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Scroll down to view the recipients of major school prizes.

By Darryl Gangloff

Convocation, a time-honored tradition, formally opened the school year on Sept. 5 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. "This shared moment connects us not only to each other, but also to the generations of students and teachers who have come and gone before us, all ready to learn and grow together," he said.

Head of School Craig W. Bradley then addressed the crowd. “For a community such as ours to thrive, every member must feel that they belong. As we formally open the year, I invite you to pause and think about your own sense of belonging at Hotchkiss and the belonging you can nurture for others. Living and learning together, in community, is the magic of Hotchkiss. It’s also where the fun is!” 

All-School Presidents Dwyer Illick ’26 and Serena Nam ’26 talked about the importance of being a bucket-filler from the children’s book Have You Filled a Bucket Today? “This year, our goal is for everyone in the Bearcat community to be a bucket-filler—to show up for one another and make it stronger through kindness, support, and being present,” Serena said.

They challenged students to do three things:

1. “Fill other people’s buckets: be kind, inclusive, say thank you, and uplift other Bearcats,” Serena said.
2. “Don’t forget about your own bucket: Take care of yourself! Get rest, use the resources around you, and make time for the things that make you happy,” Dwyer said.
3. “Show up: try new things and be present for the moments that make Hotchkiss memorable. This school offers a lot, but it’s up to you to make the most of everything,” Serena said.

Major School Prizes

Students were awarded major school prizes for the 2024-25 academic year during Convocation. Hotchkiss proudly congratulates all recipients.

 

Class of 2028

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: Isabel Abud, Cate Bogucki, Irene Gong, Nicky Goodman, and Arthur Peng

 

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

Recipients: Trav Apple, Claire Lee, Emma Ohler, Wally Rollins, and Lennon Watkins

 

Class of 2027

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: Jiyani Bharvad, Lilian Chandler, Liv Oberman, Ellie Prinz, and Charlie Wright

 

THE DAVID LORD FITZGERALD PRIZE: Established in 1997 in memory of David Lord Fitzgerald ’96 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: George Ferrarone, Asta Huang, Thatcher Meili, and Evan Williams

 

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 good will, 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: Isis Fenner, Justin Kearse, and Charlie MacColl

 

Class of 2026 

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: William Becker, Shaye Lee, Emma Liu, Jack McCarthy, and Clemmie Morlock

 

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: Maya Grogean, Addison Kosiewicz, Lilly Lavigne, and Max Mudry

 

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: Philip Fauver, Steven Hicks, Dwyer Illick, Jose Jimenez Rodriguez, and Arielle Sibley-Grice

 

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: Serena Nam

 

Top Scholar Prizes

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

Recipient for last year's upper-mid class: Natian (Leon) Li

Recipient for last year’s lower-mid class: Sophie Chen and Tyler Rosenblum

Recipient for last year’s prep class: En Rui (Irene) Gong