Students in the Class of 2025 Honored with Academic, Athletic, and Engagement Awards

Congratulations to the outstanding Montclair Kimberley Academy seniors who have been honored with academic, athletic, and community engagement awards. We could not be more proud of their hard work, dedication, and the impressive feats they have accomplished during the 2024-2025 school year.

DEPARTMENT AWARDS
Barras Prize in English – 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 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: X’Avier Walker

William Miller Prize in Science – 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: Jemma Potenza

Downsbrough Science Prize – Awarded jointly by the Science and Math Departments, the Downsbrough Science Prize was established in 1982 by the 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: Timothy Slater

Margaret Jenkins Osborne Prize for Excellence in Science – 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 was 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: Jasmine Shah

World Language Prizes – Each year, the Upper School World Languages Department recognizes the top students in the twelfth grade in Chinese, French, 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.

• French: X’Avier Walker
• Spanish: Karli Coskun
• Chinese: Tré Jamison

History Prize – 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: Juliana Villafana

John Rabuse History Prize – In the spirit of Jack Rabuse, a 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: Lola Rosenblum

Nazarian Prize in Mathematics – Established in 1982 in memory of Winifred and Samuel Nazarian and awarded to a senior who has demonstrated excellence in, and dedication to, mathematics: Ciara Branigan

Computer Science Award – Awarded annually to a senior who has demonstrated excellence in, and dedication to, the field of computer science through performance in classes, independent study, and work outside of the classroom: Alexa Kahn

The Robert E. Livesey ’37 Visual Arts Award – The Robert E. Livesey ’37 Visual Arts Award is given annually to the student or students who have distinguished themselves with outstanding technique and skill in their craft, find joy and demonstrate determination in art making, and have stayed true to their individual style and voice. Robert Ellis Livesey, class of 1937 and parent to three MKA students, was a dedicated member of the Montclair Kimberley Academy Board of Trustees from 1954 to 1978. This award reflects Mr. Livesey’s belief in the transformative power of education and the arts, as well as his family’s enduring connection to MKA: Paxton Nithikasem and Graeme George
    
Anthony Cuneo Award – The Anthony Cuneo 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. 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: Gemma Siry

John Philip Sousa Band Award – Recognizes superior musicianship, superior performance, leadership, and outstanding dedication to the MKA band program: Julie Astley

Louis Armstrong Jazz Award – 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: Isaac Tagoe

Vocal Music Awards – The Vocal Music Awards are given to seniors who have distinguished themselves with outstanding technique, skill, musical aptitude, and expression. These students demonstrate determination and exemplary work in ensemble and/or solo singing: Ava Blackburn and Surina Patel

Strings Award – 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: Monica Shi

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

• Musical Theater Award: Charlotte Boerger and Oona Girton Marshall
• Deetjen Award for Drama: Max Stanford
• Technical Theater Award: Sadie Shapiro

            
FACULTY AWARDS
Scott M. Johnson Memorial Award – Given annually to the MKA graduating senior who has best demonstrated a spirit of warmth, generosity, and goodwill toward others. Scott M. Johnson, MKA Class of 1993, 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: Kalvin Thomas

Everett Glenn Medal – 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, Strong House Captain ’11, exhibited during his time at MKA. Like Everett, this recipient not only executes their duties as a captain with pride and excellence but 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: Wren Delp

James D. Timmons Award – 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: Lucas Furlonge

The Bud Mekeel Memorial Award – This award is named for O. Stanley “Bud” Mekeel, Class of 1929, 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: Carl Flocco

Elliot Furbert Memorial Award – Presented to a senior with intellectual curiosity, a high level of engagement in a variety of school activities, and unwavering character: Isaac Tagoe

SERVICE AWARDS    
Community Engagement Award – 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 to organizations and community members in need: Jack Scuorzo

Presidential Volunteer Service Awards – 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.”:

• Silver: Jordan Lui
• Bronze: Elliot Cha, Ava Lilore-Sciancalepore, and Sean Wang

ATHLETIC AWARDS
Al Stapf Award – Awarded to a senior who has overcome a physical handicap or serious injury in order to contribute to the success of MKA athletics: Nathaniel Conforti

MKA Varsity Awards – Awarded to athletes who have earned 10 or more varsity letters in their MKA career: Sydney Fradette, Natalie Ewing, and Kalvin Thomas

Essex County Scholar Athletes – Quinn Carlesimo and Malia Cesareo

NJSIAA Scholar Athlete – Ethan Huang

Klein Awards – The MKA Klein Awards are given in memory of Dr. William Klein, eminent physical sports enthusiast and grandfather of two graduates of Montclair Academy. The Klein Awards recognize one male and one female student-athlete in each grade who exemplifies, 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 toward their teachers, coaches, and peers: Marin Ievers and Kalvin Thomas

Yogi Berra Best Teammate Award – Debbie Giddins

Captain’s Prizes – Awarded each season to the captain who exhibits the qualities of leadership, dedication, respect, work ethic, and being a role model both on and off the field to their teammates and peers: Kalvin Thomas (Fall), and Brooks Barrett (Spring)

SCHOLAR AWARDS
Mary K. Waring Scholars – Awarded to students with no semester grade below A- for both semesters in a given school year: Neela Agarwal, Ciara Branigan, Quinn Carlesimo, Malia Cesareo, Wren Delp, Sydney Ehrich, Lena Forysiak, Ethan Huang, Lola Kaplan, Matthew Koffman, Samuel Lewis, Ava Lilore-Sciancalepore, Caroline Piccolo, Benjamin Rosenberg, Lola Rosenblum, Jasmine Shah, Anika Sharma, Monica Shi, Max Stanford, Sadie Strollo, Alexis Urquhart, Juliana Villafana, Sebastian Wolf, and Chris Zhang            
             
Avery Barras Distinguished Scholars – Awarded to students with no semester grade below A for both semesters in a given school year: Joshua Abrams, Brooks Barrett, Sydney Fradette, and Caspar Turck

HEAD'S AWARDS
Awarded to seniors who have made a unique contribution to MKA and have changed the school for the better: Joshua Abrams, Malia Cesareo, Henry Gottfried, Phoebe Hirsh, and Scarlett Smithen    

COMMENCEMENT AWARDS
Rudolph Deetjen 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: Sydney Fradette and Henry McCann

Ethel M. Spurr Award – 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 changes 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: Sadie Shapiro

Marjorie Winfield Easter Award – 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: Alexa Kahn

Robert C. Hemmeter Memorial Award – The Robert C. Hemmeter Memorial Award was established in June 1990 by The Board of Trustees of The Montclair Kimberley Academy in memory of Robert C. Hemmeter. Bob served Montclair Academy and Montclair Kimberley Academy from 1962 to 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 an Upper School 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: Ciara Branigan

Dr. Peter R. Greer Character Award – 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.” Through this action, this award encourages and strengthens charitable behavior: Elaniyah Aurora