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Awards 2021
- Upper School
- Middle School
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.
ADAM J. ’21
At every turn, Adam has harnessed his energy to help others, foster equity and justice, support those in need, and make each of us feel like we are a part of the change so needed in this world. From the classroom to the basketball court, from groups such as AWARE and Chai, from moments of challenge to the joys of success, Adam has always been there to show others through his words and actions what it means to be a member of a community. Trusted and admired by both his peers and the faculty, Adam has demonstrated what happens when you combine a selfless work ethic with a heart that deeply cares about others, and Watkinson is better place because of you, Adam.
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.
JADE S. ’21
Jade experiences everything as though it is for the first time, capturing every moment with joy, curiosity, and wide-eyed wonder. This wonder and awe are not just reserved for herself; Jade is equally awestruck by the efforts of her peers, and she is steadfast in her support of them.
For Jade’s final work of art project in CAP, she created a one-woman show that showcased her various musical talents. No surprise there. But what really made her performance shine even more brightly was the fact that her gratitude and humility were woven into every fiber of her performance. Jade recognizes that she stands on the shoulders of those who came before and those who stand beside her on her journey. Taking inspiration from great musicians as well as from her parents, teachers, and friends, Jade extends the same inspiration and support to those around her.
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.
CHARLES S. ’21
Charles, you’ve gifted Watkinson with staged theatrical performances, impromptu song and dance numbers, a one-man autobiographical musical and even choreography for an Advisory dance routine. Your creativity knows no bounds, and you’ve used that creativity to make us laugh, cry and keep us connected.
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.
CHASE W-D. ’21
Chase, you were born to stand out. You’ve made an indelible impression on us with your unparalleled wit, originality of thought, knowledge of the natural world and newly discovered talent for blacksmithing. You remind us on a daily basis that embracing individuality is key to personal happiness.
The Theodore Sizer Award
Awarded to a student who best exemplifies the qualities of a successful “Coalition student”: intellectual curiosity, collaboration and responsibility.
JACOB S. ’21
Jacob is a deep thinker. He grapples with big ideas, asks bold and perceptive questions, and has the capacity to bring others along to uncover deeper meanings. His generosity, kindness, enthusiasm, and willingness to collaborate with everyone propel those he works with to produce the best work they can. Ted Sizer once said that when “the kids do what no one expects them to do. That's progress.” Jacob’s work to instill the habits of civil discourse through his work in Political Discourse Club and his civil discourse campaign during the presidential election demonstrate his unwavering commitment to enriching our lives and the value he places on a “Coalition education.”
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.
ALLISON K. ’21
Like Burnosky, Allison's self-determination and unfailing positive attitude help her to overcome obstacles and achieve impressive accomplishments. When she learned she'd be learning remotely this year, she still managed an impressive academic load of eight classes - plus took part in a program to mitigate the spread of COVID. She then pursued a senior project with personal significance when she questioned why there weren't more women in engineering careers. Her mentor ended up getting sick right when her internship was supposed to begin. Passionate about the topic, she changed course and ended up rocking her senior exhibition. And let's not forget about the half marathon you trained for....and then ran by yourself when it was cancelled due to COVID. You have the uncanny ability to turn lemons into lemonade and are so deserving of this award.
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.
ANGELIQUE P. ’21
There are not enough blocks in the schedule for Angelique to take all the classes she desires. Angelique has packed her schedule full throughout her time at Watkinson, ensuring that she takes the most classes possible, even including doubling up in math one year, science another. She has worked with numerous clubs and after school activities, participated in community service, and even won a contest for her work with a team to develop a chat bot for Facebook! Angelique, the possibilities are vast.
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.
CINDY Z. ’21
“When people talk about relationships, they often only talk about themselves and what they get out of it. That doesn’t sound right to me,” Cindy stated. You see, Cindy believes that understanding altruism’s many facets is key to unlocking new perspectives on friendship and justice. Cindy organized donations of hundreds of medical masks to be handed out to homeless people in Hartford. She then invited a homelessness expert and former homeless person to speak on Social Justice Day two years in a row. Her workshop was called “Faces of Homelessness: Brainstorming a Wat Action Plan.” She then donated her stimulus check to the same organization, Hands on Hartford. These are only a few examples of how Cindy has made a difference in people’s lives in the Hartford community. Your concern for humanity is priceless, Cindy. Thank you for your relentless care for humankind.
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)
CRAY C. ’21
When I think of this young man, "motivated personal growth" is his middle name, albeit a long one. All kidding aside, he has constantly strived to make himself, and those around him, better at what they are doing, whether it be in the studio, on the field, in the classroom or on stage. Throughout his time here, CRAY always thought of ways to make our community a better place by organizing clubs and activities for students to enjoy.
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.
BEN A. ’21
The Learning Skills Program recognizes Ben Appleton for his attitude, effort, accomplishments, and application of the skills developed and refined in his learning skills sessions to reach his potential. Ben, during your freshman year we met several times a week. In addition to academic support, I helped you navigate our Watkinson routines. Four years later, on occasion, I don my editor’s cap to help you spot and correct unruly commas, but aside from that, you need no further assistance. You tackle writing assignments with gusto, crafting prose that reveals insightful, original points of view. Your determination to do your best never wavers, Ben, and your clever, sharp wit always makes me laugh! Now an active, independent learner, you exemplify Watkinson’s commitment to personal growth and academic excellence.
trustees english Award
JACOB S. ’21
The Trustees English Award recognizes the best overall English student in all 11th and 12th grade classes. Throughout the year, Jacob has made exceptional contributions to his senior year English classes. Drawing on a wealth of political, historical, and philosophical knowledge, Jacob pursues the difficult truths in the text and always seeks to generate new knowledge about the reading. A rigorous and incisive thinker, Jacob strikes a balance between sound, logical argumentation and imaginative interpretations of the texts; he unsettles established truths and assumptions, and approaches every book like an eagle-eyed detective on the verge of a big break. His presence in the classroom has made us all better readers, writers, and thinkers.
upper school writing Award
MIA Z. ’21
What’s most remarkable about Mia’s writing is the clarity with which it explores sophisticated topics. Her essays tackle complex issues with deep character study, close attention to the author’s choices, and a nuanced worldview. This semester she’s written papers about the effects of monetary incentives on Islamic art, the integration of East and West in a novel set in Istanbul, and how an Indian film and Chinese short story contain similar ideas about gender and rationality. Her work strikes the important balance between the fact that literature is born from specific cultures and time periods, and that on a human level it is universal and relevant across time and place.
courtney marie blowers writing Award
OLIVIA L. ’23
When you go to read one of Olivia’s papers, you know you’re going to get some analysis of everything: character, setting, cultural commentary, literary devices, themes, inspection of the author’s craft, on and on. What enables her to do such thorough work is the fact that, as a reader and in the classroom, she is an absolute sponge, soaking up everything—her work often considers even minor comments made in class discussion several weeks prior. Above all, what you hear in Olivia’s writing is a trait shared by those who write well: an intense desire to show her reader just how complex and interesting the world is.
Henry A. Gleason III Science
ALLISON K. ’21
Allison has been a strong science student throughout her time at Watkinson, working to fully understand topics covered and to extend her own understanding beyond the scope of a given class. Allison excelled in all of the science classes she took at Watkinson, and also incorporated her interest in STEM into her Global Studies capstone project, building a website to inspire future female engineers. Not only did she work hard all year, but also she did that while working remotely.
Henry A. Gleason III Science
MAAZ S.. ’21
Maaz incorporated his interest in science into his classwork and his global studies capstone project this year. He took opportunities to apply science concepts to additional areas of study, and also to learn how calculus and physics are interrelated. He has been consistent in his work, and often thinks about his prior understanding of the world when trying to understand new concepts. For his capstone, Maaz investigated the use of robotics in the medical field.
Sir Winston Churchill History
JACOB S. ’21
Jacob exhibits wide ranging curiosity, but also the tenacity to continue pursuing a topic until he has reached his own very high standards of comprehension. He will chase down the arguments and implications of an idea, to the point where he can make a staggering argument. But he is also so open-minded that he doesn't become dogmatic. In fact, he often knows the other side just as well. His work has excelled especially in political theory, where he has led others in a productive way through the development of a culture of civil discourse.
Sir Winston Churchill History
CINDY Z. ’21
Cindy has, for all of her four years at Watkinson, impressed and continually surprised teachers with her detailed and nuanced writing and persistent class participation. Her interests range very far as well, but one area where she has pursued knowledge vigorously is in the social sciences--anthropology and psychology. Cindy is the sort of self-motivated student who will ask a simple question one day, like "what is anthropology?" and then a week later ask a much more informed question like "Why do the structuralists look for binary oppositions in cultures?". At that point all you can say is ,"That's a great question, what do you think?". All of her interests came together in her impressive senior project to track her family's experiences through some of China's darkest days.
worthen memorial mathematics prize
SAM G. ’21
The minute Sam arrived at Watkinson for his junior year, he convinced his teacher that he should be in a higher level of mathematics. He tested out of Calculus and was able to take Statistics at Watkinson and Calculus II at the University of Hartford. Sam is an excellent student. He never missed a direction given and took problems a step above what was expected. His assignments and tests were neatly written and organized as if I could use his assessments as an answer key. He would also consistently finish his work early to ask higher level math questions. He continued University of Hartford math courses in the spring and decided to be a part of the American Math Competition. In this competition, he was the only student able to advance to the second round of the competition. He also was the highest scorer on the mathematics section of the PSAT in his Junior year. In his senior year, he wanted to still take math courses outside of school and through Watkinson.Therefore, Sam took Senior Math to have taken all the possible math courses here. Sam goes above and beyond the expectations for any mathematics student.
art purchase prize
ANGEL T. ’21
I describe him as follows: multi talented, incredibly passionate, curious, ambitious, hard working, and creative.
He has earned himself the Purchase Prize this year for his work in photography. He created HIS portfolio based on the skills he had already acquired after a previous year of study in photography. The remarkable thing was how he was able to synthesize and blend many artistic and technical concepts to create the vision he originally imagined for this new project. To answer the questions about lighting and use of software, he sought out answers on the internet and researched artists that exemplified the style he sought to portray. He did so with a remarkable work ethic. The portfolio of professionally shot models speaks for itself. It is stunning. Watkinson is proud to display one of his framed photographs in the halls next year. I will miss seeing and working with Angel, helping to guide him on his journey; but I know he will be just fine when launched into his college career.
visual arts Award (3D)
NARY O. ’21
This young woman has demonstrated a deep interest in sculpture and the ceramic arts throughout her years at Watkinson. She has explored many ways to create during these years working with new materials and methods supporting her need to express herself spatially. Her need to express herself comes from her incredible natural talent in the 3-D arts. Her focus this year was centered on pottery. To make that happen she spent time each week at an off-campus studio where she refined her skills and produced a large amount of wheel made work. 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 for her website. I have enjoyed watching Nary define her goals and express herself in a very assured manner. I hope that this early interest in the arts continues to provide her with creative outlets throughout her life.
visual arts Award (2D)
CRAY C. ’21
Cray's interest in Digital Art, Illustration, and Photography was immediately apparent this year. From the impressive amount of landscape photographs he captured and compiled in his “Falls Shadows” series that showcased his understanding of composition, importance of intentional lighting, and value to his digital album cover and playing card illustrations, his passion for and knowledge of the arts is easy to see. Regardless of medium, each image Cray rendered captured the viewer's attention by chronicling a narrative that is simultaneously clear and subtle. Cray, your thoughtful, methodical approach to your artistic practice has paved the way for your many future creative endeavors.
John and Grace Ellsworth Award
ANNABELLE B. ’21
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 Ceramics major, Annabelle fully embraced the idea of a year long exploration of her art form for her final project. With bucket and shovel in hand, she dug up dirt from our campus to create her own clay. Then she set about digging up her own yard to make a firing pit to explore the various ways in which she could fire pots. Annabelle did a vast amount of research and was bold in using many different organic materials to see . . . well, to see what would happen. Annabelle has never been afraid to go where the art takes her rather than forcing the work to go where she wants it to go. This is one of her many marvelous qualities.
Stephen & Leonard Shea Arts Award
ANIKA S. ’22
The Stephen & Leonard Shea Arts Award is for the CAP student who has demonstrated expertise, talent and dedication to more than one art form. Anika’s CAP major is 2-D art, and her work within her major has been outstanding. For every project in CAP Seminar, she reaches beyond her major and has explored photography, stage make up, music, and dance. She is curious, passionate, and earnestly deliberate in her endeavor to create art from the depths of her mind, her heart, and her soul. Anika never shies away from difficult questions and is continuously asking more of herself throughout the artistic process. Anika is a thoughtful and thought-provoking artist.
Theatre Award
CHARLES S ’21
The Watkinson Theatre Award is for the student who made a significant contribution to the theatre on the stage or behind the scenes. One could rightly point out that, sadly, we did not have theatre this year, but there is always theatre when Charles is in the room! This year, Charles devoted himself to creating several characters for our ill-fated film production of The Laramie Project. Last year, Charles dazzled audiences with his fabulously over the top characterization of Tartuffe, and he brought great depth to both his characters in in Our Country’s Good, particularly to the role of the doomed John Arscott. The theatre is Charles’ passion and he shares that passion freely and loudly with others. If you are walking down the halls of Goodwin and hear a musical theatre tune – it’s Charles.
All of us will miss hearing those tunes in the halls next year.
choral scholar Award
JADE ’21
Not only has Jade remained diligent with her work for Ensemble both in-person and virtually, but also auditioned for and got accepted into both the Regional and All-State choirs. In addition to all the performing she does, she also added learning and studying film scoring. Jade, it has been such a joy to work with you this year. Between all of the meticulous work you did on your classical vocal rep for the plethora of auditions you did this year, singing through musical theater repertoire, or rehearsing violin parts for our full ensemble pieces you have shown diligence and an attention to detail that will only help you continue to grow and shine as a musician. I wish you the best of luck as you go off to study vocal performance, and truly hope you continue chasing all the music that calls out to you.
INSTRUMENTAL Award
JULIAN C. ’22
Julian, as the year went on, It was a joy to watch you grow as both a violinist and musician. You took a year that halted so much music and didn’t just “stay with it,” but through your focused individual practice and diligence in each rehearsal you used this past year to grow and achieve a level of playing that is musical, technical, and filled with emotion. Whether playing a Vivaldi concerto, Beethoven excerpts, or an original composition the world is yet to hear, you brought passion, hard work and musicality to every note you played.
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.
EVA C. ’25
EVA has maintained high grades, played a variety of sports, partaken in Watkinson’s music program and attended multiple clubs including “Watkin’ Around the World” and “Wat Do You Want to Learn”. She was also in charge of “Leading Ladies” club along with her classmate. She is a well-rounded, talented, and opinionated member of our community, and so it is with the utmost admiration and honor that we award Eva Cohen with the Mary Hastings Middle School award.
the COALITION LEARNING AWARD
Awarded to a student in grade 8 who best exemplifies the principles of the Coalition of Essential Schools.
JULIA S. ’25
As a founding member of The Coalition of Essential Skills, Watkinson instills in its students the following principles:
• Learning to use one’s mind well
• Less is more: depth over coverage
• Student-as-worker, teacher-as-coach
• Demonstration of mastery, and
• A tone of decency and trust
While at Watkinson, Julia has taken these principles to the next level. She has maximized what Watkinson has to offer by taking part in the “Leading Ladies” club, “Wat Do You Want to Learn” club and helping to start and lead the “Watkin’ Around the World” club. She has pushed herself out of her comfort zone to explore uncharted waters. She brings to Watkinson a voice of decency, trust, and respect for both the staff and the students on the field and court, in the classroom, and as a mentor to her fellow classmates. She is their “go to” person. Daily, she works to demonstrate mastery by going deeply into all subjects areas. She truly understands what Ted Sizer meant as “Student-as-worker, teacher-as-coach”.
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.
ELISSA M. ’25
Throughout her three years in our middle school, Elissa has transformed from a quiet student into a bold, confident leader. From founding her own club to presenting at this year’s Social Justice Day, Elissa has constantly sought ways to contribute to our school community in meaningful ways. She shares her passions with others, always remaining open to new ideas and perspectives. The challenge of being a virtual learner earlier this year never deterred her, as she participated fully in all aspects of the Watkinson experience and demonstrated amazing resilience. On a parent Zoom meeting earlier this year, for which Elissa was selected to speak about her Civil Rights project, she was asked what John Lewis’s idea of “getting into good trouble” meant to her; to which she replied, “understanding, being educated in what you’re doing, and being active.” Truly, Elissa has lived this belief every day, and she will continue to take this mindset into the bright future that awaits her.
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.
CHARLES T. ’25 (top) AND JACK M. ’25 (bottom)
This year’s Ellen Paullin writing award goes to two young men who immerse themselves in the creative life - Charles T. and Jack M. Both had an early interest in books and reading and their writing certainly reflects this. Since meeting in 6th grade they have collaborated together, weaving several elaborate tales sprinkled with rich vocabulary and detail. Their collective ability to create fantasy pieces that engage the imagination will be well received as they enter the upper school. Congratulations Charles and Jack!
Visual Arts Award
CONNOR M. ’25
Connor's interest in the arts and landscape drawing was apparent on day one of class this year. He consistently strives to learn new techniques, particularly with colored pencil, and is always eager to learn more about color theory and put this knowledge into practice. From rendering imagined scenes to compiling a series of reference photographs to create your designs, he actively creates images that captures the viewer’s attention. He tackles each new assignment with excitement and perseveres through the difficult topics of one point perspective and color mixing. Connor, keep drawing and exploring your interest in the arts as well as continuing to share your interest with your peers!
music Award
CHARLES T. ’25
In a year where music has so often been put on hold, Charles has remained resilient in his Saxophone playing, not only as a strong leader in Ensemble, but also auditioning for and getting accepted into this year’s Regional Jazz Band. From seamlessly incorporating music into numerous original video game concepts to creating an original Jukebox Musical in Music 8, it is clear music is with him in everything you do. Charlie Parker said, “Music is your own experience, your thoughts, your wisdom. If you don’t live it, it won’t come out of your horn.” Charles, continue to live with music in your heart, and congratulations on all you’ve accomplished this year!
theater Award
KATE B-W. ’25
In addition to being the brainchild behind the “Meep” and the “Moop”, Kate has shown a strong passion toward the theatrical arts. It was no shock to me that when Kate heard it was an option to take Theatre 8 a second semester in a row, she immediately jumped at the opportunity. Not only has she grown as a playwright and an actress during this experience, she also has begun to understand the importance of collaboration along the way. Keep writing and break a leg next year in upper school theater!
ENGLISH Award
ABIGAIL S. 25
Abi, every year you have grown in your capacity to dig deep into a text, and analyze the author’s intent while implementing your own life experiences. You have learned to support your thinking both in conversation and in your writing. There was never a dull moment in a class discussion when you were contributing your thoughts and ideas. It has been a pleasure to watch you develop your skills as a writer and thinker throughout the processes of debating and discussing social justice topics and Shakespearean text. Although we had to tweak how we address people when we are passionate about something, you always brought passion, and that is truly a gift. Thank you for bringing your whole authentic self to the classroom. You are an independent thinker, with many insights into what it means to be human, and it will be exciting for you to discover more about the world and yourself through the books you read, the assignments you write, and the discussions you are a part of.
language Award
OWEN R. ’25
Owen, you incorporate new phrases into your speaking and writing with ease, always making them your own by adding your creativity and unique personality. Your playful attitude allows you to experiment without being self-conscious about the inevitable mistakes that are a natural part of learning a language. Sometimes I think even you are surprised when the past tense just rolls off your tongue! I hope you continue to approach learning with the same sense of fun and curiosity; these are qualities that will take you far in Spanish and beyond. ¡Felicidades Owen!
SOCIAL STUDIES Award
ELISSA M. ’25
Elissa fully engages in the study of history and society and encourages us all to learn and grow with her. For her Civil Rights Project, she created a compelling research-based and artistically-rendered tribute to one of her heroes, Congressman John Lewis, and later shared his words with the entire school community. An active citizen of the world, Elissa suggested relevant topics of study for our class and made frequent connections between historical and current events. Her astute contributions to class discussions and probing, elaborate, and sometimes poetic written work benefited our entire class. Elissa, may you keep seeking “good trouble” as you shape your world.
mathematics Award
YEHYA A. ’25
Yehya, it is not often that I have a math student who is eager to share the mathematical proofs he finds fascinating on YouTube, yet you are that person. You are attentive, curious, and always looking for connections among the most seemingly disparate concepts. This allows you to form the steadfast foundation upon which you are building your knowledge. You make me a better mathematician, as I have not had to think in the ways you demand since I was pursuing my math major in college. I will never forget the time that you stumped me, and I had to bring your question to the entire math department for heated discussion before I could offer you some kind of explanation to your query. Keep wondering how and why math works, Yehya, and share those interesting videos.
