2020 - 2021 Senior Award Recipients
Welcome to our 2020-2021 Senior Awards! Scroll down to see our recipients. Congratulations to them all!
The John Amos Comenius Award
John Amos Comenius, the great 17th-century Moravian bishop once wrote:
“Everyone ought to receive a universal education.”
The Moravian founders of Bethlehem believed that the responsibility of the church and its community to their children was to develop spiritual as well as physical and mental growth.
In recognition of outstanding academic achievement, this award, in honor of John Amos Comenius, is presented to Angela Chen.
National Merit Scholarship Program Finalists
The PSAT/NMSQT is the qualifying test that students must take to enter the National Merit Scholarship competitions. Of the more than 1.5 million students who take the exam, there are 15,000 finalists and eventually, 8,200 students will earn special scholarships.
We have two students to recognize for their achievements in this program as National Merit Finalists.
Angela Chen
Sara Xiao
Quiz Bowl/Scholastic Scrimmage
Congratulations to the Quiz Bowl team for an outstanding year! Both the A and B teams enjoyed much success through their participation in five invitational tournaments. The A Team continued to improve as the season progressed, placing 2nd in February’s and 1st in April’s varsity division of the Greater Pennsylvania Quiz Bowl Invitationals.
Both teams competed in the Small School National Championship Tournament in April, with A Team earning an astonishing 5th place finish. Though these departing senior members will be missed, the team looks forward to continued improvement and success in the fall.
A Team
Angela Chen (Captain)
A Team
Grace Sanborn
B Team
Dierdre Hoffman (Co-Captain)
B Team
Maclaine Oskin
National French Competition Recognition
Le Grand Concours, or the National French Contest, is sponsored each year by the American Association of Teachers of French. Students take an exam each spring to be ranked on regional and national levels. Moravian Academy French students once again met the challenge and achieved high distinction. While many more were ranked in the top 10 on the regional level, the following seniors received national recognition.
Grace Sanborn
Pepper Ritchey
American Mathematics Competition Recognition
Each year the Mathematical Association of America sponsors the American Mathematics Competitions -- a challenging 75-minute contest in which 25 questions must be answered without a calculator.
Our top scorer this year is Neha Skandan. Neha’s name will appear on a perpetual plaque honoring school AMC winners.
Our top scorer this year is Neha Skandan. Neha’s name will appear on a perpetual plaque honoring school AMC winners.
The President's Education Award 2020
This award is presented to students who have earned at least an A- in all major academic courses for all four quarters of the current school year.
Emily Alchaer
Paige Busch
Angela Chen
Audrey Dai
Aleksander Krupka
Amelia Loftus
Lila Mangino
Paige Busch
Angela Chen
Audrey Dai
Aleksander Krupka
Amelia Loftus
Lila Mangino
Kyla Manja
Emma McWilliams
Krysta Nichols
Nader Rifai
Pepperrell Ritchey
Grace Sanborn
Emma McWilliams
Krysta Nichols
Nader Rifai
Pepperrell Ritchey
Grace Sanborn
Neha Skandan
Niketh Surya
Mason Tran
Olivia Wee
Sara Xiao
Henrik Zahl-Batlle
Niketh Surya
Mason Tran
Olivia Wee
Sara Xiao
Henrik Zahl-Batlle
U.S. Presidential Scholars
The White House Commission on Presidential Scholars selects scholars annually based on their academic success, artistic and technical excellence, essays, school evaluations, and transcripts, as well as evidence of community service, leadership, and demonstrated commitment to high ideals.
This year, Neha Skandan was among only seventeen Pennsylvanians to reach to semi-finals of this most selective program.
Cum Laude Inductees
The Cum Laude Society was founded in 1906 to give appropriate recognition to scholastic achievement at the secondary school level. The society was modeled on Phi Beta Kappa, to encourage and reward the student scholar. The motto of the Cum Laude Society is based on the virtues of Areté (“Air eh tay”), Diké (“Dee Kay”), and Timé (“Tee May”) – Excellence, Justice and Honor.
Membership is limited to a maximum of the top twenty percent of any graduating class. The basis for selection is academic achievement, rigor of academic program, and academic integrity.
The following members of the Class of 2021 were inducted into the Cum Laude Society last year as juniors:
Angela Chen
Deirdre Hoffman
Krysta Nichols
Maclaine Oskin
Grace Sanborn
Neha Skandan
Sara Xiao
In addition to those members, the following seniors qualify for membership:
Emily Alchaer
Audrey Dai
Aleksander Krupka
Lila Mangino
Emma McWilliams
Niketh Surya
Olivia Wee
These students carry on the tradition of taking the most demanding courses and attaining high grades. As a group they have completed Advanced Placement courses, Honors courses and academic endeavors beyond the school program. All of these students have demonstrated that, for them, learning does not end at the conclusion of the class day. The common thread in their quest for knowledge is their frankly expressed enjoyment of learning. They are excellent role models and honorable individuals who bring credit to this institution.
The Emma Hoch Award for English
Miss Emma and Miss Helena Hoch were educated at Linden Hall Moravian school in Lititz, and in 1893 came into service of Moravian Seminary School for Girls. Miss Emma taught for 39 years; Miss Helena for 50. They were beloved and well-respected by the many generations of young students who felt fortunate to have them as teachers and friends.
This year, the Hoch award is presented to Audrey Dai.
The Dorothy Tyler Award for Global Languages
Presented for outstanding contributions in global languages. Dorothy Tyler, a dedicated teacher of foreign languages at Moravian Preparatory School and chairperson of the foreign language department at Moravian College, inspired her students to pursue excellence in global languages. This award is given in her honor. This year’s recipients are:
Lila Mangino
Grace Sanborn
The Countess Benigna von Zinzendorf Award in History
On May 4, 1742, Countess Henrietta Benigna, the daughter of Count Nicholas Ludwig von Zinzendorf, a benefactor of the renewed Moravian Church, began a school for girls in Germantown, Pennsylvania, and in June, the school moved to Bethlehem. This girls’ school, later known as the Moravian Seminary for Young Ladies at Bethlehem, was the first girls’ boarding school in the thirteen colonies. Moravian Academy traces its roots to Countess Benigna’s School.
This year, the Countess Benigna von Zinzendorf Award for superior achievement in history is presented to Leila Pervizpour.
The Albert de Neufville Award for Mathematics
Dr. de Neufville, a former Board member for Moravian Seminary for Girls and Moravian Academy, was a distinguished Professor of Mechanics at Lehigh University and had a lifelong interest in Mathematics.
This award is given in his memory by his family and wife, Naomi Haupert de Neufville. Mrs. de Neufville served as Headmistress for Moravian Seminary for Girls, taught French at Moravian Preparatory School, and was herself a member of the Moravian Academy Board of Trustees. This year’s recipients are:
Neha Skandan
Krysta Nichols
| Science Department Awards |
Biology
This award is presented to a senior student for superior achievement in the field of biological science.
This year’s recipient is Neha Skandan.
Computational Science
This award is presented to a senior student for superior achievement in the field of computational science.
This year’s recipients are Alek Krupka and Sara Xiao.
Physics
This award is presented to a senior student for superior achievement in the field of physical science.
This year’s recipient is Angela Chen.
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Arts Department Awards
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The Cyphers/Littner Award in Music
Established in memory of Mary Heller Cyphers and Mrs. Wanda Cyphers Littner, this award is presented for superior ability and interest in music. This year’s recipients are.
Theatre Arts
This award is presented to senior students for superior achievement in Theatre Arts. This year’s recipients are:
Angela Chen
Krysta Nichols
Emma Gross
Deborah Katz
The Ruth D. Loquasto Technical Theatre Award
Presented for outstanding contributions in technical theatre. This year’s recipients are:
Studio Art
This award goes to senior students who have demonstrated outstanding achievements in art. For their accomplishments and passion, this year’s recipients are:
Ana Endress
Stephen Ender
Chloe Wreaks
Drawing/Painting
Joshua Sobiech
Photography/Filmmaking
| Athletic Awards |
Outstanding Athlete Award
The Athletic Department and the upper school varsity coaches have the opportunity to recognize one young woman and one young man for their outstanding contributions and accomplishments on the fields, courts, or in the pool. Beyond athletic contributions, coaches also consider citizenship and community involvement in the determination of the recipients.
Ben Borsuk
Paige Busch
Colonial League Academic All-Stars
The Colonial League selects one boy and one girl athlete from each member school as Academic All-Stars. The All-Stars excelled in the classroom, were strong performers in their sports, volunteered in their communities, played leadership roles in their schools and have shown outstanding citizenship. This year, Moravian Academy's Academic All-Stars are:
Benjamin Borsuk
Grace Sanborn
The Heart of the Lion
The Heart of the Lion was created to recognize student-athletes who have made special contributions to the athletic program over the course of their career at Moravian Academy. This year's Heart of the Lion is Mason Tran.
United States Military Academy Appointment Recognition
Sons of the American Revolution Award*
This award, sponsored by the Valley Forge Chapter of the SAR, commemorates those who sacrificed their lives in the war for independence, aims to foster true patriotism, and promotes the values expressed in the Preamble to the Constitution. Recipients exhibit the characteristics of dependability, cooperation, leadership, patriotism, and personality. This year’s recipient is Lila Mangino.
Daughters of the American Revolution Award
The Daughters of the American Revolution, founded in 1890 and headquartered in Washington, D.C., is a non-profit, non-political volunteer women's service organization dedicated to promoting patriotism, preserving American history, and securing America's future through better education for children. This year’s recipient, selected by her classmates based on character and contributions, is Elizabeth John.
Community Service Award
This award is presented to senior students to acknowledge extensive and excellent service records. Community Service Award recipients have demonstrated a deep commitment to one or more charitable organizations and have been outstanding representatives of Moravian Academy in the larger community. This year’s recipient is Neha Skandan.
Service to the School*
The Service to the School Award recognizes seniors who have made significant contributions to the life of Moravian Academy. This year’s recipients are:
For her outstanding work as a class officer and her leadership of the Engineering, Medicine, and Biology activity, for which she worked tirelessly to make every session effective and to connect with students in the lower grades.
For his leadership on the soccer team, as an ambassador, tour guide, chairing the Student Advancement team, and supporting and encouraging Jewish life on campus.
For her consistent leadership on Student Council, her positive energy, curiosity, sense of humor, analytical skill, and willingness to share thoughts and ideas that enrich the classroom experience for everyone.
For her leadership of Operation Smile, including the state leadership council for the organization, participation in athletics and hand bells, and her infectious energy and enthusiasm.
For her quiet, steady contributions to the intellectual life of our school.
For founding the Pep Band, and for his behind-the-scenes work in the auditorium, especially in support of Chapel programs.
For her exuberant contributions to the arts, community service, and the classroom, including vocal music ensembles, GSA, ambassadors, mentors, Lions' Clubhouse, peer tutoring, and student government.
For her vitality, her kindness, and her consistently outstanding contributions to the academic and athletic life of MA.
For her leadership as president, student leader, and volunteer with the National Arts Honor Society.
For her contributions to music and theatre, supporting Chapel programs as a frequent reader, her enthusiasm, kindness, and her dedication to social justice.
For his advocacy of Computer Science as an academic program and a club, his dedication to the Robotics team, and his willingness to support younger, beginning students in both.
For "Masks for Moravian," his contributions to Pride Mentors, Ambassadors, Chess Club, and Student Council, and for sharing his faith and perspective in Chapel.
For her leadership and accomplishments in Swimming, her extraordinary work ethic, maturity, warmth, and the respect she has consistently shown to her teachers and peers.
For his consistent and tireless dedication to creating and championing organizations for students of color, the LGBTQ community, and women to feel heard, seen, and empowered, and for his courage in speaking up for decency, inclusion, and respect.
For his contributions as Red and Gold Games Day photographer, designer of the 2020 Upper School holiday card, member of the LGBTQ+ Alliance, and for his kindness and advocacy for fairness and inclusion.
For her leadership as Model UN President, Editor-in-Chief of The Green Ponderer literary magazine, and a member of Model Congress, and her indefatigable dedication to learning.
For her leadership in athletics and student government, her inquisitive mind in the classroom, and her energetic school spirit.
The Arnav Krishna Relentless Positivity Award
The Arnav Krishna Relentless Positivity Award is presented to an upperclass student, selected by classmates, who has exemplified the spirit of Relentless Positivity throughout his or her high school years.
"... there is always hope and you should always strive to find it, even if it seems impossible. I have learned a lot from this experience, and I hope that it can help change the mindset of other people like it has changed mine." -- Arnav Krishna, Class of 2020
This year's award is presented to Paige Busch.
This year's award is presented to Paige Busch.
The Frederic Butet Award*
Fred Butet was a scholar and athlete whose enthusiasm for life and academic achievement inspired his classmates, teachers, and friends. This award is presented, in memory of him, to two members of the senior class who exhibit the qualities of sportsmanship, love of learning, and exuberance. This year’s recipients are:
Jason Jiang
Seyla Velez
The Frances H. Storrs Award*
This award, in honor of a former member of the faculty, is presented to senior students who most nearly exemplify the qualities that endeared Miss Storrs to those who knew her. For exhibiting gentleness, understanding, respect for others, and a devotion to learning, this year's two recipients are:
Neha Skandan
Angela Chen
The Elizabeth K. Miller Award*
Elizabeth K. Miller was an unflagging worker for the good of Moravian Academy. Beginning in 1970 as alumni secretary for the Moravian Seminary for Girls, she held a variety of positions throughout her time at the school, including Director of Admissions and Assistant to the Headmaster. The Upper School faculty presents this award to two seniors who exemplify great vitality, kindness, understanding, devotion to truth, and common sense in their service to Moravian. This year's recipients are:
Amelia Loftus
Emma McWilliams
The Dr. Edwin A. Sawyer Award*
This award, established by the Board of Trustees in 1974, is given in honor of The Reverend Edwin A. Sawyer, founding president of Moravian Academy. It is awarded to a senior who clearly exemplifies those qualities that characterize a gentleman or a gentlewoman in the finest sense of the word—humility, gentleness, honesty, humor, and a responsible concern for others. This year’s recipient is Grace Sanborn.
* Selected by the Faculty
Employees of Moravian Academy may not nominate members of their own family for awards, honors, or recognitions. Academy employees do not participate in meetings or discussions pertaining to awards presented to students in any family member's class year.
Employees of Moravian Academy may not nominate members of their own family for awards, honors, or recognitions. Academy employees do not participate in meetings or discussions pertaining to awards presented to students in any family member's class year.
