorie Winfield Easter Award to the senior who, behind the scenes, has given generously to the MKA community without expecting formal recognition. The award winner has consistently demonstrated outstanding character, leadership qualities, and moral values.

The Robert C. Hemmeter Memorial Award was established in June 1990 by the Board of Trustees of Montclair Kimberley Academy in memory of Robert C. Hemmeter. Bob served Montclair Academy and Montclair Kimberley Academy from 1962-1990 as a Master Teacher, Advisor, Coach, Department Chairman, and Dean of Faculty. A resolution written by the Board describes Bob as a model of scholarship, dedication, caring, and friendship to students, colleagues, and trustees. To remember Bob, the Board has established an award to be given to a senior with interests beyond the classroom. The recipient must have intellectual curiosity and a love of books, enjoy sports and cultural activities, and have an enthusiasm for living that will lead them beyond the MKA community.

Ethel Spurr, Headmistress of The Kimberley School from 1950-60, embodied strong leadership, passion for teaching, and generosity with time and service. She brought new ideas and positive change to the curriculum, the daily schedule, extra-curricular activities, and student life. The person receiving this award should be an involved and dynamic member of the MKA community and must possess the self-starting and enthusiastic approach to academics and engagement in school life for which Miss Spurr was known. The ideal winner of this award seeks to bring new perspectives to the school to strengthen and transform existing programs.

Given annually to a senior who has demonstrated exceptional character, this award honors Dr. Peter R. Greer, MKA Headmaster from 1992-2005, for his commitment to the field of ethics. The recipient embodies virtues including honesty, generosity, kindness, and respect. The person receiving the award should be someone who embraces the Socratic principle "Know thyself." The recipient shares half of the award with a favorite charity or person in need. Through this action, this award encourages and strengthens charitable behavior.

The James D. Timmons Award was established in 1982 by Anita Timmons to honor her husband, a trustee, parent, and grandparent. It is awarded to an MKA senior who is the child of an MKA faculty member. The recipient is honored for distinguished academic work and significant contributions to the life of the senior class and the MKA community.

Given annually to the MKA graduating senior who has best demonstrated a spirit of warmth, generosity, and goodwill toward others. Scott M. Johnson ’93 embodied that spirit as a student at MKA and Trinity College, as an archeologist in Israel, as an investment banker in New York, and as a dear friend to many around the world. Scott’s life was tragically taken on September 11, 2001, but his kind, welcoming spirit is alive in the hearts of his loving family and friends and prevails each time a person treats another as Scott did. So that humanity may progress with respect and understanding, the recipient of this award is recognized as a torchbearer of Scott’s fine spirit.

This award is named for O. Stanley “Bud” Mekeel ’29 who was involved in all aspects of school life at Montclair Academy, including sports, drama, publications, and student government. The award is given to a talented and distinguished MKA senior and is to be applied toward first-year expenses in the college of the recipient’s choice.

As created by his fellow classmates, the Glenn Medal honors the outstanding House Captain who demonstrates the same warmth, enthusiasm, and infectious love our beloved Everett Glenn ’11, Strong House Captain, exhibited during his time at MKA. Like Everett, this senior recipient not only executes their duties as a captain with pride and excellence but also possesses the innate ability to inspire, motivate, and unite their house. This recipient inspires all members of the MKA House System to act and lead their community in the unforgettable way that Everett did.

Given annually to a worthy senior of outstanding character and academic promise, this award honors the memory of Elliot Furbert, MKA Class of 2014. In his time at the Upper School, Elliot demonstrated what happens when an unmatched work ethic and appetite for challenge meet broad opportunity and strong mentorship. In his academic program, on the track, while playing tenor sax, as president of his class, and in a series of prestigious programs outside of MKA, Elliot stood for quality and integrity ne plus ultra. The recipient must possess the fine qualities embodied in Elliot: intellectual curiosity, a high level of engagement in a variety of school activities, and unwavering character. The recipient will receive a monetary award to be applied to their college expenses.

The MacVicar Prize(s) is awarded to juniors* of outstanding personal character who have demonstrated qualities of leadership and good citizenship and who have made a positive contribution to the Montclair Kimberley Academy community. John George MacVicar, founder of The Montclair Academy of Boys in 1887 and founding father of Montclair Academy, created a school whose vision was to prepare students for the academic rigors of college life while emphasizing the importance of character development. This vision became the central focus upon the merger of Montclair Academy and The Kimberley School and remains a central focus for Montclair Kimberley Academy. In his own words, “The formation of character, the cultivation of sound principles of truth and honor, and the illustration of right ideas regarding what is worth attaining in life, are considered equally as important as academic subjects.” Over one hundred years later, we honor these values as we recognize outstanding members of the junior class who have realized these goals.

*Minimum of two recipients, maximum of four.

Awarded to seniors who have made a unique contribution to MKA and have changed the school for the better.

Established by the Upper School faculty to recognize and honor students in grades 9-11 who have demonstrated exceptional intellectual curiosity by seeking knowledge for its own sake rather than for material rewards.

This award fosters the memory of William Avery Barras, who, with inspiring scholarship, taught English at Montclair Academy for 28 years, until his death in 1957. The Barras English Prize is awarded to a senior whose work at the Upper School has reflected outstanding scholarship, a unique literary voice, and an abiding belief in the value of great literature, both in and out of the classroom.

Awarded jointly by the English and Fine & Performing Arts Departments in memory of Elizabeth O’Neil Feagley to a junior for outstanding creative expression.

Awarded jointly by the English and History Departments, the Frank Brogan Memorial Award was established in 1982 by the members of the class of 1972 in memory of their classmate Frank "Poncho" Brogan. It is to be awarded to that member of the junior class who shows a special interest and high proficiency in the art of written expression.

Introduced in 1955 to honor the top student in the high school band, the John Philip Sousa Band Award® recognizes superior musicianship and outstanding dedication. It was created with the approval of Helen Sousa Albert and Priscilla Sousa, daughters of the famous composer and bandmaster.

The Louis Armstrong Jazz Award® was inaugurated in 1974 with the consent of his widow shortly after this great jazz artist died in 1971. It honors the outstanding jazz musician at each high school.

The Visual Arts award is given to the senior who has distinguished themselves with outstanding technique and skill in their craft, finds joy, demonstrates determination in art making, and has stayed true to their individual style and voice.

The Dance Award is given to a senior who has shown tremendous growth in technique and artistic expression, as well as demonstrated leadership qualities for the overall program through consistent dedication and professionalism.

The Vocal Music Award is given to a senior(s) who has distinguished themselves with outstanding technique, skill, musical aptitude, and expression. This student demonstrates determination and exemplary work in ensemble and/or solo singing.

The Montclair Kimberley Academy National School Orchestra Award is presented by “The Instrumentalist Magazine.” It recognizes outstanding students in the MKA Strings Program who have shown exceptional talent, dedication, and commitment to their instrument.

The Marilyn Faden Award for Excellence in the Theatre Arts is awarded to students who have a true love of theatre.

• Technical Theatre
• Deetjen for Drama
• Musical Theatre (Best Actor & Best Actress)

The Anthony Cuneo Award is awarded to a senior who has demonstrated a sustained curiosity in, commitment to, and love for the arts in at least two disciplines. The award is named for Tony Cuneo, Drawing, Painting, and Photography teacher at MKA from 1988 - 2018. Talented in a variety of disciplines, Tony’s sense of humor, high intellect, knowledge of and devotion to the visual arts and its pedagogy informed all of his work, whether it was in paint, through a lens, or as a mentor to the thousands of students he taught at MKA.

In the spirit of Jack Rabuse, long-time history teacher with a particular passion for American history, politics, and the presidency, the John Rabuse History Prize is awarded to that junior or senior student who truly loves American History and is interested in politics, the Presidency, and the workings of government.

Awarded to a senior who demonstrates enthusiasm for the study of history and society, a strong engagement with the research process, a generous spirit with classmates, and academic excellence in the department.

Awarded jointly by the Math and Science Departments, the Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute Medal is presented to a junior who shows superb performance in the study of mathematics and the sciences. Award recipients will receive a merit scholarship to RPI if they attend.

Awarded jointly by the Science and Math Departments, the Downsbrough Science Prize was established in 1982 by parents of a Montclair Academy graduate. This award is given to a senior with high moral and ethical standards who has shown outstanding intellectual capacity in physical sciences or mathematics by achieving distinguished grades in these subjects and demonstrating exceptional ability in related projects.

Established as a bequest from William Henry Miller, who taught science at Montclair Academy for 46 years, it is awarded to a senior who has demonstrated the greatest academic excellence in the sciences.

The Margaret Jenkins Osborne Prize for Excellence in Science was established in 1973 by the students and faculty of The Kimberley School to honor Mrs. Osborne’s outstanding service to the school. Mrs. Osborne is a member of The Kimberley School Class of 1950. This award is given to a senior who has demonstrated outstanding interest in science, understanding of concepts, and creativity in their studies in the field.

Each year, the Upper School World Languages Department recognizes the top student in the eleventh grade. The student who earns this award excels in and out of the classroom and engages in the study of language and culture with empathy and understanding. Students are nominated by their current teachers, and then the awardee is decided upon by the department as a whole.

Each year, the Upper School World Languages Department recognizes the top students in the twelfth grade in Chinese, French, Latin, and Spanish. The students who earn these awards excel in and out of the classroom and engage in the study of language and culture with empathy and understanding. Students are nominated by their current teachers, and then the awardees are decided upon by the department as a whole.

The MKA “Klein Awards” are given in memory of Dr. William Klein, an eminent physical sports enthusiast and grandfather of two graduates of Montclair Academy. The Klein Awards recognize one male and female student athlete in each grade who exemplify, within the current school year, excellence in athletics and character and achieve a creditable record in academics. Award winners must demonstrate dedication to their studies and a positive and respectful attitude towards their teachers, coaches, and peers.

The Karen Fucello Scholar Athlete Award is given by the Essex County Athletic Directors Association to one male and one female student-athlete of each school in Essex County who has positively represented their school and excelled in both the classroom and athletic arena.

Awarded to senior athletes who have earned 10 or more varsity letters in their MKA career.

Awarded to a senior who has overcome a physical handicap or serious injury in order to contribute to the success of MKA athletics.

Awarded to students with no semester grade below an A- for both semesters in a given school year.

Awarded to students with no semester grade below an A for both semesters in a given school year.

The Presidential Volunteer Service Award is a national award that “recognizes individuals…that have achieved a certain standard—measured by the number of hours of service over a 12-month period.”

Given in memory of John Rabke, who generously and lovingly served Montclair Kimberley Academy from 1970-2003 as teacher, advisor, coach, Department Chair, and Director of College Placement. To honor John’s long-term commitment to international volunteer programs such as the Peace Corps and Amigos de las Americas, the award will encourage students committed to community engagement and cultural understanding. The award will be presented annually to a junior at Montclair Kimberley Academy and will include a financial component to facilitate travel.

The Community Engagement Award is presented to a senior who has demonstrated a commitment to developing a deeper understanding of the needs and perspectives in the community in order to make a positive difference.  Understanding the responsibilities of a citizen, this student has identified an important issue to explore and address and has unselfishly shared their time, skills, and talents with organizations and community members in need.