View Our Convocation and Major School Prizes Photo Album

Scroll down to view the recipients of major school prizes.

By Darryl Gangloff

Convocation, a time-honored tradition, formally opened the school year on Friday, Sept. 6, and celebrated students during the major school prizes ceremony.

Dr. Jason Larson, director of religious and spiritual life and instructor in philosophy and religion, delivered the invocation. He asked everyone in the crowd to take the hand of the person next to them and spoke about joy, wisdom, compassion, and patience. “It is a very natural thing to be filled with excitement and anxieties coming into another school year. Some of us are returning for a fourth and final year, while others are joining us for the first time just a few days ago,” he said. “But soon, we will all be fully engaged in the rhythm of our common life together at Hotchkiss, and will put aside the fears and anxieties that we have to embrace and enjoy everything that Hotchkiss offers to us.”

Keith Moon—the E. Carleton Granbery Teaching Chair, instructor in English, history, and Russian language, and head coach of boys varsity and JV swimming—welcomed a delegation of athletes and coaches from Special Olympics Slovakia who traveled to Hotchkiss to participate in the 30th annual Swimathon on Saturday, Sept. 7.

Head of School Craig W. Bradley addressed new students. “In my mind, what truly differentiates Hotchkiss is the community of which we are all a part. It’s a community of curiosity, challenge, resilience, and joy. It is, I hope, a community that will be a great benefit to you. It is also a community that cannot exist without you,” he said.

All-School Presidents Eleni Kontokosta ’25 and Isaiah Stephens ’25 then stepped behind the podium. “As we get ready to start off the new year, Isaiah and I would like to leave you with one piece of advice: immerse yourselves. Give in to the Hotchkiss ways. Show up to events, show up to games, definitely show up to class, and most importantly, show up for each other. Our community is stronger when we embrace one another, no matter how different we all may seem,” Eleni said.

“Candles burn out when they don’t get enough oxygen, and like candles, we as students burn out when we don’t give ourselves a chance to breathe,” Isaiah said. “So please, let yourselves breathe. Acknowledge the moments when you feel stretched thin and take it upon yourself to take that breather. And just as importantly, remind your peers to breathe. We’re all in this together. After all, 600 candles burn brighter than one.”

Major School Prizes

Students were awarded major school prizes for the 2023-24 academic year during Convocation. Hotchkiss proudly congratulates all recipients.

 

THE SUSAN KLINGER HOGLUND '80 MEMORIAL AWARD: Established in 1996 in memory of Susan Hoglund '80 by her parents, Mr. and Mrs. William E. Hoglund, and her sister, L. Melissa Hoglund '76, and awarded to that member of the prep class who, in the opinion of the faculty, is most notable for spirit and good will toward others, and who does the most to elevate the tone of the class.

Recipients: Lilian Chandler ’27, Avery Hines-Mudry ’27, Charlie MacColl ’27, Chiwo Mupita ’27, Fritz Weihman ’27

 

THE UPSON PRIZE: Established in 1903 in memory of Douglas Gilmore Upson 1902, this prize is awarded annually to that member of the prep class who is distinguished in scholarship, athletics, and citizenship combined.

Recipients: Lilah Crispino ’27, Caleigh Lane ’27, Finn Walsh ’27, Charlie Wright ’27

 

THE EDWARDS PRIZE: Established in 1925 by Mrs. Emma Robbins in memory of her son, George Whitfield Edwards II, Class of 1910, this prize is awarded annually to that member of the lower-mid class who is distinguished in the work of the year for scholarship, athletics, and school spirit.

Recipients: Lillie Dase ’26, Addison Kosiewicz ’26, Lilly Lavigne ’26, Copeland Rollins ’26

 

THE DAVID LORD FITZGERALD PRIZE: Established in 1997 in memory of David Lord Fitzgerald 1996 by members of that class and by his family, and is awarded annually to that member of the lower-mid class who has completed their first year at Hotchkiss and who, in the judgment of the faculty, is most notable for their positive spirit, strength of character, and compassion for others. 

Recipients: Jose Jimenez Rodriguez ’26, Shaye Lee ’26, Trevor Lewis ’26, Coco Sheronas ’26

 

THE THEODORE NEWLIN PRIZE: Established in 1980 in memory of Theodore F. Newlin IV ’80 by his parents and his friends in the Class of 1980, this prize is awarded each year to that member of the lower-mid class who, in the opinion of the faculty and of the students of the lower-mid class through goodwill, sensitivity to the needs of others, and par­ticipation in the life of the school, has made the most positive contri­bution to the class and to Hotchkiss.

Recipients: William Becker ’26, Dwyer Illick ’26, Serena Nam ’26, Arielle Sibley-Grice ’26

 

THE THOMAS W. ARMITAGE '25 PRIZE: Established in 1979 by Thomas W. Armitage, Class of 1925, and awarded annually to that member of the upper-mid class who through character, scholarship, and in­volvement in the life of the school has contributed the most to the Hotchkiss Community.

Recipients: Miranda Beitel ’25, Ophelia Cham ’25, Anthony Hu ’25, Eliott Hu ’25, Brandon Surpris ’25, Charlotte Wood ’25

 

THE ELY PRIZE: Established in 1957 by members of the Class of 1947 in memory of Donald Ely '47, and awarded annually to that member of the upper-mid class who, in the opinion of the faculty, is outstanding for combined excellence in character, athletics, and conscientiousness in study.

Recipients: Caroline Bliss ’25, Reid Finster ’25, Morgan Jenkins ’25, MaryHelen McCooey ’25, Connor Towle ’25

 

THE WALLACE ESTILL '14 MEMORIAL PRIZE: Established by Joe G. and Mary North Estill in memory of their son and in recognition of that member of the upper-mid class who does the most by their fidelity, industry, and helpfulness to maintain and elevate the scholarship, spirit, and general tone of their class.

Recipients: Drew Froehlich ’25, Petal Hammam ’25, Dhruv Kothari ’25, Jayden Morgan ’25, Quinn Pollack ’25

 

The AUGUSTUS S. BLAGDEN III '59 MEMORIAL PRIZE: Established in 1968 by Mrs. Augustus S. Blagden and her daughters in memory of her son and their brother, Gus Blagden III, in recognition of those qualities of character and spirit for which Gus was admired and loved, and is awarded each year to a member of the incoming senior class who through their participation, enthusiasm, vitality, and interest in others has helped and inspired their companions and the school.

Recipient: Danielle Attoh ’25

 

THE TOP SCHOLAR PRIZE is awarded those students who achieved the highest academic average in their class.

For last year’s prep class: Deven Patel ’27 and Tyler Rosenblum ’27
For last year’s lower-mid class: Katharine Ellis ’26
For last year's upper-mid class: Bill Wang ’25