Baldwin’s Upper School Celebrates Achievements at 2026 Class Day

On June 2, Baldwin recognized outstanding Upper School students at Class Day in celebration of their high academic achievements and demonstration of Baldwin’s ideals in their everyday lives. These students received the following awards in recognition of the many contributions they have made as individuals to the Baldwin community.

 

The highest honor, The Baldwin Award — given to a senior who has distinguished herself in pursuit of excellence in academics, the arts, leadership, service and sensitivity to others. This year's recipient has been a constant at Baldwin: academically strong, athletically committed, and genuinely present in the life of this school from the beginning. A faculty member put it best: she is a "senior whose absence next year will really make our school feel a little less complete." That kind of tribute is not about grades or accolades. It is about the texture of a person, the way they show up every day, and make a place better simply by being in it. She is approachable to students in every grade, and she looks for reasons to celebrate others. In the classroom, she keeps her peers focused and on task. And she brings a quirky sense of humor that draws people together and makes learning genuinely fun. She is, in every sense, the kind of student a community is lucky to have. This year, The Baldwin Award is given with pleasure and pride to: Sabrina Cohen ’26.

 

Other awards include:

 

The White Blazer is awarded to a girl who has played on at least two varsity sports in her senior year and who represents the best qualities of sportsmanship: the ability to win and lose gracefully, act with integrity, take criticism willingly and show loyalty to her team. This award is voted on by students who have played on a team in the Upper School:  Nina Heverin-Alvarado ’26.

 

The Baldwin Class of 2003 Award, endowed by the members of the Class of 2003, commends an Upper School student for her dedication to academic pursuits, creative approach to leadership and strong sense of class unity. This year’s recipient is the kind of student who earns awards in physics, calculus, and poetry, and treats all three with equal seriousness. Her academic range is matched only by her genuine curiosity and her willingness to take risks in her learning. She serves as Editor in Chief of the Hourglass, co-captain of the cross-country team, and co-head of DECA. She founded and leads Baldwin's International Student Support Group. Beyond campus, she runs Dancers2Dancers, collecting like-new costumes and redistributing them to studios across the Philadelphia area, and heads Baldwin's chapter of the Tiger Woods Foundation, a math tutoring program serving students in Cobbs Creek. What unifies all of it is something harder to name. She does not do this work for recognition. She finds fulfillment in the work itself, operating with a quiet confidence and genuine warmth that her faculty and peers have come to deeply respect. She is, in every sense, exceptional. This year, the Class of 2003 Award was given to Kate Ma ’26.

The Baldwin Class of 2002 Award, established by the parents of the Class of 2002, is given to the senior who, through her personality and character, has made her class special for its members. This year's recipient is a strong student and a genuine contributor in the classroom, someone whose voice in discussion makes the learning better for everyone around her. But her character shows up most clearly beyond it. She led a community conversation, Being Black on the Mainline, with preparation and composure that earned the room's respect. At a local Community Center where she volunteers regularly, she moved through the space with confidence and warmth. In every setting, her signature is the same: genuine kindness and care for others. Her contributions to this community speak for themselves. She has organized ABC Week and Empty Bowls simultaneously, led the fashion show, and served as Senior Head of Service League, Model Congress, and BSU. On the track, she holds multiple school records and leads by example. As a Kit Reath Fellow, she has mentored underclasswomen and mediated conflicts with consistency and grace. As a sophomore, she initiated a fundraiser, which many of her classmates contributed to, to help seed a memorial scholarship fund in honor of her late great-grandmother, Aura Matilde, who with only a 3rd grade education herself believed in the power of education to transform lives. On May 31st, that seed money was awarded to the first two recipients of the Pa’lante: Latinas in STEM Scholarship, which awards two first-generation college students $2,500 toward their studies. This is again a testament to Nina’s service-in-action, as she continues to find ways to pull others up as she rises on her way! This year, the Class of 2002 Award goes to: Nina Heverin-Alvarado ’26.

The Baldwin Class of 1998 Award commends an Upper School student for her achievement, perseverance, and determination in the face of challenges. This year's recipient has faced obstacles that would stop most people in their tracks. She underwent multiple liver transplants at a young age. During the summer before her junior year, she lost her mother. She has navigated changes in housing, separation from her half-sister, and the kind of instability that makes simply showing up an act of courage. Through all of it, she has kept going. Academically, her growth has been extraordinary. Without the same foundational schooling many of her peers had, she set out to build what she needed. Her grades have risen steadily, not by chance, but through discipline, self-awareness, and a willingness to seek help and guidance. She approaches learning with maturity well beyond her years. But what will stay with those who know her is not the hardship she has survived. It is her spirit. Through long commutes, personal loss, and profound change, she remains upbeat, kind, and fully present. Her quiet resilience lifts the people around her without her ever asking for recognition in return.  She is, in every sense, exactly who this award was made for. This year’s Baldwin Class of 1998 Award winner is: Tavi Phinisee ’26.

 

The Rachel Shao Sun Award is a memorial tribute to a Baldwin mom and Board of Trustees member. This award recognizes scholarship, leadership, and character. This year's recipient brings all three, but it is the third that makes her truly exceptional. She is an outstanding student in mathematics and French, earning straight A's across her coursework. But what those who know her will tell you first is not her grades. It is the way she makes people feel. She is a humble, thoughtful presence who lifts others without ever seeking the spotlight. Her leadership is everywhere on this campus. She serves as Head of the Athletic Association, captain and MVP in both volleyball and dance, and a committed member of BSU, among many other roles. 

In each of them, she leads the same way: with warmth, positivity, and genuine care for the people around her. Beyond Baldwin, she gives her time each week in service to others. Not because she has to. Because that is who she is. She brings resilience and generosity to everything she does, and she represents, in the truest sense, exactly the kind of person this award was created to honor. It is an honor to award this year’s Rachel Shao Sun Award to: Ambea Nmah ’26.

The Caroline Simon Award given in honor of Caroline Simon, a Senior Trustee, goes to the Junior or Senior who, in the judgment of the Upper School faculty, has completed during the academic year an outstanding project, activity or body of work that demonstrates creativity, willingness to take a risk and sustained effort in the pursuit of academic excellence. This year there are two winners. Our first recipient has built a life of curiosity and action. She is an Alpine ski racer, a leader, a researcher, and a writer. Her interests span the law, history, and the social sciences, and what sets her apart is not simply that she pursues these passions but that she finds ways to weave them together. Over the past two years, she has done something rare for a student at any level: she wrote a book. A manuscript now spanning at least five chapters that combines a personal essay with original sociological research, exploring the tension every young person navigates between belonging and becoming oneself. Her faculty editor describes the work as impressive. She brings to the page the same rigor she has applied as a legal intern, a researcher at Penn Labs, and a volunteer in Constitutional and Ancient history education. She is receptive to feedback, committed to the craft, and already studying comparable works to sharpen her own. The title says it all: Fit In or Stand Out: An Adolescent's Memoir of Popularity. It is a question she has answered not just in words, but in how she lives. Congratulations to this year’s first Simon Award winner: Jennifer Ma ’26.

Our second recipient is consistently thoughtful, consistently curious, and consistently analytical. She does not skim the surface of a subject; she digs. She thrives when given the intellectual freedom to investigate, research, and go deep, and she does so with a rigor that is genuinely rare. That depth shows up everywhere. For her AT Senior History project, she immersed herself in hundreds of pages of memoirs documenting the Confederate attack on Chambersburg, Pennsylvania, during the Civil War. In the sciences, she has researched the BCL-2 gene in Drosophila S2 cells. These are not casual explorations. They are the work of someone who takes scholarship seriously. What strikes those who know her best is what she looks for at the end of that work: not just answers, but better questions. She comes out the other side of a deep inquiry with greater understanding and the appetite to learn more. That is the mark of a true scholar. Congratulations to this year’s second Simon Award winner: Angelica Tang ’26.

 

The Phi Beta Kappa Award is given to a student who embodies the ideals of academic achievement, character and a love of wisdom and learning. Our recipient has spent four years challenging herself in Baldwin's most rigorous courses and growing into one of the class’s top students, so it is no surprise she was chosen for this award. But what truly sets her apart is what happens in the work itself. She doesn't just pursue research; she inhabits it. She embraces the unglamorous, painstaking tasks that others overlook because she understands that meaningful results are built in those quiet moments. She finds those moments to advance her scientific research everywhere: community periods, G blocks, every spare stretch of time. Her growth hasn't only been academic though. Her confidence has blossomed, and her leadership has emerged through how she shows up for others. She collaborates, supports her peers with patience and kindness, and operates from the belief that success is something you share. This year’s Phi Beta Kappa Award goes to: Clara Gutstadt ’26.

 

The Fourteen Year Club recognizes students who have been at Baldwin from Pre-Kindergarten through Grade 12. This year there are four new members: Marissa Gist, Clara Gutstadt, Talia Smotkin, and Wren Vrooman-Bara.

The Thirteen Year Club recognizes students who have been at Baldwin from Kindergarten through Grade 12. This year there are three new members: Sabrina Cohen, Kayla Rippie, and Camila Tobon.

  

 

Most Valuable Manager Award: The most valuable manager award recognizes the essential role in the success of a team. This award is given to Carolina Cuevas ’28.

  

The Margot Cunningham Award was established in honor of Margot Cunningham who was a member of the Physical Education Department for 28 years. She was a dedicated teacher as well as a demanding and successful coach. This award is given to seniors who have played three sports for 4 years (12 seasons): Sabrina Cohen ’26 and Camila Tobon ’26.

 

The Lois Harlos Award was established in 1980 and reflects the high standards and the finest qualities of integrity and professionalism with which Mrs. Harlos led. This year the award goes to: Annapaola Fike ’26.

The Alice Comly Award was established in 1982 in honor of Mrs. Comly who was the Head of the Athletic and Physical Education Department for 17 years. This award commends wholehearted engagement and participation: Sabrina Cohen ’26.

The Pat West Award was established in 2002 to honor her service and leadership as Director of Athletics and Physical Education. This award is given annually to a sophomore or junior who has competed in at least one varsity sport and aspires to play at the college level: Elizabeth Baur ’27 and Milan Moriniere ’27.

 

The Ruth Davidon Elite Athlete Award was established in 2002 in honor of Ruth A. Davidon ’82. Ruth was a six-time national rowing champion who represented the United States in both the ‘96 and 2000 Olympics: Nina Heverin-Alvarado ’26.

 

The Tina Roak Award commends wholehearted participation in athletics, as well as creative and constructive leadership: Ambea Nmah ’26.

Senior Lamplighter Heads Recognition: The Lamplighter Heads take on a special leadership role at Baldwin, applying and interviewing for the position as 10th graders, and committing to the role for two years, recognizing that they are not allowed to run for any other student leadership positions as either a junior or senior. They, along with the rest of the Lamplighters, give up their free time, join us for Open Houses and other special events, help with evening and weekend activities, and help run the largest student group at the school. We honor our Senior Lamplighter Heads and thank them for their dedication and service: Marlayna Lichtenstein ’26 and Avni Pande ’26.

The National Merit Scholarship Corporation recognized three Baldwin seniors as finalists this year: Melina Intzes, Kate Ma, and Angelica Tang.

The Society of Women Engineers recognizes and honors high school women who have demonstrated excellence in the fields of mathematics and science for three years. Certificates were presented to seniors Melina Intzes, Claire Lu, and Kate Ma.

The Coughanowr Linguistics Award was given by Effie Natsis Coughanowr, mother of two Baldwin graduates, to honor the teaching and learning of languages. The award stipulates that the winner must take two or more years of Latin and at least two years of another language. This year’s award went to: Melina Intzes ’26.

The Eva Macklis Award is presented to the student who has a profound interest in and dedication to the Performing Arts. This year’s Award went to: Lyla Mason ’26.

 

 

This year, Baldwin introduced some new Junior awards that honor characteristics we value as a learning community and to continue the tradition of honoring our Juniors for their outstanding work and exceptional character.

Respect and Integrity Award: presented to a junior who exemplifies honesty, maturity, and responsibility. This student is respected by both faculty and peers for their caring and considerate nature. They demonstrate self-awareness, take responsibility for their actions, and set a strong example of integrity and character within the school community.  This year, the award goes to two juniors: Brenna Knox ’27 and Caroline Ma ’27.

 

Joy of Learning Award: recognizes a junior whose enthusiasm for discovery and curiosity elevate the academic experience for those around them. By going above and beyond in pursuit of understanding, this student creates a classroom environment that is both engaging and inspiring. Motivated by learning itself, this student contributes a positive, collaborative presence that makes school a joy for both teachers and classmates. This year, the award goes to two juniors: Kai Simpson ’27 and Fanta Sumaoro ’27.

 

Perseverance and Growth Award: recognizes a junior who exemplifies consistent effort, self-motivation, and meaningful academic growth. Through meetings with faculty, this student actively seeks feedback, advocates for their needs, and sets clearly defined goals. Their steady effort and improvement across classes reflect a strong commitment and dedication to personal and academic development. This year, the award goes to two juniors: Jordan Heinz ’27 and Ava Vigilante ’27.

 

Baldwin Distinguished Scholar Award: honors a junior whose academic achievement is matched by strength of character and thoughtful engagement in the life of the school. This student leads with purpose, humility, and a deep respect for others. This year, the award goes to: Yee-Yee Li ’27.

 

Harvard Book Award to a junior who is outstanding in scholarship, character and leadership: Sophie Kalish-Schur ’27.

University of Pennsylvania Book Award to the junior who best exemplifies the qualities and characteristics of Benjamin Franklin - a scholar, innovator, and one who serves the community: Aviva Kaplan ’27.

The University of Virginia Jefferson Book Award was established to recognize outstanding high school juniors who embrace creativity and innovation and embody the spirit of discovery, much like the University’s founder, Thomas Jefferson. This student is a demonstrated citizen leader who works to improve their community locally or globally: Lisa Tang ’27.

  

 

Fackenthal Award in Fine Arts at Baldwin: Kayla Rippie ’26

Art Department Award for Two-Dimensional Media: Yoyo Lu ’27

Jan Pethick Award for Three-Dimensional Media: Jennifer Ma ’26 and Devyn Slaughter ’26

Carolyn Oscar Memorial Art History Award: Lily Murphy ’26

Romelle Pethick Jewelry Award: Gwendolyn Haugen ’27

 

Lily Ross Taylor Cicero Award: Mia Huang ’28 and Sophia Kalish-Schur ’27  

Sarah Morris Lyric Poetry Prize: Wren Vrooman-Bara ’26  

The Richmond Lattimore Vergil Prize: Yee-Yee Li ’27  

Marian Gamble Award: Ella Esplin ’26

 

 

Computer Science Department Award: Clara Gutstadt ’26    

Engineering Award: Claire Lu ’26

 

 

Marian E. Stearns Prize: Macy Li ’26 and Violet Zhang ’26  

Diane Jarvis Hunter Prize: Sophia Chen ’26 and Ella Esplin ’26

Dorothy Pomerantz Wood ’89 Excellence in Writing Award: Emily Wang ’27  

 

Marthe C. Melchior Award: Macy Li ’26 and Ambea Nmah ’26  

Pierrette H. David Award: Lisa Wang ’26  and Clara Gutstadt ’26  

 

Mary Ellen Morris Prize: Shayla Bergen ’26

Harriet Haslett Crane Term Paper Prize: Eileen Wang ’27

 

 

Louise M. Hutchinson Memorial Award: Sierra Gilbert ’28  

Calculus Prize: Aviva Kaplan ’27 and Caroline Ma ’27   

Extraordinary Achievement in Mathematics: Lisa Wang ’26

 

Music Department Vocal Arts Award: Lisa Wang ’26

Music Department Instrumental Award: Laila Gopalani ’26

Eleanor Roberts Award: Shayla Bergen ’26

Cornelia Otis Skinner Award: Piper Skoglund ’26

Simpson Center Award for Theater Management: Ambea Nmah ’26  

 

Suzanne Valutas Physical Education Award: Shayla Bergen ’26

 

AAPT Certificates: Katharine Bachrach ’29, Claire Hsia ’29 and Xioran Yan ’29  

The Elizabeth Chesick Prize in Physics: Amelia Adamo ’29 and Amelia Nicklas ’29

ACS Certificate: Elena Mantini ’28 and Vaness Xu ’28  

Elizabeth Cobb Prize in Chemistry: Ipek Ergin ’28

NABT Certificate in Biology: Aviva Kaplan ’27 and Sophie Smith ’27  

Kathy Graub Prize in Biology: Lisa Tang ’27  

The Science Research Award: Clara Gutstadt ’26 and Marlayna Lichtenstein ’26   

Rosamond Cross Prize in Science: Angelica Tang ’26

Escritoras del Mundo Hispano Award: Laila Gopalani ’26 and Angelica Tang ’26

Katherine Bell Brown Award: Dani Loveman ’27