News
GPS Celebrates Class Day 2025
Students, faculty, and staff receive achievement awards
The final time the entire student body gathers together as a school to commemorate the successes of their classmates, Class Day is a day of celebration. Students in each grade are recognized for their achievements throughout the year and honored by the GPS community.
To begin this year’s ceremony, Eliana Tabibiazar, chairwoman of the Class of 2025, welcomed those attending, then students sang the traditional “Where Oh Wheres,” as each class in turn bid farewell to its year and respective grades. The seniors were able to proudly proclaim they would be “safe in the college world!” as they prepare to become GPS alumnae.
Next was the presentation of awards. Each award was created in honor or memory of someone with a deep connection to GPS, and on site to help hand out some of them were community members representing these families, including:
- Ralston Wells III to present the Dorris Chapin Wells Black and Blue Award, honoring his mother, Dorris Chapin Wells, Class of 1946.
- Margaret Cate ‘90 to present the Margaret Wheland Cate Award, honoring her mother, Margaret Wheland Cate, Class of 1949.
- Betsy Silberman ‘63 to present the award named in her honor, recognizing her decades of devoted service to GPS.
- Marilyn Sherman Center ‘58 to present the award named for her, honoring her exceptional leadership and service.
- Emily Frierson Brown ‘94 to present the Joan Frierson Award, in honor of her mother, Joan Frierson, a past trustee and alumnae leader.
- Jane Henegar, GPS faculty from 1983 to 2012, to present the Jane Henegar Noble Christian Character Award, named in her honor upon her retirement.
Academic Awards
Presented by Ms. Katy Berotti, Humanities Department Chair and Tracie Marlin Durham ’80, Interim STEM Department Chair
Mildred Peters Award for English | Blythe Lavin ’25
This award goes to a graduating senior who has shown great excellence and integrity in English.
Eula Lea Jarnagin Love of Language Award | Brie Wallin ’25, French; Charlotte Parsley ’25, Spanish; Ella Beth Wiedmer ’25 and Sydnie Williams ’25, Latin
The Eula Lea Jarnagin Love of Language Award is given to students who have written an outstanding paper on the value of learning a second language.
Award for Excellence in History & Social Sciences | Maddie Houghton ’25
This award is given to the senior who demonstrates exceptional skills in the principles of rigorous, logical, analytical, rational, and creative thought while having had the greatest positive impact on her classmates’ academic achievement.
Award for Excellence in Mathematics | Charlotte Parsley ’25
This award recognizes a senior for excellence in mathematics.
Award for Excellence in Science | Eliana Tabibiazar ’25
This award is given to a senior who shows great interest in science and who is a promising future scientist. The student is selected by the Science Department faculty.
Fine & Performing Arts Awards
Presented by Ms. Amanda Byars ’98, Fine & Performing Arts Department Chair
Award for Excellence in Choral Arts | Tori Ball ’25
The Award for Excellence in Choral Arts is based on character, leadership, service, and initiative. The recipient must show joyful eagerness, display outstanding leadership qualities, and have an enthusiastic approach for the GPS Singers. The award winner has willingly assumed extra responsibilities and inspired others and has faithfully attended rehearsals and performances.
Terpsichord Award | Sadie Buhrman ’25
The Terpsichord Award is given in honor of Peggy Evans Thomas and celebrates an exceptional senior member of Terpsichord. Selected by the members of our signature high school dance company, the Terpsichord Award recipient is a member of the company who has unselfishly given her absolute best and made significant contributions through her hard work and creativity.
The Award for Excellence in Instrumental Music | Gwyneth Parks ’25
The Award for Excellence in Instrumental Music is awarded to a student who excels as both a musician and an instrumental ensemble member, showing the importance of dedication, collaboration, and discipline in addition to talent.
Award for Excellence in the Visual Arts | Grey Tugman ’25
The Award for Excellence in the Visual Arts is given to an outstanding senior art student who has displayed an exceptional dedication and diligence toward her artistry. She is a leader among her peers, exhibits a love of learning and curiosity, and has achieved the high standards required by the AP Art curriculum. Her pursuit of visual art expression was bolstered with independence and self-motivation.
Excellence in Dramatic Arts Award | Blythe Lavin ’25
The Award for Excellence in Dramatic Arts celebrates the theater student who has crafted a body of work that is both vast and varied. The student must display leadership qualities that inspire others around her and be willing to work above and beyond the call of duty to master her roles on the stage.
The Award for Excellence in Technical Theatre | Sydnie Williams ’25
The Award for Excellence in Technical Theatre honors a girl who displays laser sharp focus and attention to detail, is committed to all aspects of technical theater, and she has the presence of mind to make wise decisions at the drop of a hat.
Athletic Awards
Presented by Ms. Allie Tennyson, Director of Athletics and Strategic Partnerships
Mary Alice Hood Chambers Award | Ariana Ivery ’28
Given to a girl in the eighth or ninth grade, the Mary Alice Hood Chambers Award is awarded to someone who has displayed a sense of honor and a sense of humor in her relationships with her peers as well as in her estimation of herself. Her ability and participation in sports is equal to her awareness and respect for sportsmanship; her capacity for friendship knows no limits.
Elizabeth Collier Farmer Award | Sophia OKeefe ’27
This award is presented to a sophomore who best exemplifies the athletic standards set by Elizabeth Collier Farmer ’89 during her years at GPS. She is active in athletics year-round and is a team leader who strives to achieve the best from herself and her teammates.
Laura Holt Outstanding Athlete Award | Farah House ’26
This award is presented to an outstanding junior athlete who is chosen by the varsity coaching staff.
Peggy Thomas Award | Frances Bohner ’25
The Peggy Thomas Award is given to a senior who supports all phases of the athletic program and gives 100 percent effort.
Robinson Sportsmanship Cup | Sylia Hicks ’25
The Robinson Sportsmanship Cup, awarded for the first time in 1949 by Justine and Grace Robinson, is presented to the athlete who, in the eyes of her teammates, best exemplifies good sportsmanship.
Sandra Martin Award | Gilly Shumate ’25
The Sandra Martin Award, awarded for the first time in 1955, is presented to a senior who has distinguished herself in athletics, extracurricular activities, scholastics, and citizenship.
Middle School Awards
Margaret Wheland Cate Award | Lola Phipps ’31
Presented by Mrs. Martha Carpenter, Dean of the Sixth-Grade Class
The Margaret Wheland Cate Award is given to a member of the sixth-grade class who possesses Margaret’s character traits of dedication and determination as shown through her level of involvement in school activities and her loyalty to GPS.
Schmidt-Thedford Award | Abby Eaton ’30
Presented by Ms. Jenny Bullard, Dean of the Seventh-Grade Class
The Schmidt-Thedford Award is given to the seventh-grade girl, whose love and enthusiastic support for her school make her an invaluable asset, not only to her class but to the entire GPS family.
Janet Lea Jackson Award | Charlotte Reynolds ’29
Presented by Dr. Jordan McCarter ’96, Dean of the Eighth-Grade Class
Presented in memory of Janet Campbell Jackson, this award is given to an eighth-grader who participates in GPS activities and is respected by her classmates.
Joan Haley Frierson Award | Allie Wakefield ’29
Presented by Dr. Jordan McCarter ’96, Dean of the Eighth-Grade Class
The Joan Haley Frierson Award is given to the eighth-grade girl whose positive attitude and strong leadership abilities set her apart. She leads others in a wise and gracious manner and has made a significant contribution to the school during her eighth-grade year.
Upper School Awards
Marilyn Sherman Center Award | Bea Burbank ’28
Presented by Ms. Reed Solly, Dean of the Freshman Class
The award is given to a freshman who exemplifies the qualities of Marilyn Sherman Center ’58; she is kind, thoughtful, and sensitive to the needs of others and should possess a sincere love of the arts and for GPS.
Freshman Cup | Elle Boals ’28
Presented by Ms. Lauren Lawrence Swanson ’09, Dean of the Freshman Class
The Freshman Cup is awarded by the National Honor Society to a freshman who exemplifies scholarship, character, leadership, and service.
Dorris Chapin Wells Award | Maud Fiorello ’27
Presented by Dr. Brandon Guernsey, Dean of the Sophomore Class
Given annually to a beloved and enthusiastic member of the sophomore class who has an infectious personality, exudes creativity, is loyal to her classmates, and is dedicated to the GPS experience.
Duffy-Jarnagin Scholar | Amiya Phade ’27
Presented by Dr. Brandon Guernsey, Dean of the Sophomore Class
The Duffy-Jarnagin Scholar is a young woman who has demonstrated excellence during her time in the Upper School. This award is given to a member of the sophomore class who has manifested the qualities of the ideal GPS student, as envisioned by the Founders. The recipient should be a highly respected member of her class, have integrity beyond question, and be loyal to the school.
Sophomore Bowl | Emma Virginia Birnbaum ’27
Presented by Dr. Brandon Guernsey, Dean of the Sophomore Class
The Sophomore Bowl is given each year to the sophomore who most nearly represents the ideal GPS student. She should be loyal to the school, a good student, and a consistent worker. The recipient is chosen by the Student Council from a selection of nominees.
Battle Award | Mia Brunetz ’26
Presented by Dr. Brandon Noel, Dean of the Junior Class
Given to a junior, the Battle Award recognizes a student with a B average (or higher) who demonstrates leadership in academic or cocurricular activities, effective time management, and versatility. The winner, who should be enthusiastically active in sports, is honored by having a scholarship provided to a younger student who otherwise could not attend GPS.
Palmer Griffin Award | Paulina Proshkin ’26
Presented by Dr. Brandon Noel, Dean of the Junior Class
This award is given annually in memory of Palmer Griffin ’08, who courageously battled leukemia during her junior year at GPS, to a member of the junior class who captures the essence of Palmer—the vibrant center of athletic teams and class activities throughout her years at GPS. The recipient is vivacious, fearless, unselfish, and compassionate. She is a positive leader who lives life to the fullest and is animated and fun, constantly impacting the lives of others through her caring exuberance.
Grace McCallie Scholar | Lola Lawless ’26
Presented by Dr. Brandon Noel, Dean of the Junior Class
Shortly after the death of Miss Grace McCallie, one of the Founders of Girls Preparatory School, Miss Duffy and Miss Jarnagin established an award to honor her memory. The Grace McCallie Scholar is the junior class student who has maintained the highest scholastic average for her ninth, 10th, and 11th grade years.
Senior Awards
Pete Wood Award | Lawson Barrueta ’25
Presented by Mrs. Laurel Moore Zahrobsky ’90, Dean of the Senior Class
The Pete Wood Award is presented to a senior who has great dedication and loyalty to GPS, her classmates, and the faculty.
Jane Henegar Noble Christian Award | Caiden Williams ’25
Presented by Mrs. Laurel Moore Zahrobsky ’90, Dean of the Senior Class
The Jane Henegar Noble Christian Award is presented to a senior who actively pursues Christ, joyfully and energetically serves the needs of others, and whose God-inspired character shines brightly as a beacon of His gifts of love and grace. The Book of Prayers is given.
Betsy Chisolm Silberman Award | Sadie Burhman ’25
Presented by Mrs. Laurel Moore Zahrobsky ’90, Dean of the Senior Class
The Betsy Chisolm Silberman Award is given to a member of the senior class who is a true servant-leader, who never seeks recognition for herself, and who always shows empathy and concern for others’ perspectives as she inspires those around her to follow her sterling example.
Laura Handly Award | Ani Bhushan ’25
Presented by Dr. Beth Creswell Wilson ’96, Head of Upper School
The Laura Handley Award is given to a member of the senior class who shows promise of becoming a community leader and who has been developing that leadership in a quiet way.
Roberta Moore Award | Cat Feeney ’25
Presented by Dr. Beth Creswell Wilson ’96, Head of Upper School
The Roberta Moore Award is presented annually to a senior with a twinkle in her eye and a laugh in her heart, who has repeatedly placed school above self.
Barbara Johnson Prickett Award | Gwyneth Parks ’25
Presented by Dr. Beth Creswell Wilson ’96, Head of Upper School
The recipient of the Barbara Johnson Prickett Award must demonstrate qualities of wise leadership, sincere friendship, and involvement in a variety of school activities.
Rickie Pierce Salutatorian Award | Mabry Cook ’25
Presented by Mrs. Megan D. Cover, Head of School
The Rickie Pierce Salutatorian Award is presented to the senior who has maintained the second-highest grade average during her four years in Upper School.
Ethel B. Poston Valedictorian Award | Charlotte Parsley ’25
Presented by Mrs. Megan D. Cover, Head of School
The Ethel B. Poston Valedictorian Award is presented to the senior or seniors who have maintained the highest grade average during her four years in Upper School.
Mary Hannah Tucker Faculty Award | Ella Beth Wiedmer ’25
Presented by Mrs. Megan D. Cover, Head of School
The Mary Hannah Tucker Award is presented to a senior who has given her best as a student, as a friend and as a leader—a girl who lifts the spirits of those around her and consistently stands for right and fair play. Nominations are made by seniors and faculty and, from the nominees, the recipient is selected by Head of School and Head of Upper School.
Founders Award | Mabry Cook ’25
Presented by Mrs. Megan D. Cover, Head of School
The Founders Award is given to a senior whose character and integrity have had a most wholesome influence on the GPS community. Nominations are made by seniors and faculty and, from the nominees, the recipient is selected by Head of School and Head of Upper School.
More photos of the day are available on our GPS SmugMug.
