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GPS Celebrates Class Day

Students receive achievement awards in academics, athletics, arts, and citizenship.
Today the GPS community celebrates the accomplishments and character of outstanding students. As Chairwoman of Class Leadership Council, senior Raegan Lamb serves as emcee for Class Day Awards ceremony. Lamb shares two things she’s gained from her seven-year GPS experience. “One: an incredible education that has pushed me far beyond limits I ever thought I could reach,” she says. “Secondly, GPS has introduced me to 101 girls who have become my forever sisters. The bonds I have made with my classmates are like none other I have experienced. We have laughed, cried, fought, danced, and studied all like sisters do.”

To begin the award ceremony, the sixth-grade Rats sing a special song, “When Love Takes Over” by David Guetta, dedicated the the Class of 2018 as a parting gift to their Cats. The Cat-Rat pairings of seniors and sixth-graders is a beloved GPS tradition; for many new students, these are their first GPS friendships and can last for decades. 
 
Then the student body sings their “Where Oh Wheres” as they prepare for their new roles in the halls of GPS and beyond. After the Class of 2018 shares that they are “Safe in the college world!” the presentation of awards begin.

Congratulations to the following students for their awards today. We appreciate and acknowledge your dedication to the arts, athletics, academics, your classmates, and your community.

Senior Awards

Presented by Dr. Autumn A. Graves, Head of School

Ethel B. Poston Valedictorian Award | Margaret Lim ’18
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 | Tatiana Poggi ’18
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 | Hollis Gaffney ’18
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 | Libby Welborn ’18
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.

Daughters of the American Revolution Award | Hannah Prescott ’18
The DAR Award is given to a senior who displays outstanding citizenship.

Pete Wood Award | Nikki Goldbach ’18
The Pete Wood Award is presented to a senior who has great dedication and loyalty to GPS, her classmates, and the faculty.

Patsy Williams Scott Service Award | Sierra Cooley ’18
The Patsy Williams Scott Service Award is presented to a senior who has actively participated in school affairs, often in behind-the-scene ways, and who has given unselfish, exceptional service to GPS.

Jane Henegar Noble Christian Award | Ashley-Rose Lynn ’18
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 | Meg Marshall ’18
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 Handley Award | Pierson Brown ’18
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 | Raegan Lamb ’18
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 | Meher Memon ’18
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 Jenise Gordon, Head of Upper School

Marilyn Sherman Center Award | Aria Cooper ’21
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.

Frances Wheeler Freshman Cup | Holland Collett ’21
The Frances Wheeler 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 | Anna Beth Coffman ’21
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 | Kshama Patel ’20
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 | Jadyn Matthews ’20
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 | Myra Brock ’19
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 | Charlotte Vance ’19
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

Presented by Lynne Macziewski, Head of Middle School

Margaret Wheland Cate Award | Olivia Dodd ’24
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.

Joan Haley Frierson Award | Claire Scotchie ’24
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.

Ruth Schmidt Award | Atlee Elliot ’23
The Ruth Schmidt 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.

Thedford Award | Anya Parambath ’23
The Thedford Award is given to an outstanding member of the seventh-grade class.

Janet Campbell Jackson Award | Mary Kate Johnson ’22
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.

DAR Youth Citizenship Award | Julia Combs ’22
The DAR Youth Citizenship Award is given to an eighth-grader who possesses the following characteristics: honor, service, courage, leadership, and patriotism.

Athletic Awards

Presented by Jay Watts, Athletic Director

Robinson Sportsmanship Cup | Hollis Gaffney ’18
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 | Louisa Bohner ’22
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 | Meg Priest ’20
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 | Myra Brock ’19
This award is presented to an outstanding junior athlete who is chosen by the varsity coaching staff.

Sandra Martin Award | Anna Oglesby ’18
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 | Carley Braman ’18
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 Meg Brock ’79, Fine Arts Department Chair

Greene-Hanlin Award | Emma Nash ’18 & Charlotte Smith ’18
The Greene-Hanlin award is named for two beloved former GPS music teachers, Anne Greene and Jean Hanlin. The award 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. A Greene-Hanlin Award winner has willingly assumed extra responsibilities and inspired others and has faithfully attended rehearsals and performances.

Terpsichord Award | Amanda Michaud ’18
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 | Abbey Hegwood ’18 & CeCe Turner ’18
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.

National Orchestra Award | Margaret Lim ’18
The National Orchestra Award goes to a student who has exhibited selfless dedication to her music, her fellow musicians, and the GPS orchestra. She demonstrates a confident presence within a larger group, yet is an individual who has excelled in her talents as an independent musician.

National Band Award | Heather Ake ’20
The National Band Award is given to a student who is an enthusiastic and dedicated member of the band, a talented musician, and has a fun and upbeat approach to music. She is willing to play her instrument with energy and passion; she is an inspiration to musicians around her.

Excellence in Dramatic Arts Award | Jayden Doan ’18
The Excellence in Dramatic Arts Award 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 what is expected of her to master her roles on the stage.

Excellence in Technical Theater Award | Sierra Cooley ’18
The Excellence in Technical Theater Award honors a girl who displays laser sharp focus and attention to detail, is committed to all aspects of technical theatre, and has the presence of mind to make wise decisions at the drop of a hat.

Publications Award

William C. McKenzie Award | CeCe Turner ’18
Presented by Corrie White, English teacher
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 | Tatiana Poggi ’18                               
Presented by Jessica Good, Interim 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 | Tatiana Poggi ’18, Spanish; Charlotte Smith ’18, French; Margaret Lim ’18, Latin
Presented by Erin Bas, Interim World Language 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.
            
John Locke History Award for Excellence | Meg Marshall ’18
Presented by Glen Vey, Senior Member of the History Department                   
The John Locke Award for Excellence in history and the social sciences 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.

Lois Moyer Award for Mathematics | Ritika Modi ’18
Presented by Chris Zeller, Math Department Chair
The Lois Moyer Award for Mathematics recognizes a senior for excellence in mathematics.

Lucy Ann Adams Science Cup | Sophie Veys ’18                              
Presented by Tracie Durham ’81, Science Department Chair
The Lucy Ann Adams Science 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.

Computer Science & Engineering Award | McKenzie Frizzell ’18          
Presented by Jill Pieritz ’97, Computer Science Department Chair
The Computer Science and Engineering Award recognizes culminating academic achievement given to a senior who has demonstrated a love of computer science and engineering during her career at GPS and pursued that interest with academic excellence, integrity, and character.

Fletcher Bright Award | Phoebe Mills ’18 & Darby Breedlove ’18
Presented by Meg Brock ’79, Fine Arts Chair
The Fletcher Bright Award celebrates the senior who, during her time at GPS, has achieved a high degree of artistry in at least two or more art forms. She must be an accomplished visual, musical, or performing artist.

Other Award

Black, Blue & White Award | Black
Presented by Ms. Kate Kerekes
The Black, Blue, and White Award is presented to the members of the team that accumulated the most points throughout the year during events and contests that reflect school spirit and participation in activities.

Many more photos will soon be available on our GPS SmugMug account for you to download for free or order prints for a small fee. 
 
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