MKA Seniors Inducted in Cum Laude Society

23 seniors from the Class of 2009 were inducted into the Cum Laude Society at a formal ceremony held at the Upper School Library on April 20. Luke Sarsfield MKA Class l991 and a Vice-President at Goldman, Sachs gave the address.

“There is no doubt in my mind that MKA ranks right up there in the top echelon of all high schools nationally." Commented Sarsfield, "So to excel at such a rigorous and academically challenging institution is an achievement of substantial merit and something you should be extremely proud of.”  He went on to offer the students the following guidelines for their future: “Don’t rest on your laurels, as impressive as they are … Knowledge is more than the simple accumulation of facts … There is no substitute for live, face-to-face personal interaction … Take a risk, and don’t be too fearful of failure … Always do the right thing …and Have fun.”

The Cum Laude Society, established in l906, is modeled on the Phi Beta Kappa Collegiate National Honor Society and recognizes the scholastic achievement of secondary school students. It is the highest academic honor bestowed on members of the graduating class. 

The student inductees are: Elizabeth Ahlborn, Alyse Amato, Kristy Ashmawy, Paige Barrett, Nathalie Cernasov, Michael D’Andrea,
Katherine Davis, Catherine DeKeizer, Ryan DeMartino, Madeline Frank, Kelly Froelich, Miriam Grossman, Mary Labowsky, Giri Nathan, Philip Reisen, Miranda Saylor, Emma Shepard, Olivia Shepard, Christopher Stavitsky, Andrew Stern, Ryan Tumelty, Rachel Weller and Melissa Wong.  In addition, faculty members Dr. Louise Maxwell, Upper School History Department Chair, and Mr. Stephen Valentine, Upper School Assistant Head of Campus, were also inducted.

(missing from photo (Upper School/Cum Laude) are Mary Labowsky and Philip Reisen)