The joy of
doing your best
Awards 2020
- Upper School
- Middle School
- US & MS Athletics
Upper School
The Timothy W. Goodrich II Award
Awarded to a student who has made outstanding contribution to the life and spirit of the school through qualities of tolerance, cooperation, leadership, generosity and strong character.
CLARE C. '20
In so many ways Clare is the embodiment of not just this award, but this school. After all, there are lifers and then there are lifers. Watkinson has been with you for longer than you can remember. In the process you’ve not only woven your spirit into the fabric of Watkinson, but also this place has become a part of you. Clare, you are the ideal ambassador for Watkinson because you represent everything that this school, and this award, are all about. You are selfless, inclusive, and you exude a warmth that makes others feel welcome. But you also have a determined spirit that inspires those around you, and makes you an impactful leader in the classroom, on the field, and out in the world. Clare had to be forced to take breaks on the Dominican Republic service trip—she didn’t have time for food or water, and definitely no time for sunscreen. There was too much work to do and too many people to meet. Watkinson’s mission is to develop in our students the power to shape their lives and the world around them. It’s safe to say: mission accomplished.
The Howell & Florence Richards Book Award
This award goes to a student exhibiting the qualities of character, cooperation, courtesy and thoughtfulness associated with former Watkinson faculty members Howell and Florence Richards.
ETHAN L. '20
For Ethan's senior project, he worked to learn traits of craftsmanship within carpentry and blacksmithing. Among several things, Ethan made a toolbox, as well as several tools to populate said toolbox. It won't take much for us to unpack this metaphor. Ethan is this type of learner - appreciative of things that take time and expertise, and he's humble enough to learn from those who have gone before him. Taking tools from others in order to apply them to future work will serve him well. This said, Ethan is often ready and able to lead, forging tools and ideas of his own to move into new learning and understanding. I know he'll hold on tightly to that purple heart wood handle that he so beautifully stained with linseed oil and that he'll hold on to all the learning and leading he did while at Watkinson, as well.
The Charley Todd Award
This prize, given in honor of Charley Todd, Head of Watkinson from 1971 to 1999, is awarded to a senior (or seniors) whose individuality and creative impact on the school are reminiscent of the irrepressible Mr. Todd.
ZOE G. '20
As a faculty, we always love it when the award description fits its recipient perfectly, which is the case for Zoe and this prize. As you have already seen and heard about, she won this year’s theater prize, but that doesn’t really encompass the creative impact that Zoe has had on the school. Through poetry and song, through improv theater as well as both scripted and original comedy; at multiple open mics, numerous coffee houses, and even a spectacular Hamilton sing-off, in which she played both Hamilton and Burr; and in four…maybe five?...languages—time and time again Zoe is nothing if not an individual, nothing if not irrepressible.
The Theodore Sizer Award
Awarded to a student who best exemplifies the qualities of a successful “Coalition student”: intellectual curiosity, collaboration and responsibility.
YOUSSEF A. '20
Watkinson takes great pride in its association with the Coalition of Essential Schools and the principles that bind these like-minded institutions together. Within this, we hope our students begin to understand, utilize, and live within these ideals; such as using one's mind well, relying upon decency and trust, and living democratically and equitably. Youssef has and does. He welcomes others into discussions, invites opinions that are different from his own, and hungers for new knowledge and broader horizons. He has made the most of his time with us here at Watkinson, and we know that, just as Ted Sizer did, he will continue to make places better wherever he goes.
The John Burnosky Book Award
Awarded to a student who has been at Watkinson for at least three years and who exemplifies the strong sense of determination and strength of character demonstrated through sustained effort in academics and in other areas, that were such attributes of John Burnosky during his six years at Watkinson, 1978-1984. In John’s case, his self-determination and unfailing positive attitude helped him to overcome obstacles and achieve impressive levels of personal accomplishment.
KATHERINE G. '20
This award is given to Katherine in honor of her continued perseverance and strength of character throughout her years at Watkinson. During her continued growth as a student she has focused energy on the study of global affairs, the environment, and the continuation of the promise of sustainability. She sees how these factors combine to affect our future. She has mastered the English language, understands American culture and is always willing to share the richness of her Chinese culture with us. Though she excels in her academic classes, it is in the arts where the connections she makes work to beautify the world we live in. Throughout these past few months she has she continued to honor her academic and personal goals with utmost dignity and compassion.
The Sonya Dockett Nwachukwu Memorial Award
Given in memory of Watkinson parent, Sonya Dockett Nwachukwu, this award is given to a young woman who demonstrates the qualities and characteristics most closely associated with Sonya during her life: fierce determination, an exemplary work ethic, grace under pressure, and a clear-sighted vision of the possibilities that await women of substance when they aspire to succeed.
SHAWNDIA J. '20
Shawndia is a fiercely determined and incredibly hard working young woman. In short, Shawndia is someone you can count on. And many do, including her teachers. But what makes Shawndia so loved and respected in our community, amongst both faculty and her peers, is her heart. Shawndia is warm and compassionate; she has found her voice and she uses it not only for herself, but also for those who have yet to find theirs. Through her immeasurable contributions in academics and athletics, your steady leadership in Ravens/Titans and UTD, your challenging and thought-provoking Social Justice Day workshops, and your beautiful creations as a member of the Creative Arts Program, she has elevated our community and school.
The Brackeen Human Rights Prize
This prize is awarded in honor of the Reverend Samuel Amos Brackeen, father of our former Middle School Head, Martha Brackeen-Harris, and grandfather of Carol Baldwin, Class of 2000. Reverend Brackeen was a nationally known Civil Rights leader and a close friend of Martin Luther King, Jr. This prize recognizes a student who has made exceptional contributions to the cause of human rights at Watkinson and/or in the greater Hartford community.
CELESTE E. '20
In the fight for human rights and justice, different kinds of leaders are needed. While sometimes the rebels receive the most attention, it is often the more subtle work of organizers and helpers like Celeste that create change within individual people. Through her work as a facilitator in SAFE, Celeste has educated our community about the need for a deeper understanding of the issues in the LGBTQ community. With her intelligence, leadership, and strength, Celeste has been an essential role model for the other students of color in Ravens and Titans as they seek to find their voice in the fight for human rights. Celeste’s quiet, understated leadership has been a critical part of our community as we have worked to be more equitable, just, and appreciative of our diversity.
The Victoria & James Leibman Award
To a Watkinson junior or senior, who has spent at least two years at our school, and has displayed motivated personal growth and positive Watkinson community accomplishment. (must be an LSP student)
SAM W. '20
Sam has been the definition of grit and determination throughout his Watkinson career. And if you want to know the impact that Sam has had on the community, just watch the automatic smile that comes to people's faces when you ask them to describe Sam's growth or impact. Sam, you charted the course that you wanted here, but were receptive to the different paths that you explored along the way. A chef became a tennis player became a grand musician. But it is your transformation as a student, one who transformed his frustration into determination and self-advocacy to earn this award.
The Gregg Seltzer Award
The Seltzer award is given in memory of Gregg Seltzer who worked hard to realize his potential and achieve success. With this award, we recognize a student for effort, accomplishment and application of acquired strategies to reach his/her promise.
PHILLIP G. '20
Two years ago, Phillip established his LSP goal: to become an active, independent learner. To that end, he learned and applied strategies that strengthened skills. Never once did he throw in the towel, but rather met every challenge head-on, especially this year, when he chose to attempt and passed the entrance exam for Pre-Calc rather than take the recommended course. Such unwavering effort across the board earned him recognition on both the academic and effort honor rolls.
trustees english Award
Cindy Z. '21
What Cindy learns stays learned. Much of what she has learned, however, is the result of her own perseverance, the thoroughness with which she approaches her work, the remarkably high standards she sets for herself, and, above all, her off-the-chart intellectual curiosity. Her essays display an enlightened word choice, a sturdy, well-developed argument, and wit. She reads like an archaeologist, carefully and respectfully, digging deeper and deeper through the strata, sifting and brushing, and while others might be content to discover a bronze vase, Cindy does not set her spade aside until she has unearthed a lost city. A consummate reader and a true scholar, she is richly deserving of this year’s Trustee’s English Prize.
upper school writing Award
CLARE C. '20
While many gifted young writers tend to specialize in either creative or analytical assignments, Clare seamlessly blends these two approaches in her work. For Clare, the task of analysis is a fundamentally creative process; her most rigorous analytical work always originates from a moment of creative ingenuity or an interesting connection that leads to new insights and counterintuitive interpretations —such as when she compared the propaganda techniques of modern terrorist organizations to the political speeches in Henrik Ibsen’s "An Enemy of the People," or made ethical arguments in defense of Macbeth’s acquisition of power. Clare isn’t merely satisfied with understanding the text; she also wants to generate new knowledge about that text, embodying the values of creativity, curiosity, and intellectual courage.
courtney marie blowers writing Award
MIMI V. '22
The first sentence of Mimi’s best work from this year begins with the speaker staring at a clock and, quote: “rapidly inhaling their goldfish like a wild animal.” It’s a little startling, but that tends to be how Mimi’s writing goes. First you’re taken aback, and then you’re just taken by its engaging voice. This isn’t limited to her creative writing, either; her critical work illuminates the text from unique and surprising angles. What Mimi has rapidly inhaled this year—at a remarkable rate—is what it takes to do interesting writing. You never know what you’ll encounter when you begin, but it will be clever, insightful, and most certainly hers.
Henry A. Gleason III Science
KATHERINE G. '20
Katherine asks questions and seeks to truly understand the answers. Katherine will take ideas learned from her years of science education and apply them to new concepts. I really saw the connections she was making between science and her broader studies when Katherine applied concepts from environmental science and sustainability to her interest in corporate law for her social justice day workshop addressing environmental and social sustainability in the age of corporate greed. Her interests in sustainability will likely keep guiding her to find the science behind solutions for change in the corporate world.
Sir Winston Churchill History
YOUSSEF A. '20
A co-recipient of this Award, Youssef is an asset to any class environment, as he is curious, thoughtful, and empathetic. Youssef asks great questions, and often takes it upon himself to find the answers. These are traits of a true historian. There is depth to Youssef thinking that exceeds his youth. His efforts as a policy advisor to the President on policies in the Middle East in particular stand out, as it seems to be a role that Youssef could slide into rather easily. The range of topics that Youssef has explored, included his fascinating workshop on "Privacy in the Information Age" are as vast as the world that he seeks to change.
Sir Winston Churchill History
EMMA S. '20
If you've had the chance to work with yhe other co-recipient of this Award in any subject, then you are aware of her thoughtful approach to her learning. Emma's curiosity, determination, and critical mind allow her to create exceptional written work. Emma probes topics with surgical precision, and she is fueled by her desire to understand how things work, and more importantly, why. Whether examining Inequities in Public Education or creating a podcast on Making Sense of State Government, Emma is actively seeking potential solutions to the root causes of issues in our education and government systems.
worthen memorial mathematics prize
MIKE H. '20
On the third day of our new Statistics course, about 30 minutes in, Mike asked where he could submit the homework assignment. Note: he had already completed the homework due that day. Mike was referring to the homework due the following class, and his teacher found it on her desk, perfectly completed before she had even finished the lesson. Mike was doubled up in Math, taking Calculus II at the University of Hartford. Later in the year, Mike approached his teacher with a Linear Algebra proof that he’d been trying to figure out. For the record, most math majors take Linear Algebra the their Junior year of college. In addition, he completed a senior project, for which the essential question was "How can I create mathematical model for minimizing energy consumption in an industrial robot?" Mike embodies the complete vision of a great mathematics student. He is curious, doesn’t back down from a challenge, is a problem solver, intrinsically motivated, and can self-teach material.
art purchase prize
JACK S. '20
In acknowledgment of the depth he has achieved in his digital art work this year, the school will being paying for a selection of his work to display on our campus for the community to admire. Overall, his artistic practice spans a variety of media, like watercolor, oil paint, film, pen, and graphite. He challenges himself each day to think outside of the box, and above all else, to genuinely use his art as a means to convey his emotions and to tell a story. He will never settle when it comes to his work; he came into the classroom any chance he had in order to make adjustments to his work until he was satisfied with the result. The countless hours within and beyond the studio that he has spent investigating digital art practices has elevated his digital work to a nearly professional level. Jack will remembered each time the selected pieces from his Edward Hopper inspired series are enjoyed; the pieces will hang in a prominent place at Watkinson. These works are both moving and technically sound.
visual arts Award (3D)
ANABELLE B. '21
Annabelle has demonstrated a deep interest in sculpture and the ceramic arts continuously for three years. She has explored many ways to fill her drive to create during these years asking questions about new materials and new ways to support her need to express herself spatially. Her particular interest this year was in the human figure and expressionist constructions. She has created many projects that involve difficult techniques and lengthy hours of work, and in doing so has created a solid volume of work on her website.
visual arts Award (2D)
NOAH Z. '20
This honor acknowledges of the depth of vision and the remarkable skill Noah has brought to his artwork this year. He has a real curiosity about visual imagery as it pertains to drawing, painting, as well as three dimensional constructions. His work is expansive and precise. It will continue to improve as he learns even more about connecting his concepts with a larger audience in the years to come.
FRENCH Award
ZOE G. '20
Zoe's unwavering interest in French has only grown over the past four years, and spilled over into other languages. Just for fun, Zoe has taught herself Portuguese, Italian, Hebrew, and Arabic. She has found online friends all over the world with whom to practice. Having maxed out of Watkinson’s French offerings, she did an independent study this year, focusing on developing her fluency and conversational skills and moving from high intermediate to advanced level, based on professional proficiency guidelines.
spanish Award
CLARE C. '20
Clare receives this for her dedication to learning Spanish. During her years at Watkinson, Clare has demonstrated the consistent effort required for learning a language. Her work always shows careful thought, and she has continually taken advantage of opportunities to speak Spanish, from having an online conversation partner and hosting students from Venezuela, to traveling on the Dominican Republic service-learning trip. This year, she experimented with the language she’s learned in order to express herself, and her ability to learn from her mistakes. She is generous in helping out her classmates if there is something they don’t understand, or by inviting them into a conversation if they are hesitant to speak.
asl Award
HADLEY B. '20
In her three years of learning ASL, Hadley has been exposed to different signing styles, and now, she has finally found hers, an indicator of full immersion. Throughout these years, she has continued to amaze her teachers with her dedication to and passion for the class and language.
John and Grace Ellsworth Award
EMMA S. '20
The Ellsworth Outstanding Creative Arts Student Award is for the CAP student who has excelled within their own art form and has done exemplary work throughout the two-year degree program. A theatre major, Emma has explored all aspects of her art form. She has helped to develop and has performed in film projects. She has done movement work and devised theatre moments. She is a gifted creative writer, and for her CAP final project, she adapted Lebanese author Kahlil Gibran book The Prophet, into a play. As an actor, Emma has delighted audiences creating memorable performances in every show. This year, she demonstrated her comedic talent creating an appropriately ditzy Marianne in "Tartuffe". Then she gracefully reached to the other end of her range in a captivating performance as Ketch (James) Freeman in "Our Country’s Good". The “measuring” scene, where Ketch is forced to measure the character of Liz Morden for her hanging, was a profoundly beautiful theatrical moments. Emma is a remarkable artist.
Stephen & Leonard Shea Arts Award
ANABELLE B. '21
The Stephen & Leonard Shea Arts Award is for the CAP student who has demonstrated expertise, talent and dedication to more than one art form. Annabelle has not only excelled in two art forms; she has done amazing work in three. Her CAP major is 3-D art and her work within her major has been outstanding. Once we were moved to distance learning, with little clay and no kiln, Annabelle, without missing a beat, embraced 2-D art and has presented several interesting pieces. In addition, she graced the stage in both mainstage productions this year. Her performance as the doomed Liz Morden in "Our Country’s Good" was breathtaking. Annabelle embraces art in all its forms. She is curious, passionate and earnest in her endeavor to create art from the depths of her mind, her heart and her soul. Annabelle is a thoughtful and thought-provoking artist.
Theatre Award
ZOE G. '20
The Watkinson Theatre Award is for the student who made a significant contribution to the theatre on the stage or behind the scenes. Theatre cannot be created by one person alone. It is a collaborative art form. That said, one person can certainly bring the theatre to new heights by gracing the stage with talent, dignity and a bright light from within. Whether in a lead or a supporting role, musical or non-musical play, Zoe has done just that, not only this year but in all of her years at Watkinson. This year, Zoe dazzled audiences with her fabulously over the top characterization of Dorine, the conniving maid in Molière’s "Tartuffe", complete with a pristine French accent. In the winter production, she brought great depth, strength and a flawless British accent to the role of Dabby Bryant in "Our Country’s Good." Zoe is a talented actor and a generous member of any company of players.
choral scholar Award
JADE S. '21
Jade has been a cornerstone of the Watkinson music program for many years, her irrepressible attitude, humility, and passion poising her to tackle the advanced challenges of the vocal arts. She has never flaunted her high level of expertise, has always warmly lifted up fellow singers of all skill levels, and has demonstrated extraordinary growth, and — notably — extraordinary willingness to learn new techniques of musical expression and musicianship. Jade has engaged with music within and without Watkinson's walls, becoming a community ambassador for the arts, working in at least one fully professional capacity this year, and has set a sterling standard.
FIRST CHAIR Award
SAM W. '20
Sam has taken high school by the horns, and has proved himself a formidable player in many arenas; in music, what was once a joyous hobby into a burning passion. In his junior year, Sam worked regularly to hammer out difficult passages and try out advanced techniques in musical expression; this year, he has nurtured an interest in orchestration, creating a number of arrangements for Upper School Ensemble and for String Ensemble, a dormant Watkinson club that he reincarnated this year.
Middle School
the mary hastings middle school award
Awarded to a student chosen by the faculty for all-around contribution to the academic and extra-curricular life of the Middle School.
JAMES D. '24
His contribution to the Watkinson community has been extraordinary, in academics, sports, and extracurricular activities. James has maintained high grades, played multiple sports, excelled in them, and has participated in many Watkinson clubs. In everything he does, he brings the same enthusiasm, kindness, and dedication. Throughout middle school, James has participated in Watkinson’s music program, played on Watkinson’s fields and courts, and has been a leader during many events, like our Social Justice Day, and our days of service with various schools in Hartford. He is a well rounded, talented, and valuable member of our Watkinson community!
the COALITION LEARNING AWARD
Awarded to a student in grade 8 who best exemplifies the principles of the Coalition of Essential Schools.
JULIA W. '24
Just like the paintbrush she used as her exhibition metaphor colors its canvas, Julia enhances her schoolwork and community with her unique insights, perspective, and style. She exhibits so many of the qualities of a true Coalition learner. Intellectual curiosity: For this year’s Civil Rights Day, Julia’s intellectual curiosity took her well beyond a fact-based presentation about Claudette Colvin as she explored themes of racism, colorism, and heroism. Collaboration: A committed team player, Julia effectively collaborated with her Shakespeare monologue team to develop an outstanding theatrical performance. Responsibility: Julia diligently and actively built her math skills over the last three years, reviewing and practicing with each new challenge she faced. With determination and grace, Julia shows us all what intentional, deep, and joyful learning looks like.
the Barbara Vinal Gent Middle School Award
Awarded to a girl who displays the courage of her convictions, a curiosity for life and learning, a willingness to try new things and self-advocacy. These were all qualities of Barbara Vinal Gent, the first woman to teach at Watkinson School from 1966 to 1973.
MAIZY S. '24
Ever since she was a sixth grader, Maizy has exemplified the qualities of Barbara Vinal Gent: She displays the courage of her convictions, a curiosity for life and learning, a willingness to try new things, and self-advocacy. Maizy displays these qualities in her words, thoughts and actions in the classroom, in the Watkinson community and in the world-at-large. Maizy is always ready to help, regularly takes the initiative, assumes full ownership of her learning, takes on challenges with grace and poise, and sees the good in every person and situation. Maizy confidently presents her point-of-view, and yet is open to new perspectives. Through her curiosity for life and learning, Maizy instills in students and adults alike the desire to leave the world a better place.
the Ellen Paullin Memorial Writing Award
This award is given in memory of the grandmother of Coe Will ’99. Ellen Paullin was passionate about writing. This included letter writing, journaling, a writer’s group and several published books about her world. This award is given to a student who is learning that writing can be a powerful means of expression and communication in all disciplines.
FIONA B. '24
This year’s recipient of the Ellen Paullin writing award goes to a young lady who immerses herself in the creative life. Her early interest in reading, books, and the arts is now her passion, and so it’s no wonder that her writing reflects this. The elaborate tales that she weaves, sprinkled with rich vocabulary and detail, are engaging and uniquely hers. An accomplished vocalist, she has also ventured into writing lyrical verses that one can only imagine are as well crafted and original as she is. Her ability to create pieces that engage and provoke thought and wonder, coupled with her unique style and voice will be well received as she enters the upper school.
Visual Arts Award
FOREST G. '24
If you made a list of which 8th graders have spent the most time in the art barn this year, Forest’s name would be at the top. You were almost always the first to arrive for art, and always the last to leave. You waited patiently to ask questions about your artwork, share your new ideas, or show me a cool video you found about a new art technique. Forest you have a true artist's spirit, always looking for the new innovation or challenge. You are a talented artist who is willing to take creative risks, and I look forward to seeing more amazing art from you in the future.
ENGLISH Award
JULIA W. '24
Julia has been with us since 6th grade, and has always shown a curiosity and inquisitiveness towards writing and reading. Throughout the last three years, she has grown as an analytical writer, striving for new heights in their daily and academic writing. She is always imparting profound insights in our literary discussions, and they consistently seek feedback on their writing. We are so excited to see all she accomplishes in the Upper School in humanities, where her mature understanding of human nature and the world around her will bring her to new adventures in her writing career.
language Award
SYLVIA B. '24
Day in and day out, Sylvia has brought joy, enthusiasm and creative energy to our Spanish class. Add to that her keen mind and impressive work ethic, and you get our 2019-2020 Language Department Award winner! Way back in September, I remember how excited you were, Sylvia, to share that you had run into an exhibit featuring la Borinqueña, a Puerto Rican superheroine we had read about, at the Smithsonian in DC. What I didn’t know then was that you would match that excitement and curiosity with a fierce determination to learn new things. Well, I sure know that now! Thanks for all your efforts this year, Sylvia, and best of luck with everything in the future.
HISTORY Award
CAMDEN F. '24
A co-recipient of the Middle School History Award, Camden has a great knowledge base and a wonderful grasp of history, but your greatest strength is your passion. I can’t count how many times you stayed in my class after the bell rang, railing against the Electoral College, because it takes power away from the people, or calling for a new Constitutional Convention because the original document was so unjust. I hope you never lose your passion and your clear minded focus on right and wrong. They will help you change the world for the better. Thank you so much for enriching our class this year and congratulations!
HISTORY Award
DIEGO R. '24
The other co-recipient of the Middle School History Award, Diego is a true history buff, always digging deeper to get to truths yet uncovered. Whether contrasting the effectiveness of Bull Connor’s and Dr. Martin Luther King’s strategies in the Birmingham Campaign, journaling a fictional character’s journey west by wagon, or arguing for an honorable discharge for British soldiers accused of murder in the Boston Massacre trial, Diego puts his all into the research, craft, and revision of his work. And you should read his words; not one to settle for blandly stating the facts, Diego treats us to beautifully descriptive language that engages us and transports us through time.
mathematics Award
TILDEN W. '24
Tilden put himself in the running for this award long before he walked through the doors of my classroom. It was Halloween of 2018, and Tilden came to school dressed as a… TI-Nspire calculator. The homemade costume was about 5-feet tall and fashioned out of cardboard and sticky notes. It showcased so many qualities of Tilden as a mathematician: creative, resourceful, meticulous, and passionate. For Tilden, math is a puzzle—one that he grapples with deeply until he earns the deep satisfaction of a solution that makes sense. He never shies away from a challenge but rather beckons it towards him. Tilden is the real deal—a mathematician of the highest caliber.
music Award
SADIE C. '24
Sadie has irrepressible questions. Over the course of the last three years, she has learned to synthesize her knowledge by considering many sources: did she know the answer already, or could she figure it out on her own? Could it be found another way than by just asking the teacher?
Sadie made this advice her own in many ways. As she stands facing the ninth grade, she is an artist as informed as she is passionate, who critically examines sound in the room, and who is unafraid to improve it by giving her fellow performers not just feedback but pointers to success. She has figured out the answers and now shepherds us all in discovering them. This is the work of any collaborative artist, and is the calling of a director; she has discovered, pursued and fulfilled what it means to lead an ensemble.
science Award
Forest G. '24
Last year, Forest was one of three participants in the new science club run by students. He came every week ready to discuss the new topic he/his peers decided on and was always enthusiastic. Since he started here at Watkinson, his presence in the science classroom although verbally quiet, was still overwhelmingly loud (if that makes sense). His love for science and the trial and error process really shone through when he created a rather large Rube Goldberg machine throughout his house ready to compete in a worldwide online competition. He also displayed his love for the environment when he traveled to Costa Rica last summer and asked tons of questions and listened carefully about the environment he had immersed himself in.
US & MS Athletics
the david newhall memorial Award, male athlete of the year
This award is given to the best male athlete in the school, someone who embodies what the best athlete in the school should be on and off the field/court. The recipient must have played at least two Varsity sports.
ANGEL T. '21
On the soccer field and basketball court, Angel’s physical athleticism is an incredible tool, but it’s the way he combines the physical with the intangibles that really makes him special. He is absolutely all in when he steps onto the court. To watch a 30-second clip of Angel in a practice — not even a game, just a regular old practice — is to see him get low and strong and push hard physically, to see him analyze the play with incredible focus, to hear the nonstop chatter he uses to coach his teammates, and to feel the joy with which he pumps up his teammates when they do something good. Angel, with your infectious energy and your ability to compete, you have made a seriously positive impact on Watkinson athletics. And beyond athletics, you are a wonderful and powerful representative of Watkinson as a school.
the FLORENCE GREENE memorial Award, FEmale athlete of the year
This award is given to the best female athlete in the school, someone who embodies what the best athlete in the school should be on and off the field/court. The recipient must have played at least two Varsity sports.
TALIA G. '21
When Talia is on your team, you get a big injection of the elements that are essential to a successful and meaningful and fun season. Hard work, sweat, skill, laughter, intensity, commitment, and more laughter. Talia set the tone and mission for the girls varsity soccer season, and was a vital cog in the formation of this year’s new identity girls basketball team. Her soccer skill caught the attention of opposing coaches, and for this she was named both a Western New England and an HVAL all star in 2019. Talia loves to play, loves to compete. During the times when she had to sit out due to injury, she made that lonely rehab process her personal competition. And during those times when she earned her health and strength back, she fought for her team with intensity and fire, especially when the game was on the line, motivating her teammates to do the same. Talia, you are a joy to coach and you model what it means to be a Watkinson Ram, the ideal multi-sport athlete.
the ELLEN KELLY Award
This award is given to a female athlete who is not necessarily the best athlete but is a positive contributor to the team and always exemplifies good sportsmanship and represents Watkinson in a positive way. A coach would wish that they had a team full of this player. The recipient must have played at least two Varsity sports.
ALLISON K. '21
Allison is a cross country and track runner who really came into her own this year. She earned this year’s cross country team MVP award. She was a captain who took her leadership role seriously, becoming a role model for younger runners. Picture Allison finishing her own grueling race, her lungs depleted and legs shaky, but her heart willing to turn around and remain at the finish line to cheer on the remaining runners. Allison is kind, but she is also a tough competitor. She sets lofty goals for herself and then goes about doing all the things necessary to obtain those goals. In and out of season she pushes herself to train harder. She was a Top 10 finisher in multiple meets this past fall, and ran her personal best at the HVAL Championships. No matter if it’s the weather or any other obstacles, Allison faces adversity with courage and gratitude.
the DAVE ANDERSON Award
This award is given to a male athlete who is not necessarily the best athlete but is a positive contributor to the team and always exemplifies good sportsmanship and represents Watkinson in a positive way. A coach would wish that they had a team full of this player. The recipient must have played at least two Varsity sports.
JONA R. '21
If Jona was a character in a famous novel, his symbol — like a symbol that students write about in English class essays — would be that big water jug he carried around this year. Jona quite literally used the water jug to stay super hydrated, because his coach said to and because that was the smart thing to do physiologically. Beneath the surface, that water jug symbolizes Jona’s unending source of positive energy, from which he spreads Ram spirit to his soccer and basketball teams, and by extension to the campus community as a whole. Jona is a good athlete in his own right, and a focused athlete who sets goals and works diligently toward them. This award shines our spotlight on, specifically, his role as a catalyst, an inspiration, a motivator, and a hype man.
the lloyd mcdonald memorial senior Award
This award is given to a senior male athlete who has made positive contributions to Watkinson athletics. The recipient must have played at least two Varsity sports.
ETHAN L. '20
The universe kind of swept down and snatched Ethan’s beloved sport of ultimate frisbee right out from under him, and that is a sad thing because he is such a wonderful ambassador for that graceful and flowing sport. Luckily, the universe didn’t mess with his final soccer season, and Ethan finished his Watkinson career as a pivotal member of the team: a captain, a leader who earned the respect and ear of his teammates. He was named to the HVAL all star team as well as the Western New England all -tar team, and he played in the New England Senior all-star game. Ethan scored plenty of goals to push the team forward, giving them belief in the group’s ability to compete and upset opponents.
the MONIQUE COLLETTI memorial senior Award
This award is given to a senior female athlete who has made positive contributions to Watkinson athletics. The recipient must have played at least two Varsity sports.
SHAWNDIA J. '20
In three short years, Shawndia went from being a novice soccer player to being the Most Valuable Player of the girls varsity soccer team. It’s not typical for people to have success in soccer when they start the sport after age 12, but, then again, Shawndia is no typical person. She is physically and mentally tough as nails. She is open to learning new skills, like a student, and at the same time she demands much of her teammates, like a teacher. Her work rate is second to none; no one attacks an agility ladder or a battle rope like Shawndia does, willing to feel the burn in her legs and the sweat pour off her forehead. She puts an incredible amount of pressure on herself to achieve her potential and to maximize the success of her teams.
the female unsung hero Award
This award goes to a female athlete who is integral to the success of teams but does not always get the accolades others may get for their achievements. The recipient must have played at least two Varsity sports.
SADIE S. '22
A three-sport varsity athlete, SADIE was a lynchpin on her teams this year. If Sadie didn’t play, and didn’t play with her characteristic courage, technical skill, and tactical smarts, there was no way we’d have come close to the success our teams had in terms of group mission, performance, and momentum. For Sadie personally, soccer season was one of progressive improvement, to the point where she was putting together her most complete games right as the post-season crunch time arrived. Sadie developed her understanding of both soccer and basketball to the point where she demonstrated exactly what role to play to make the most impact on the team’s outcome.
the male unsung hero Award
This award goes to a male athlete who is integral to the success of teams but does not always get the accolades others may get for their achievements. The recipient must have played at least two Varsity sports.
EVAN R. '22
Over the course of this year, Evan demonstrated what happens when you take on a growth mindset. Evan’s year, athletically, was one of dramatic growth. He dug deep on the soccer field, using his love of the sport to drive him forward and build up his physical toughness, and that set the wheels in motion for an incredible run on the hardwood when winter rolled around. Evan became the team’s sixth man, a position that is integral to any basketball team’s success. His dedication to Watkinson athletics is always on display.
the TEAGUE O'CONNOR SPIRIT Award
This award goes to a student who may or may not be a varsity athlete, but who supports all athletics, who exudes school spirit and pride for Watkinson. The recipient must have played at least two Varsity sports.
JULIAN C. '22
Julian most definitely exudes pride in Watkinson school and in Ram athletics, and he’s not afraid to shout it from the rooftops. Or at least tell it with gusto during all-school assemblies, or hype it up on campus on any given occasion. Julian is a dedicated varsity athlete and is also a community-minded supporter of all things Watkinson. Julian brightens our experience of school with his positive energy.
the male middle school athlete of the year Award
The Middle School Athlete of the Year Award goes to a student athlete who not only excels in the sports he or she plays, but who also models good sportsmanship and represents Watkinson in a positive way.
QUINCY G. '24
Quincy led the soccer and basketball teams this year with his fiery presence and his inspiring performances. Sporting that bright orange jersey in the soccer goal, Quincy made smothering dives that told us something about his physical skill and courage, while, perhaps more importantly, his willingness to try the goalkeeper position when the team needed him to spoke volumes about his selfless character. On the basketball court, Quincy took great pride in playing lock down defense, motivating his teammates, sinking points and grabbing rebounds all over the place. When he competes, he lights up the gym with his intensity and passion for the game; it’s written all over his face when he's in the zone.
