Commencement Celebrates Class of 2019
It was a beautiful day on Sunday as Gill St. Bernard’s awarded diplomas to the 89 members of the Class of 2019 at the school’s annual Commencement ceremony.
After time for photographs, the graduating seniors were led into the Athletic Center by bagpipers of the St. Ann’s of Hampton Pipes and Drums. The program then began with an invocation filled with well-wishes from Rabbi Randi Musnitsky from the Temple Har Shalom in Warren.
Following the invocation, Head of School Sid Rowell welcomed the audience of families and friends of the graduates. After a lighthearted reference to the Boston Red Sox and New England Patriots having made 2018-19 a memorable year, Rowell went on to celebrate the accomplishments of the Class of 2019 and several of the highlights from their senior year at GSB.
Rowell concluded with, “As we take time to celebrate the Class of 2019 today, I hope that we might offer them more than just congratulations. Let us also offer them our encouragement, the encouragement to face the future, confident that they are prepared to handle what comes next; and change what needs to be changed.”
Following Rowell's address, five seniors offered personal reflections on their time at the school, in keeping with the school's tradition that is the students themselves who serve as commencement speakers.
Afterward, the program continued with student awards for accomplishments in academics, athletics, and for contributions to the life of the school (full list below) and this year's recipient of the Chair of Excellence in Teaching: fourth-grade teacher Janet MacDonald. In addition, the school paid special tribute to retiring CFO Stephen Graham for his 18 years of service to the GSB community.
After the award presentations, Janine Udoff, P '16, '17, '21, '23, Chair of the Board of Trustees, presented the diplomas.
As our graduates prepare to join the ranks of colleges and universities, we wish them every success in the years ahead. Congratulations to the Class of 2019!
COMMENCEMENT HONORS & PRIZES
THE FRANCES B. ROHN MEMORIAL IN MATHEMATICS: Christopher Varghese
Named for a beloved teacher of Mathematics for many years at the Gill School, the Frances B. Rohn Memorial Award is presented to the senior who has achieved the highest four-year average in Mathematics.
THE CAROL J. HEANEY MEMORIAL SCIENCE AWARD: Kiera Murphy
Given in memory of Carol J. Heaney, a beloved science teacher for many years at Gill St. Bernard’s, this award recognizes that student who has demonstrated intellectual curiosity, outstanding academic achievement, and superior promise in the study of science throughout
his or her high school years.
HISTORY DEPARTMENT AWARD: Will Henderlong
The History Department Award is a book prize presented annually to the senior who has been selected by the History Department as having done the most outstanding work in History.
ENGLISH DEPARTMENT AWARD / PEAPACK GLADSTONE BANK ENGLISH AWARD: Peyton Sloan
Provided by Peapack Gladstone Bank, the English Department Award is presented annually to the senior with the highest four-year average in English.
THE PATRICIA LEE GAUCH AWARD FOR CREATIVE WRITING: Joseph Tedrick
Presented to that senior (or seniors) whose inventive voice, artful storytelling and disciplined work contribute to the literary life of Gill St. Bernard's School.
WORLD LANGUAGE DEPARTMENT AWARD: Kiera Murphy
The World Language Department Award is a book prize presented annually to the senior with the highest four-year average in a foreign language.
COMPUTER SCIENCE AWARD: Emma Koslow
This honor is awarded annually to a graduating senior who has demonstrated interest, aptitude, and exemplary achievement in computer science throughout his/her years in the Upper School at Gill St. Bernard’s School. He/she has excelled in computer programming, computer-aided design, or both areas.
GERRY CIRILLO PRIZE IN THE FINE ARTS: Peyton Sloan
The Gerry Cirillo Prize in the Fine Arts will be given annually to the most outstanding senior fine arts student as chosen by the Fine Arts faculty. This includes painting, drawing, photography, ceramics, and wood working. The recipient will be chosen based on participation in the fine arts program and the quality of work over a four-year period, as well as being likely to continue to pursue fine arts in college in some capacity – either formally or casually.
THE LISA SCHMIDT MUSIC AWARD: Olivia Escousse
Established by Lisa Schmidt of the Class of 1974, this award is given to a senior (or seniors) in recognition of his or her musical talent and contributions, and to inspire growth and participation in the field of music.
THE JOYCE CREASEY MEMORIAL AWARD: Hayley Goldin
The Joyce Creasey Memorial Award is given to the senior girl whose ability, leadership, sportsmanship and team loyalty have distinguished her and contributed the most to our athletic program.
THE HAROLD D. NICHOLLS MEMORIAL AWARD: Paul Mulcahy
The Harold D. Nicholls Memorial Award is given in memory of Harold D. Nicholls--Teacher, Coach, Senior Master, and Headmaster from 1917 to 1957 ("a good friend and wise counselor to generations of young men at St. Bernard's"). The award is presented to the best senior male athlete.
THE BENNETT SERVICE RECOGNITION AWARD: Alexis Meola
Given in memory of Caryl and J. Gordon Bennett, the Bennett Service Recognition Award was established by the Gill School Parents Committee to honor the student who best demonstrates, through active community service, the School's concern and consideration for others.
SUSAN H. STOVER AWARD: Courtney Hanks
Beginning with the Class of 2003, this award honors Susan H. Stover who served for many years as Director of Development at the School. It is presented annually to the senior who demonstrates the highest level of service and loyalty to Gill St. Bernard’s.
LINDABURY SENIOR HONOR AWARD: Daniel Shen
The Lindabury Senior Honor is awarded to the senior who has made an outstanding effort to positively affect the experiences of underclassmen. He or she has worked hard to be a person of inclusion throughout the community, and has demonstrated compassion and thoughtfulness, and acted as a role model and leader. This senior has reached out to younger students as a friend and as an equal and exemplifies the characteristics that underclassmen should look up to, follow, and respect.
CAPORUSSO/DeLUCA AWARD: Mark Giordano
The Caporusso/DeLuca Award was established by two graduates of the Class of 1996 to honor a member of the senior class who provided distinctive leadership to both the class and school during his/her years as an Upper School student. This student enables other students to share in extracurricular programs and activities, as well as providing leadership in these and other school activities and events.
THE JULIAN T. BROWN CUP: Daniel Shen
A St. Bernard's tradition, the Julian T. Brown Cup has been awarded annually since 1913. It is the highest honor that may be attained by a young man at Gill St. Bernard's. This young man is chosen from the graduating class on the basis of his character throughout his years at the School. He has worked for the good of the School, shown thoughtfulness and consideration, and has maintained his integrity. It is this young man, more than any other, who exemplifies the characteristics of Faith, Honor, and Consideration.
THE ELIZABETH GILL AWARD: Anna Tulenko
The title of Elizabeth Gill Girl is the highest honor that may be attained by a young woman at Gill St. Bernard's School. This young woman is chosen from the graduating class on the basis of her character throughout her years at the School. She has worked for the good of the School, shown thoughtfulness and consideration, and has maintained her integrity. It is this young woman, more than any other, who exemplifies the characteristics of Faith, Honor and Consideration.
The JEAN LOIZEAUX AWARD: Kiera Murphy
The Jean Loizeaux Award is given to a senior with the top academic record.
HONOR BOARD RECOGNITION: Emily Axelsen, Olivia Escousse, William Henderlong, Gabrielle Kaminski, and Daniel Shen
As our graduates prepare to join the ranks of colleges and universities, we wish them every success in the years ahead. Congratulations to the Class of 2019!
COMMENCEMENT HONORS & PRIZES
THE FRANCES B. ROHN MEMORIAL IN MATHEMATICS: Christopher Varghese
Named for a beloved teacher of Mathematics for many years at the Gill School, the Frances B. Rohn Memorial Award is presented to the senior who has achieved the highest four-year average in Mathematics.
THE CAROL J. HEANEY MEMORIAL SCIENCE AWARD: Kiera Murphy
Given in memory of Carol J. Heaney, a beloved science teacher for many years at Gill St. Bernard’s, this award recognizes that student who has demonstrated intellectual curiosity, outstanding academic achievement, and superior promise in the study of science throughout
his or her high school years.
HISTORY DEPARTMENT AWARD: Will Henderlong
The History Department Award is a book prize presented annually to the senior who has been selected by the History Department as having done the most outstanding work in History.
ENGLISH DEPARTMENT AWARD / PEAPACK GLADSTONE BANK ENGLISH AWARD: Peyton Sloan
Provided by Peapack Gladstone Bank, the English Department Award is presented annually to the senior with the highest four-year average in English.
THE PATRICIA LEE GAUCH AWARD FOR CREATIVE WRITING: Joseph Tedrick
Presented to that senior (or seniors) whose inventive voice, artful storytelling and disciplined work contribute to the literary life of Gill St. Bernard's School.
WORLD LANGUAGE DEPARTMENT AWARD: Kiera Murphy
The World Language Department Award is a book prize presented annually to the senior with the highest four-year average in a foreign language.
COMPUTER SCIENCE AWARD: Emma Koslow
This honor is awarded annually to a graduating senior who has demonstrated interest, aptitude, and exemplary achievement in computer science throughout his/her years in the Upper School at Gill St. Bernard’s School. He/she has excelled in computer programming, computer-aided design, or both areas.
GERRY CIRILLO PRIZE IN THE FINE ARTS: Peyton Sloan
The Gerry Cirillo Prize in the Fine Arts will be given annually to the most outstanding senior fine arts student as chosen by the Fine Arts faculty. This includes painting, drawing, photography, ceramics, and wood working. The recipient will be chosen based on participation in the fine arts program and the quality of work over a four-year period, as well as being likely to continue to pursue fine arts in college in some capacity – either formally or casually.
THE LISA SCHMIDT MUSIC AWARD: Olivia Escousse
Established by Lisa Schmidt of the Class of 1974, this award is given to a senior (or seniors) in recognition of his or her musical talent and contributions, and to inspire growth and participation in the field of music.
THE JOYCE CREASEY MEMORIAL AWARD: Hayley Goldin
The Joyce Creasey Memorial Award is given to the senior girl whose ability, leadership, sportsmanship and team loyalty have distinguished her and contributed the most to our athletic program.
THE HAROLD D. NICHOLLS MEMORIAL AWARD: Paul Mulcahy
The Harold D. Nicholls Memorial Award is given in memory of Harold D. Nicholls--Teacher, Coach, Senior Master, and Headmaster from 1917 to 1957 ("a good friend and wise counselor to generations of young men at St. Bernard's"). The award is presented to the best senior male athlete.
THE BENNETT SERVICE RECOGNITION AWARD: Alexis Meola
Given in memory of Caryl and J. Gordon Bennett, the Bennett Service Recognition Award was established by the Gill School Parents Committee to honor the student who best demonstrates, through active community service, the School's concern and consideration for others.
SUSAN H. STOVER AWARD: Courtney Hanks
Beginning with the Class of 2003, this award honors Susan H. Stover who served for many years as Director of Development at the School. It is presented annually to the senior who demonstrates the highest level of service and loyalty to Gill St. Bernard’s.
LINDABURY SENIOR HONOR AWARD: Daniel Shen
The Lindabury Senior Honor is awarded to the senior who has made an outstanding effort to positively affect the experiences of underclassmen. He or she has worked hard to be a person of inclusion throughout the community, and has demonstrated compassion and thoughtfulness, and acted as a role model and leader. This senior has reached out to younger students as a friend and as an equal and exemplifies the characteristics that underclassmen should look up to, follow, and respect.
CAPORUSSO/DeLUCA AWARD: Mark Giordano
The Caporusso/DeLuca Award was established by two graduates of the Class of 1996 to honor a member of the senior class who provided distinctive leadership to both the class and school during his/her years as an Upper School student. This student enables other students to share in extracurricular programs and activities, as well as providing leadership in these and other school activities and events.
THE JULIAN T. BROWN CUP: Daniel Shen
A St. Bernard's tradition, the Julian T. Brown Cup has been awarded annually since 1913. It is the highest honor that may be attained by a young man at Gill St. Bernard's. This young man is chosen from the graduating class on the basis of his character throughout his years at the School. He has worked for the good of the School, shown thoughtfulness and consideration, and has maintained his integrity. It is this young man, more than any other, who exemplifies the characteristics of Faith, Honor, and Consideration.
THE ELIZABETH GILL AWARD: Anna Tulenko
The title of Elizabeth Gill Girl is the highest honor that may be attained by a young woman at Gill St. Bernard's School. This young woman is chosen from the graduating class on the basis of her character throughout her years at the School. She has worked for the good of the School, shown thoughtfulness and consideration, and has maintained her integrity. It is this young woman, more than any other, who exemplifies the characteristics of Faith, Honor and Consideration.
The JEAN LOIZEAUX AWARD: Kiera Murphy
The Jean Loizeaux Award is given to a senior with the top academic record.
HONOR BOARD RECOGNITION: Emily Axelsen, Olivia Escousse, William Henderlong, Gabrielle Kaminski, and Daniel Shen
To support the Gill St. Bernard’s Honor System and the core values inherent to it, a student-faculty Honor Board has been established in the Upper School. This group makes a commitment to promoting honor and integrity throughout our community and also helps to evaluate cases of student misconduct. Five seniors are selected each year to serve in what is considered one of the most important student-leadership positions at the school.
CUM LAUDE: Andree Aloise, Emily Axelsen, Bryan Coronel, Sarah Crystal, Olivia Escousse, Miles Griffin, Wiliam Henderlong, Avery Hohman, Alyssa Jurewicz, Brianna Moglianesi, Kiera Murphy, Julia Pack, Peyton Sloan, Sarah Smith, Surbhi Srinivas, Sophia Stil, Anna Tulenko, and Christopher Varghese. Founded in 1906, the Cum Laude Society recognizes excellence, justice and honor in secondary schools. An association of 382 chapters worldwide, membership within cum laude is granted to those students who rank among the top 20 percent of their graduating class.
CUM LAUDE: Andree Aloise, Emily Axelsen, Bryan Coronel, Sarah Crystal, Olivia Escousse, Miles Griffin, Wiliam Henderlong, Avery Hohman, Alyssa Jurewicz, Brianna Moglianesi, Kiera Murphy, Julia Pack, Peyton Sloan, Sarah Smith, Surbhi Srinivas, Sophia Stil, Anna Tulenko, and Christopher Varghese. Founded in 1906, the Cum Laude Society recognizes excellence, justice and honor in secondary schools. An association of 382 chapters worldwide, membership within cum laude is granted to those students who rank among the top 20 percent of their graduating class.
Gill St. Bernard's School
Gill St. Bernard’s is a private, coeducational day school for students age three through grade 12, located in suburban New Jersey. Each of the three school divisions provides a rigorous, meaningful, and age-appropriate curriculum, and all students benefit from the environmental learning opportunities that exist on our 208-acre campus.