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The GPS Community Celebrates Class Day

Students receive achievement awards in academics, athletics, the arts, and citizenship
Class Day marks the last time the entire student body gathers together as a school to commemorate the successes of their classmates. It’s a day of celebration, as students in each grade are recognized for their achievements throughout the year. As they do the first day of school, it is customary for the girls to wear their dress uniforms in their grade colors on Class Day: seniors in white, juniors in yellow, sophomores in pink, freshmen in green, eighth-graders in lavender, seventh-graders in light blue, and sixth-graders in navy.

This year’s Class Day festivities were a return to form following last year’s edited celebrations due to COVID-19. To begin the ceremony, Olivia Burns, chairwoman of the Class of 2022, welcomed those attending, then students sang the traditional “Where Oh Wheres,” as each class in turn bid farewell to their 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. Congratulations to the following students for their achievements! We appreciate and acknowledge your dedication to the arts, athletics, academics, your classmates, and your community. 

Senior Awards
Presented by Mrs. Megan D. Cover, Head of School

Ethel B. Poston Valedictorian Award | Lauren Thacker ’22 
The Ethel B. Poston Valedictorian Award is presented to the senior who has maintained the highest grade average during her four years in Upper School.

Rickie Pierce Salutatorian Award | Abbey Katelyn Pettus ’22
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.

Mary Hannah Tucker Faculty Award | Olivia Burns ’22
The Mary Hannah Tucker Award is given 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 | Lauren Thacker ’22 
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.

Pete Wood Award | Louisa Bohner ’22 
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 | Jenna Brown ’22 
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 | Shalizeh Rizvi ’22 
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 | Willa Mirmelstein ’22 
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 | Julia Combs ’22 
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 | Mary Kate Johnson ’22 
The recipient of the Barbara Johnson Prickett Award must demonstrate qualities of wise leadership, sincere friendship, and involvement in a variety of school activities.


Upper School Awards
Presented by Ms. Jenise Gordon, Head of Upper School

Marilyn Sherman Center Award | Gwyneth Parks ’25
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 | Ella Beth Wiedmer ’25
The Freshman Cup is awarded by the National Honor Society to a freshman who exemplifies scholarship, character, leadership, and service.

Dora Maclellan Brown Christian Leadership Award | Mabry Cook ’25
The Dora Maclellan Brown Christian Leadership Award honors a freshman who has demonstrated the most outstanding Christian leadership during her time at GPS.

Sophomore Bowl | Ella Harris ’24
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.

Dorris Chapin Wells Award | Abigail Carpenter ’24
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.

Battle Award | McKamey Bratcher ’23
Given to a junior, the Battle Award recognizes a student with a B average (or higher) who demonstrates leadership in academic or extracurricular 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 | Soree Kim ’23
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.


Middle School Awards

Margaret Wheland Cate Award | Daisy Hammond ’28
Presented by Ms. Jenny Bullard, Dean of the Seventh-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 | Amiya Phade ’27
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 | Paulina Proshkin ’26
Presented by Mrs. Katie Outlaw, Middle School Dean of Students
Presented in memory of Janet Campbell Jackson, this is given to an eighth-grader who participates in GPS activities and is respected by her classmates.

Joan Haley Frierson Award | Emma Rose Pratt ’26
Presented by Mrs. Lynne Macziewski, Associate Head of School and Head of Middle School
The Joan Haley Frierson Award is given to the sixth-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 sixth-grade year.


Athletic Awards
Presented by Mr. Jay Watts, Athletic Director

Robinson Sportsmanship Cup | Gardner Rustand ’22
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.

Mary Alice Hood Chambers Award | Farah House ’26
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 | Gracie Pritchett ’24
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 | Kennedy Ball ’23
This award is presented to an outstanding junior athlete who is chosen by the varsity coaching staff.

Sandra Martin Award | CJ Polk ’22
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.

Peggy Thomas 100% Award | Louisa Bohner ’22
The Peggy Thomas 100% Award is given to a senior who supports all phases of the athletic program and gives 100 percent effort.


Fine & Performing Arts Awards
Presented by Mrs. Meg Persinger Brock ’79, Fine & Performing Arts Department Chair

Award for Excellence in Choral Arts | Sarah Kalla ’22
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. An award winner has willingly assumed extra responsibilities and inspired others and has faithfully attended rehearsals and performances.

Terpsichord Award | Graci Felker ’22
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.

Award for Excellence in the Visual Arts | Caroline Farris ’22
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 | Aarushi Modi ’22
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.


Publications Award
Presented by Mrs. Amanda Hayslett, Assistant Librarian and Interim Yearbook Advisor

William C. McKenzie Award | Ellie Fivas ’22
This award is presented in memory of William C. McKenzie to the girl who has made the most valuable contribution to our school publications.


Academic Awards

Mildred Peters Award for English | Emma Hamilton ’22                               
Presented by Ms. Katy Berotti, English Department Chair
This award goes to a graduating senior who has shown great excellence and integrity in English.

Eula Lea Jarnagin Love of Language Award | Manasa Makam ’22, French; Emmy Richey ’22, Latin; Abby Claire Prescott '22, Spanish
Presented by Dr. Erin Montero-Rangno, World Language Department Chair
The Eula Lea Jarnagin Love of Language Award is given to three students who have written an outstanding paper on the value of learning a second language.
           
Award for Excellence in History | Ellie Fivas ’22
Presented by Dr. Andrea Becksvoort, History & Social Sciences Department Chair                 
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 | Abbey Katelyn Pettus ’22
Presented by Ms. Courtney Meissner, Math Department Chair
This award recognizes a senior for excellence in mathematics.

Award for Excellence in Computer Science & Engineering | Abi Austin ’22
Presented by Mrs. Tracie Marlin Durham ’80, Computer Science & Engineering Chair; Interim Science Chair
This goes to the student who shows an excellence in and a passion for computer science and/or engineering.

Award for Excellence in Science | Aarushi Modi ’22                           
Presented by Mrs. Tracie Marlin Durham ’80, Computer Science & Engineering Chair; Interim Science Chair
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.

Many more photos of the day are available on our GPS SmugMug account for you to download for free or order prints for a small fee.
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