Baldwin's Upper School Celebrates Student Achievements at Class Day 2025

On June 3, 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 is described as a student whose drive, leadership and positivity truly make her one of a kind. As co-editor of both the Hourglass and co-head of Model Congress, she has demonstrated exceptional organizational skills, created a supportive environment for all and has been instrumental in the tremendous success of both organizations, particularly in mentoring younger members. In class, she’s both a curious learner and a thoughtful collaborator, always eager to ask meaningful questions, learn from her peers and bring joy to the process. She never backs down from a challenge — whether she’s building compound levers in Engineering, coding “Wordle” in Computer Science or leading the charge at Model Congress 2025. Her determination, grit and high standards push her to excel, and she brings that same energy to uplifting those around her. She handles setbacks with grace, meets every task with enthusiasm and infuses every classroom she’s in with laughter, insight and heart. This year, The Baldwin Award is given with pleasure and pride to: Avani Shah-Lipman ’25.

 

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: Meg Davis ’25.

 

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 a truly exceptional student whose intellectual curiosity, dedication and collaborative spirit truly set her apart. In every class, she brings a thoughtful energy, asking sharp, insightful questions and offering perspectives that elevate the conversation for everyone. Her ability to connect complex theories to real-world situations shows a depth of understanding and critical thinking that inspires her peers to push themselves further. During her internship at the University of Pennsylvania in the summer of 2024, she proved herself not just as a capable thinker, but as a team player who listens, learns and leads with humility. Beyond academics, she is one of the kindest, most genuine people you’ll ever meet — someone who lifts others up, spreads quiet joy, and makes every space better just by being in it. Her musical talent is breathtaking, not just because of her natural ability, but because of the heart, discipline and passion she pours into every performance with the B-Flats. Whether she’s walking into rehearsal with everything memorized or helping a friend gain confidence on stage, she leads with grace and generosity. She never seeks recognition, but she absolutely deserves it. This year, the Class of 2003 Award was given to Amelia Dennis ’25.

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. The award recognizes the winner’s sensitivity toward others, kindness, dedication and approachability. This year’s award winner is a curious, creative and dedicated student whose passion for learning elevates every classroom she’s in. Her love of learning goes far beyond academics — she stays informed, asks bold questions and applies her knowledge to real-world challenges, from biodegradation of plastics to carbon capture. Her bench research at the University of Pennsylvania and other hands-on learning experiences reflect her deep commitment to scientific inquiry. In class, she brings energy, insight and a genuine fascination that inspires her peers and sets the tone for thoughtful discussion. Over the past four years she has balanced academic excellence with warmth, humor and kindness — always lifting others up and creating a supportive, connected learning environment while bringing joy to every classroom and interaction. This year, the Class of 2002 Award goes to: Emily Sidlow ’25.

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 consistently puts forth tremendous effort, taking the time and care necessary to complete tasks thoroughly and thoughtfully. She has demonstrated exceptional growth in mastering the French language, culture and literature, exhibiting diligence, precision and a drive to continually improve. Her intellectual curiosity and quiet confidence set her apart, especially in computer science, where she blended creativity and technical skill. Whether coding a bitmap version of Starry Night, mentoring classmates or developing a program to gain an edge - and eventually secure a win - in the Senior Splishy Splash game, she has managed every challenge with a smile and a positive attitude. She brings a unique mix of humor, humility and leadership to every space she’s in. Always the first to greet others with warmth, she supports her peers with patience and grace, making her both a standout student and a deeply valued member of the Baldwin community. This year’s Baldwin Class of 1998 Award winner is: Gabbi Reiser ’25.

 

The Rachel Shao Sun Award is a memorial tribute to a Baldwin mom and Board of Trustees member. This honor is awarded to a senior who has exhibited academic excellence, leadership, warmth, good humor and the ability to be a true friend. She is a passionate, curious and wise student whose presence has deeply shaped the AT Senior History class and the broader school community. A natural leader and intellectual force, she dives into complex historical texts with energy and insight, guiding discussions with thoughtful questions that elevate learning for everyone. Her love of learning extends beyond the classroom — whether writing and publishing poetry, supporting peers in math or pursuing ambitious history projects, she consistently operates beyond her years. As senior head of ASA, she led Asian Cultural Night with heart and vision, transforming it into a celebration of diversity and unity through tireless effort and grace under pressure. Her dedication, humility and ability to build community through care and integrity make her a truly remarkable student and leader. It is an honor to award this year’s Rachel Shao Sun Award to: Emi Maeda ’25.

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. She takes great pride in her learning and is deeply committed to her academics, approaching challenges with persistence, curiosity and a wide range of interests — from chemistry to 20th-century French philosophy. Though she’s comfortable working independently, she thrives in collaborative environments where problem-solving and camaraderie go hand in hand. Thoughtful and purposeful, she participates in class when she has something meaningful to add, often taking intellectual risks and welcoming feedback as a way to grow. Her insightful contributions in French literature reveal advanced analytical skills, and in Advanced Design and Projects, she channeled her passion for animals, biology, math and engineering into designing a mechanical jellyfish — overcoming setbacks with determination and enthusiasm, commenting, “If soldering is this easy, why do people pay a plumber to do it? I can just do it myself!” Whether soldering pipes or cheering on her classmates, she consistently brings kindness, humility and a quiet sense of humor to everything she does, helping to foster a supportive and inclusive learning environment. Congratulations to this year’s Simon Award winner: Allie Meng ’25.

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. This year’s winner is an exceptionally hardworking and intellectually curious student whose deep understanding and critical thinking consistently elevate classroom discussions — especially in her science classes, where she challenges norms and shares original ideas. She combines sharp insight with humor and humility, creating a classroom environment that’s both thought-provoking and fun, noted by one of her teachers who commented “she is truly one of the funniest students I’ve had the pleasure of teaching, she has made our classroom a fun and engaging place to learn.” Her ability to connect theory to real-world issues, her openness to diverse perspectives and her relentless drive — whether in academics, athletics or collaboration — make her a standout student and a model of Baldwin’s values. Most importantly, she brings joy to the classroom. This year’s Phi Beta Kappa Award goes to: Katie McCullough ’25.

 

The Fourteen Year Club recognizes students who have been at Baldwin from Pre-Kindergarten through Grade 12. This year there are seven new members: Charly Landow, Lexi McCurdy, Bella Murray, Riya Rao and Gabbi Reiser.

The Thirteen Year Club recognizes students who have been at Baldwin from Kindergarten through Grade 12. This year there are seven new members: Tori Benjamin, Daria Scharf and Atlas Viroslav.

 

The National Merit Scholarship Corporation recognized 11 Baldwin seniors as finalists this year: Amelia Dennis, Summer He, Ananya Kaushal, Katie McCullough, Allison Meng, Leela Rajagopal, Avani Shah-Lipman, Greyson Walko, Georgia Jane Whamond, Brooke Woo and Mindy Zhang. Baldwin also had four winners of the National Merit Scholarship: Summer He, who will be attending New York University; Allie Meng, who will be attending University of Pennsylvania; Avani Shah-Lipman, who will be attending Harvard University; and Georgia Jane Whamond, who will be attending University of Pennsylvania.

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 of highest honors were presented to seniors Julia Baur, Ananya Kaushal and Leela Rajagopal.

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 winner is an exceptional student with a genuine passion for language studies. During her time at Baldwin, she studied Latin and French for four years in the Upper School and chose to take the Introduction to Ancient Greek elective in her senior year. Her enthusiasm, consistency and deep appreciation for each language, modern or ancient, as well as its culture and literature, make her a true role model among her peers. This student has been an exemplary Latin student throughout her Baldwin career. She is often the first to offer a possible translation when sight reading and approaches all assignments with a high attention to detail. This year, she was awarded a summa cum laude award for her manuscript page based on Catullus 68 titled "The Art of Drowning: Lyrical Love and Loss in Catullus 68" in the Philadelphia Classical Society’s Latin Week Competition. She also placed summa cum laude in PCS's academic competition and earned a gold medal on the National Latin Exam’s Advanced Reading Comprehension exam. In all her language classes, this student demonstrated excellence, genuine curiosity and a strong desire to deepen her understanding by engaging thoughtfully with the course material. She frequently volunteered to lead meaningful conversations and further enriched the classroom experience. This year’s award went to: Brooke Woo ’25.

The Eva Macklis Award is presented to the student who has a profound interest in and dedication to the Performing Arts. This year’s recipient has been a constant presence on Baldwin stages as a singer and a performer. She has played large roles in four mainstage musicals and two senior projects, she is Senior Head of Maskers and she has been a member of B Flats for 4 years running. She is always ready to bring joy and vibrancy to any room, or low alto harmony at a moment’s notice. She leads by example, and her empathy, insight and open heart shine for all to see. This year’s Eva Macklis Award went to: Anya Okechukwu ’25.

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: Bela Ahn, Tori Benjamin and Avery Cavanaugh.

  

 

Most Valuable Manager Award: The most valuable manager award recognizes the essential role in the success of a team. This award is given to Annie Cahill ’25 and Marisa McKinley ’25.

  

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): Bela Ahn, Meg Davis, Sabine Kim, Charly Landow, Lexi McCurdy and Addison Milner.

 

The Lois Harlos Award was established in 1980 in honor of Mrs. Harlos, who at that time retired after 16 years as Head of the Athletic and Physical Education Department. In her years as Head, Lois set high standards and she represented the finest qualities of integrity and professionalism. This year the award goes to: Anya Berlanska ’25.

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: Bela Ahn ’25 and Lexi McCurdy ’25.

The Pat West Award was established in 2002 by Sarah Goodstine, her family and friends of Pat West. Pat West was Director of Athletics and Physical Education for 21 years at the Baldwin School. The Pat West Award is given every year to a sophomore or junior girl who has played at least one varsity sport and aspires to play at the college level. In her team experiences at Baldwin, she has demonstrated dedication and strong sportsmanship: Nina Heverin-Alvarado ’26.

 

The Ruth Davidon Elite Athlete Award was established in 2002 by Gwinn Heilner Scott ’58, in honor of Ruth A. Davidon ’82. Ruth was six time single and double sculler national champion and a member of the US National team for four straight years. She rowed in the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta, GA and in the 2000 Olympics in Sydney, Australia. This year, the award honors an elite field hockey player: Addison Ford ’25.

 

The Tina Roak Award is also given by the Athletic and Physical Education Department. It commends whole-hearted participation in athletics throughout the years at Baldwin as well as creative and constructive leadership: Addison Milner ’25.

 

Inter-Ac League Athletic Directors’ Award is given by the league in honor of past Athletic Directors. The award is presented annually to a senior girl who has been a multi-sport varsity athlete and has exemplified the following characteristics: dedication to their team and school, outstanding representative of the Inter-Ac League, sportsmanship and leadership. Each Inter-Ac school nominates one senior girl: Charly Landow ’25.

Harvard Book Award to a junior who is outstanding in scholarship, character and leadership: Kate Ma ’26.

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: Laura Messemore ’26.

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: Nina Heverin-Alvarado ’26.

 

Rensselaer Medal is awarded to a junior who excels in advanced math and science courses, demonstrates potential for success in a challenging academic setting and has significant involvement in extracurricular activities. This year's awardee is Sabrina Cohen ’26.

 

Smith Book Award is awarded to an outstanding junior who exemplifies academic achievement and leadership qualities. Student is from the top tenth of the class and serves as an example of scholarship and community service: Laila Gopalani ’26.

 

Yale Book Award to a junior of outstanding personal character and intellectual promise: Annapaola Fike ’26. 

  

 

Fackenthal Award in Fine Arts at Baldwin: Catherine Cai ’25

Art Department Award for Two-Dimensional Media: Sabine Kim ’25 and Greyson Walko ’25

Jan Pethick Award for Three-Dimensional Media: Anna Magarelli ’25 and Emily Sidlow ’25

Carolyn Oscar Memorial Art History Award: Stefano Guo ’25

Romelle Pethick Jewelry Award: Marisa McKinley ’25

 

Lily Ross Taylor Cicero Award: Mano Thirumran ’27

Sarah Morris Lyric Poetry Prize: Caroline Fenton ’25

The Richmond Lattimore Vergil Prize: Melina Intzes ’26

Marian Gamble Award: Ellie Shin ’25

 

 

Computer Science Department Award: Rae Mirin ’25 and Gabbi Reiser ’25  

Engineering Award: Ananya Kaushal ’25

 

 

Marian E. Stearns Prize: Greyson Walko ’25

Diane Jarvis Hunter Prize: Rae Mirin ’25

Baldwin Creative Writing Award: Macy Li ’26 and Riya Rao ’25  

 

Marthe C. Melchior Award: Caroline Fenton ’25 and Sana Goyal ’25

Pierrette H. David Award: Allie Meng ’25 and Riya Rao ’25

 

Mary Ellen Morris Prize: Emi Maeda ’25

Harriet Haslett Crane Term Paper Prize: Sophia Chen ’26

 

 

Louise M. Hutchinson Memorial Award: Lisa Tang ’27

Calculus Prize: Kate Ma ’26  

Extraordinary Achievement in Mathematics: Bethany Yang ’25

 

Music Department Vocal Arts Award: Meg South ’25

Music Department Instrumental Award: Amelia Tang ’25

Eleanor Roberts Award: Bethany Yang ’25

Cornelia Otis Skinner Award: Kathryn Crispo ’25

Simpson Center Award for Theater Management: Marisa McKinley ’25  

 

Suzanne Valutas Physical Education Award: Copper Forbes ’25

 

AAPT Certificates: Milan DeShields ’28, Ipek Ergin ’28 and Alicia Lu ’28  

The Elizabeth Chesick Prize in Physics: Charlotte Grant ’28

ACS Certificate: Kyla Walker ’27, Yee-Yee Li ’27 and Sophie Kalish-Schur ’27  

Elizabeth Cobb Prize in Chemistry: Aviva Kaplan ’27

NABT Certificate in Biology: Ella Esplin ’26 and Clara Gutstadt ’26

Kathy Graub Prize in Biology: Angelica Tang ’26  

The Science Research Award: Lexi McCurdy ’25   

Rosamond Cross Prize in Science: Katie McCullough ’25

Escritoras del Mundo Hispano Award: Avani Shah-Lipman ’25

Katherine Bell Brown Award: Amelia Dennis ’25  

Learn more about Baldwin's Upper School here.