Winter Awards Ceremony 2025

On March 28, the Westminster School community gathered in Werner Centennial Center to celebrate the accomplishments of scholars, artists and athletes and to recognize members of the community for their commitment to the school during the winter term.

Head of School Elaine White opened the ceremony by reflecting on her high school years in the late 1970s at an all-girls Catholic school, where limited sports opportunities and spirited bus rides with teammates shaped her love of community and resilience. A favorite anthem, Bette Midler’s The Rose, became a fight song, symbolizing a refusal to live in fear or hold back. She praised students for embodying that same courage and tenacity throughout the challenges of a New England winter—whether in academics, athletics, or the arts. She reaffirmed that on Williams Hill students live fully, take chances, and lead with heart. 

“As we gather to celebrate the accomplishments of our community during the winter term, we are reminded of the hard work, dedication and teamwork that defined the season. From academic excellence to athletic achievements, this is a moment to honor those who have excelled in various areas.” 

Academic Dean Betsy Heckman announced the names of students who earned the honor of Summus for the winter term.

Class of 2028
Hyunwoo Chung
Candice Hong
Issac Kwon
Blair Li
Rafa Rodrigues
Sean Tang
Chloe Zhao
Max Zong

Class of 2027
Kaitlyn Buda
Anna Hassett
Charlotte Jin
Caedence Jurczyk
Jaelyn Kang
Liesel Kocourek
Andrew Ma
Gianna Monaco
Jack Owens
Saleha Rahimi
Luca Romano

Class of 2026
Nathan Blackak
Caroline Breslav
Finn Cathey
Carson Craig
John Dwyer
Hayley Fineberg
Pippa Jiranek
Elsa Koh
Tyler Ungerman
Virginia Whiting
Luna Yang
Sabrina Yang

Class of 2025
Blake Burke
Hadley Crowther
Jason Hu
Cindion Huang
Cooper Kraus
Meiyin Ren
Finn Seeley
Lily Vincent
Viktoriia Voitiuk
Allysen Whitehead
Jennifer Yang

Before announcing the awards, Athletic Director Timothy Joncas ’00 recognized athletes for their grit and determination despite the challenges of winter, competing in more than 350 contests and breaking personal, school and New England records. Highlights included championship wins in swimming, a strong finish from boys’ varsity ice hockey and notable squash victories. Joncas noted his pride in the effort, teamwork and sportsmanship displayed throughout the season.

Named in honor of Richard P. “Scott” Berry, loyal faculty member, coach and friend from 1971 to 2017. This award recognizes a player from each lower team who gave their best effort and demonstrated the best attitude throughout the season.

JV Boys Basketball: Ethan Hernandez ’27

Thirds Boys Basketball: Caden Cramer ’27

JV Girls Basketball: Avauni Anderson ’25

JV Boys Hockey: Thomas Merrill ’28

Thirds Boys Hockey: Lorny Goodyear ’25

JV Girls Hockey: Lucy Wainwright ’25

JV Boys Squash: Will Henry ’26

Thirds Boys Squash: Gideon Williams ’27

JV Girls Squash: Clara Covill ’26

Thirds Girls Squash: Caroline Breslav ’26

Fourths Squash: Sarah Eddy ’25

Paddle Tennis: Virginia Whiting ’26

Most Improved Player: Ethan Villacis ’27

Keyes Foul Shooting Award: Jayden Reid ’25

Donald H. Werner Most Valuable Player: Ethan Griffin ’26

Most Improved Player: Gianna Monaco ’27

Keyes Foul Shooting Award: Eva Rodgers ’25

Most Valuable Player: Lauren Neuman ’25

Talbot-Edwards Most Improved Player: Natasha Johnson ’27

Fritz Zeller MVP: Sophia Lazor ’27

Talbot-Edwards Most Improved Player: Ryan Sun ’28
Fritz Zeller MVP: James Teng ’26

Most Improved Swimmer and Diver: Matthew O’Connell ’25

Preston “Pete” Test Most Valuable Swimmer and Diver: John Dwyer ’26

Most Improved Swimmer and Diver: Isla Cauchi ’28 and Ellie Mallett ’28

Most Valuable Swimmer and Diver: Hayden Schneider ’25

Most Improved Player: Ruby Robertson ’28

Most Valuable Player: Adrienne Hall ’25

Most Improved Player: Michael Rossi ’26

Most Valuable Players: Jack Fichthorn ’26 and Blake Burke ’25

Honors the athlete from each varsity team who demonstrated the greatest sportsmanship, consistent effort and inspired performance throughout the season.

Boys Basketball: Cayden Darnowski ’25

Girls Basketball: Lauren Neuman ’25

Boys Hockey: Cullen Horn ’25

Girls Hockey: Remi Morello ’25

Boys Squash: Jason Hu ’25

Girls Squash: Anna Min ’27
Boys Swim/Dive: Reggie Kanu ’25 and Sam Hyde ’25

Girls Swim/Dive: Ellie Pearman ’25

Presented to varsity athletes who best exemplify the League’s ideals of sportsmanship, hard work and character in the spirit of competition and fair play.

Boys Basketball: Declan Cody ’25

Girls Basketball: Lily Murphy ’25 and Kaitlyn Buda ’27

Boys Hockey: JJ Hurley ’25 and Derek Rhodes ’25

Girls Hockey: Mana Shida ’25 and Bella Zapata ’27

Boys Squash: Ben Swift ’25

Girls Squash: Emily Fonner ’26

Boys Swim/Dive: Will Larock ’26

Girls Swim/Dive: Lily Raskind ’25

Named in honor of Richard Hopley and Michael Jackson, long-time lower team coaches. Given each season to the Westminster lower team with the best season.

Winner: JV Girls’ Hockey

Coaches: Bill Sistare and Skye Lynn Dougherty
Captains: Tilly Lynch ’25, Liza Merrill ’25, Lucy Wainwright ’25, and Lily Vincent ’25

Named in honor of Frederick Houghton, Class of ’32, trustee, friend and fan. Given each season to the Westminster team with the best season.

Winner: Boys Varsity Hockey Team

Coaches: Tim Joncas, Ben Harff and Jay Keough
Captains: Cullen Horn ’25 and JJ Hurley ’25

Frances Laurel Hopkins Award
Awarded for outstanding contributions to Dramat: Elise Park ’25

Awarded to individuals whose selflessness, support and positive presence make our community stronger.

Nurse Kathy Moore, for her unwavering care and dedication to Westminster students over many years.

Faculty member Bethany Rodrigues, for bringing great energy to English department meetings and serving as a “glue” player.

Grace Li ’26, for investing time and creativity in the Beyond the Binary Art Show, providing a safe space for expression.

Alex Goodman ’25, for her support of peers in the dormitory, event leadership, and courageous chapel talk.

Established in 2024 by the family of Avery H. Bevin ’59 and presented each term to a student who displays kindness, grace, inclusion and care for others, as nominated by peers. This winter’s recipient, Tilly Lynch ’25, is described as genuinely kind, approachable and always willing to help. Whether making kick saves or quietly delivering muffins to a security guard on Valentine’s Day, her compassion shines through. As her peers simply say: “That’s just Tilly.”