Upper School Student Awards 

Recipient: Itze Otaqui ’23

Remarks: Ali Boag, Arts Department Head

“Awarded to a singer who has already grown musically and who exhibits total focus and engagement in choral rehearsal class; they demonstrate strong willingness to take artistic risks and a desire to continue to explore vocal music.”

Recipient: Olivia Franco ’22

Remarks: Ali Boag, Arts Department Head

“Ever invested in exploring the possibilities of dance and choreography, this student shines on stage and in the classroom. An infinitely curious student whose inquiries into dance have been remarkable this year as both artistic and academic pursuits.”

Recipient: Naomi Mcleod ’24

Remarks: Ali Boag, Arts Department Head

“For immediately putting herself forward for every opportunity to perform, for her total commitment to the truth of the text, and for finding complex and exciting ways of showing character and in anticipation of future performances.”

Recipient: Raenen Traver-Fallick ’23

Remarks: Ali Boag, Arts Department Head

“For her serious and dedicated approach to art, both in school and through such programs as the Whitney Museum program for teens, and especially for her strong work ethic to persist with her art in order to always do her finest.”

Recipient: Edward Coe ’22

Remarks: Ali Boag, Arts Department Head

“For his continued dedication to making movies. This teamplayer is always willing to do what is necessary to take his projects to the next level.”

Recipient: Sadie Sadler ’22

Remarks: Ali Boag, Arts Department Head

“For quiet and continued activism and advocacy throughout the school, and for using the Arts — poetry and playwriting in particular — to forward these aims.”

Recipient: Frayda Lieber ’21

Remarks: Ali Boag, Arts Department Head

“An effervescent performer, a powerhouse choreographer, and an impassioned advocate for art of dance, this student burst onto the Packer stage four years ago and found her home there. For her boundless energy and love for the art of dance and choreography.”

Recipient: Ollie Caplin ’21

Remarks: Ali Boag, Arts Department Head

“For their daring, adventurous approach to art that has blossomed especially in their senior year, demonstrated by their willingness to experiment with materials and mediums that they had not worked with in the past.”

Recipient: Jacob Kadir ’21

Remarks: Ali Boag, Arts Department Head

“For being involved in all choral activities including Packer Chorus, Select Choir, Men’s Ensemble, and Acapelicans as a soloist, and a section leader in choirs; for always being prepared and willing to take risks such as leading vocal warm ups and conducting in class, and for always showing total concentration during every rehearsal class, and for his complete devotion to choral music.”

Recipient: John Bloch ’22

Remarks: Ali Boag, Arts Department Head

“For a highly polished performance — every time — and therefore mentorship by example... For exemplary classroom demeanor, therefore respect for the process... For the willingness to try new things, to cross disciplines into other art forms, thereby sharing his innate gifts freely.”

Recipient: Nola Sloan ’21

Remarks: Ali Boag, Arts Department Head

“For being involved in as many Packer productions as possible — as an actor, a stage manager, a member of the chorus or the crew, even as a playwright; and as someone who has used vacation time to explore working in theatre in NYC, and for their complete commitment to the craft.”

Recipient: Amadi Williams ’21

Remarks: Ali Boag, Arts Department Head

“For her stunning efforts to broaden her vision in art to address important social issues, for her dogged work ethic that focuses her impressive skills on major projects such as the ‘Black Dads at Packer’ exhibit extraordinaire.”

Recipient: Kate Marriott’21

Remarks: Ali Boag, Arts Department Head

“For her extraordinary dedication to art and to improving her work over her four years at Packer, for her deepening understanding of painting, and how a work, for instance, can evoke the qualities of light pouring through a window or doorway.”

Recipient: Luca Biro ’21

Remarks: Ali Boag, Arts Department Head

“A street photographer through and through, he has brought the city and its inhabitants to life through his poignant and powerful images. He is a dedicated and passionate photographer who continues to inspire all of us..”

Recipient: Jake Srebnick ’21

Remarks: Ali Boag, Arts Department Head

“Whether with a crack that zig zags across the tennis court or a self portrait taken in a field in upstate NY, this artist has the profound ability to tell a story through the lens. Even though photography didn’t fit into his schedule senior year, he strove independently to tell the story of Coney Island through the four seasons.”

Recipient: Graham Hall-Keough ’21

Remarks: Ali Boag, Arts Department Head

“For four years of dedication and imagination in the art of cinema. For taking every movie as far as it can go.”

Recipient: David Lilien’23

Remarks: Ali Boag, Arts Department Head

“His sophisticated storytelling always goes beyond expectation. For showing unlimited devotion to his pursuit of excellence in cinema.”

Recipient: Lily O'Halloran ’21

Remarks: Ali Boag, Arts Department Head

“Showing complete dedication and devotion to the art of dance, this student has blessed the Packer stage with thoughtful choreography and stunning performances. Her kindness and compassion as an ensemble member has made her a leader and a true inspiration to us all.”

Recipient: Cole McBeth ’22

Remarks: Greg Benedis-Grab, Computer Science Department Head 

“Cole is an independent and talented programmer. He creates impressive and well-executed projects. His commitment to this field of study is evident in all the projects he produces. He shows great promise as a student of Computer Science.”

Recipient: Kaylie Harlin ’21

Remarks: Greg Benedis-Grab, Computer Science Department Head 

“Kaylie is a hard worker and committed programmer. She has taken advantage of every opportunity in our department including, 9th Grade Computer Science, two elective courses, AT Computer Science and four semesters of independent study. Her commitment and enthusiasm have been an inspiration to our teaching faculty and her fellow students.”

For demonstrated excellence or promise in English.

Recipient: Frankie Komar ’22

Remarks: Elissa Krebs, English Department Head 

“Gifted with the mind of a scholar and the soul of a poet, Frankie is an English student for the ages. In her writing, Frankie deftly weaves profound insights with luminous phrasing, using language as a means to investigate, to connect, and to know more deeply. Connection and knowing seem to be at the heart of who Frankie is, and she embodies these values with grace, kindness, and a generosity that elevates everyone in her midst.”

For demonstrated excellence or promise in creative writing.

Recipient: Apple Diamond ’22

Remarks: Elissa Krebs, English Department Head 

“Versatile and creative, Apple is a writer to her core. She understands audience and genre, deftly adapting voice, style, and tone and anticipating readers’ needs. Unrestricted by conventional ideas about genre, she molds traditional forms of writing to fit her ideas, rather than the other way around. Her gift for description infuses her writing with atmosphere, evoking emotion from her readers and allowing us to be in the worlds about which she writes. Her skill also presents in her journalistic work as she weaves her creative sensibilities into her nonfiction prose. The promise she demonstrates in the realm of creative writing is clear.”
 

For a Senior who has excelled in writing fiction.

Recipient: Sasha McFarland ’21

Remarks: Elissa Krebs, English Department Head 

“Sasha is described as a man of few words, which might help to explain why he is such a masterful poet. As a storyteller, Sasha is exacting in choosing the right words and putting them in the right place. There is a quietness, a subtlety to his writing and a tendency to notice the smallest details and to use those to evoke a particular mood. Sasha is attentive to form and structure as ways through which to lead his readers through narratives that many would take novels to tell. To adapt a line from one of Sasha’s poems, when we begin to read his work, we are in awe.”

For a Sophomore who demonstrates a love of literature. 

Recipient: Natalie Marcus-Wade ’23

Remarks: Elissa Krebs, English Department Head

“Natalie more than intuits literature, she imbibes it like a seasoned professor of letters. She loves to revel in its sophistication and nuance, and grapples with texts with grace and precision. A poet herself, Natalie grasps the intimacy that good writing aspires to achieve, and for it, her readers doubtlessly benefit.”

Recipient: Kayla Johnson ’23

Remarks: Elissa Krebs, English Department Head

“Kayla is both a kind and powerful force in English, and when she offers her well-considered perspectives on the text at hand, her peers listen with respect and appreciation. She possesses an obvious love of the written word, for all of its strength and complexity, and has thus proven to be a student of profound intelligence and generosity of spirit.”

Recipient: Lily Crowell ’21

Remarks: Elissa Krebs, English Department Head 

“Lily is described as the Mary Poppins of English students — practically perfect in every way. Lily can write across genres, and she has the rare and wonderful ability to bring her wry and observant voice into all of her writing. When coupled with Lily’s signature intellect and her willingness to take risks, her writing practically sings with wit and original insight. This fearlessness has presented in her journalistic work, as well, where she has sparked necessary conversation that has brought about change. Lily’s passion for the written word is ever present, and the English Department is thrilled to have this opportunity to honor and celebrate her myriad achievements.”

Recipient: Georgia Groome ’21

Remarks: Elissa Krebs, English Department Head 

“Georgia is a daring and original English student who connects to a text with both her prodigious intellect and her enormous heart. She brings this combination of scholarship and feeling into every English class. She is fearless in her writing, consistently creating her own responses to a text, and the result is always engaging, surprising, and meticulously crafted. Georgia sees each piece of writing as a means to explore a text deeply and in her own inimitable way. The English Department is thrilled to have this opportunity to honor and celebrate Georgia’s myriad achievements.”

For a female student with a particular interest in history.

Recipient: Sadie Sadler ’21

Remarks: Monika Johnston, History Department Head

“Sadie is known for her enthusiasm and vital interest in all things historical. Her teachers acknowledge her love of research and writing for pleasure and her excellence both inside and outside the classroom. She is the co-creator of Covid 19 Oral History Project, a leader of the History Club, a member and writer for the Packer Journal of History, and she organized and facilitated student-led interviews of prospective candidates for open US history positions.”

For demonstrated excellence or promise in history.

Recipient: Talia Zucker ’22 

Remarks: Monika Johnston, History Department Head

“Talia possesses a special capacity for doing archival research. Humble, determined, and willing to question her assumptions, Talia’s research is scholarly as reflected in her work on Johnny Appleseed, which centered on historiography and changing notions of sexuality/marriage in the United States.”

For a Junior with a commitment to social justice, leadership in community action, and strong grades in humanities and social sciences.

Recipient: Ariana Topper-Kroog ’22

Remarks: Monika Johnston, History Department Head

“Ariana possesses infectious enthusiasm and historical curiosity. She is a deeply reflective student leader and listens to the concerns, emotional experiences, and expectations shared by peers. This year, she was a contributor to the efforts made by the Change Committee during its inaugural year and established a foundation for its continued growth. She worked alongside peers and educators to reflect on curriculum and pedagogy. She also made notable leadership contributions to Jew Crew and CCE spaces.”

For a Junior with demonstrated leadership in and out of school, high grades in challenging courses, and extensive extra-curricular activities.

Recipient: Julian Hartman-Sigall ’22

Remarks: Monika Johnston, History Department Head

“Julian is an upstanding community member and natural leader who is always looking for ways to help others. He excels in advanced history courses, and his contributions to the Prism as Sports Editor and as a reporter this year were outstanding. One teacher noted that he “models what it means to be truly accountable by covering stories such as the tension between teachers unions & independent schools and the toll the pandemic has taken on mental health.”

For excellence in American history.

Recipient: Kayla Johnson ’23

Remarks: Monika Johnston, History Department Head

“Kayla is an outstanding and sophisticated intellectual and writer, capable of analysis far above the 10th Grade level. She is brave and willing to speak up on important historical topics, including those that speak to personal experiences. Her writing is thoughtful, beautifully-constructed, and substantial, and her analysis is backed by strong evidence. In class, she is attentive and insightful in her response to others and to what she reads.”

Recipient: Raenen Traver-Fallick ’23

Remarks: Monika Johnston, History Department Head

“Raenen is scholarly, intellectually curious, and does high quality work consistently. She knows when to reach out for assistance and yet is strongly independent. She composed an impressive draft syllabus for a potential US History first unit on early America that offered important insights into potential assignments to add to the tenth-grade curriculum.”

For a Senior who has excelled in the study of history.

Recipient: Kate Marriott ’21

Remarks: Monika Johnston, History Department Head

“Kate's enthusiasm for history, the past, and the ways in which both intersect with the present knows no bounds. Whether she was researching gendered power relations in World War II industry, current struggles over voting rights, or the myriad projects being pursued in the Packer Journal of History, she commits herself fully to the craft of historical scholarship.”

Awarded to the student who demonstrates high personal standards, outstanding scholarship, character, and potential for academic promise in history at the college level.

Recipient: Shanthan Benjamin-Webb ’21

Remarks: Monika Johnston, History Department Head

“Shanthan comes to each history class with a wealth of historical knowledge and an intellectual gravitas. He is adept at grappling with the complexities of history, and he has a keen ability to synthesize what he learns from his courses and to connect his learning to the larger world. This was most publicly evident in his response to Congressman John Lewis’s letter, ‘Together, You Can Redeem the Soul of Our Nation,’ which Shanthan shared with the Upper School in our Elections Chapel. Equally as important, Shanthan is a generous peer and collaborator, who supports and encourages his classmates’ learning as much as he expands his own.”

Recipient: Lea Wong ’21

Remarks: Monika Johnston, History Department Head

“Lea has impressed all of her current and former history teachers with her independence, intellect, creativity, and grace. Her ability to juxtapose the big picture with significant detail is remarkable. Whether she was reflecting on the human proclivity to abandon principle for the sake of convenience or analyzing the “strength––or, rather, the fragility––of American democracy” she produced searing insights, both in her writing and in her contributions to her AT Government and Archives classes. As a visual artist, her creative and visual support for her scholarship is extraordinary.”

For demonstrated excellence or promise in language.

Recipient: Ian Liu ’23

Remarks: Kathryn Ulmer, World Language Department Head

“An inquisitive and dedicated language student in both French and Chinese, Ian not only strives for excellence in his study of languages, but also shows great passion for art, culture, politics and world issues that are represented in those languages. For his enthusiasm for multiple languages and perseverance to go above and beyond...”

For a Junior French student who has excelled academically.

Recipient: Alex Bourtin ’22

Remarks: Kathryn Ulmer, World Language Department Head

“This student's love of French is evident at every turn. He is diligent in his practice of the grammar, courageous in his use of new vocabulary, and both fearless and graceful in presenting his ideas and opinions during class discussions. The joy he brings to his work is true and inspiring, the care he puts into his own learning is authentic and admirable.”

Recipient: Lea Wong ’21

Remarks: Kathryn Ulmer, World Language Department Head

“The recipient of the French award is an exceptionally bright and talented student of French. Both in writing and in speaking, she is masterful at articulating her ideas with accurate grammar and precise vocabulary. Her contributions to class discussions often constitute the foundation of our collective exploration of the literary themes and ideas in question. I speak for my colleagues and her peers when I say that she is most deserving of this award.”

For a Latin student who has consistently demonstrated high proficiency in the Latin language and possesses a deep understanding of ancient literature, history, and culture.

Recipient: Gabe Thin ’22

Remarks: Kathryn Ulmer, World Language Department Head

“This year’s recipient exhibits great skill in reading and interpreting a wide range of Latin texts and has shown immense dedication to learning Latin since middle school. He won numerous National Latin Exam Awards and has continually impressed with his eagerness to read various authors, analyze challenging texts, and connect each written word to its cultural and historical context.”

Recipient: Sam Brodsky ’21

Remarks: Kathryn Ulmer, World Language Department Head

“The Chinese Award this year honors a student who is a passionate and enthusiastic learner of Chinese language and culture. He was a semester away in his junior year, and during this time, he not only caught up with all of his peers in learning Chinese, but also completed a year of Chinese study by himself during the summer. For his consistent hard work and pursuit of excellence.”

Recipient: Jordyn Craig-Schwartz ’21

Remarks: Kathryn Ulmer, World Language Department Head

“This year's Spanish award goes to a young woman who displayed unwavering drive and diligence in honing her abilities as a communicator in Spanish. Having completed a second year of AT Spanish, she graduates from Packer as a sophisticated writer and nimble extemporaneous speaker, capable of engaging deeply with a native Spanish speaker on any topic imaginable. Additionally, her thoughtful and reflective approach helped her to expand her cultural awareness and draw important connections between readings, current events and people of varied experiences and perspectives. Throughout her career as a language learner she made it her business to consistently go beyond expectations, explore and develop mastery of grammatical and lexical nuances and push herself to cement this knowledge through steady practice. The result was exceptional work paired with a collaborative spirit that enhanced the learning environment for her classmates.”

For demonstrated excellence or promise in math.

Recipient: John Bloch ’22

Remarks: Tom James, Math Department Head

“John frequently flexed his coding skills to investigate mathematical concepts and showcased his ability to think independently, follow his mathematical instincts, and ask good questions. He did a deep dive in Advanced Precalculus on chaos theory and the Mandelbrot Set. His articles in Intersections on the ‘Two Not Touch’ puzzles and Dragon Curve generator were carefully written and demonstrated his passion for creative exploration at the intersection of computer science and mathematics. We can’t wait to see what insights John’s future investigations uncover in his last year at Packer!”

For a Junior or Senior who has a love of mathematics, a love of learning, intellectual curiosity, and a sense of humor.

Recipient: Joey Spungen ’21

Remarks: Tom James, Math Department Head

“Joey’s level of dedication and follow-through to learning mathematics were unparalleled. He demonstrated remarkable growth over his time in the Upper School, emerging as a leader in the TEACH program and refining but never losing his distinctive sense of humor. He engrossed himself in deep, challenging work for his independent study on mathematical logic and engaged thoughtfully with sophisticated problems in the philosophy of mathematics.”

Recipient: Jordyn Craig-Schwartz ’21

Remarks: Tom James, Math Department Head

“Jordyn dove into the unknown with curiosity and grace and approached problem-solving with an open mind — she truly embraced the idea that she could extend the limits of her own understanding. She proactively challenged her initial comprehension of a new topic, as she knows that it is always possible to push her understanding to a deeper level. Jordyn’s love of learning was palpable, and she was always eager to discover something new with her peers in class. She was steadfast in developing complete solutions and achieving full understanding before moving on with her peers, and her commitment to effective collaboration was so admirable.”

For a Senior who exhibits an exceptional ability and passion for mathematics and who has given evidence of versatility in using his or her mathematical gifts for any position he or she may hold in the future.

Recipient: Kaylie Harlin ’21

Remarks: Tom James, Math Department Head

“Kaylie embodied the joy of learning mathematics and a spirit of camaraderie we love to see in our students. She saw math as more than a disparate collection of formulas to be memorized and applied, but instead as this beautiful and abstract superstructure filled with connections. Even on the most challenging questions, she was able to articulate a response to ‘why’ something was happening mathematically with clarity. This ability to grasp and communicate mathematics at a deep level made her a remarkable TEACH leader.”

Recipient: John Wallace ’21

Remarks: Tom James, Math Department Head

“John was an incredible mathematics student, always cutting to the heart of problems and able to see the bigger picture. His excitement for discovery was infectious and inspired his classmates to want to take a closer look at the concept at hand. This made John a remarkable ambassador for math and science as a member of the Intersections team. In one of the many reflections John completed during his time in the Upper School, he referred to the ‘magical moment’ of ‘discovering the secret connections.’”

For demonstrated excellence or promise in physical education.

Recipient: Katie Conetta ’24

Remarks: Russell Tombline, Physical Education Department Head

“Katie showed true enjoyment for athletics through her participation on an athletic team for all three seasons. Though quiet and reserved, Katie embodies all that we ask of our athletes in order to create a valuable experience for themselves and their teammates. Hard-working, coachable, and supportive, Katie separated herself from others by continually putting forth her best effort each practice. Her dedication and willingness to push herself to improve will serve Katie well as she continues to develop within our programs.”

Awarded to students who have shown dedication, leadership, and improvement through their participation either in class or in our Athletics programs.

Recipient: Georgia Groome ’21

Remarks: Russell Tombline, Physical Education Department Head

“Georgia demonstrated confidence, grit, and enthusiasm from the first time she stepped foot on our athletic court. Coupled with her work-ethic and desire to be the best she can be, Georgia made countless contributions to our volleyball, basketball, and softball programs. She seamlessly made the transition from 9th grader to team leader by the time she was 12th grader, leading by both example and word as she mentored  the underclassmen on her team. Georgia’s dedication and selflessness allowed her to leave a lasting impact on every team she participated on. Her positive personality and genuine enjoyment for competing will be greatly missed. For all that she contributed to her coaches and teammates on and off the field.”

Recipient: Sam Levine ’21

Remarks: Russell Tombline, Physical Education Department Head

“A two year captain, Sam is affectionately referred to as ‘The Leader of the Pack’ by his coaches. Over his running career as a member of the Cross-Country and Track programs, Sam demonstrated numerous qualities that allowed him to stand out as the ultimate teammate and leader. Possessing a great sense of humor and warm smile, Sam made sure that all members of his team felt welcome and appreciated. For his dedication to his sport and example to his teammates both on and off the track.”

Recipient: Sylvan Wold ’21

Remarks: Russell Tombline, Physical Education Department Head

“Sylvan has made tremendous strides as both a runner and leader within such a short amount of time as a member of our Cross-country and Track teams. Demonstrating a singular focus on improving and giving her best, ‘The Record Breaker’ has cemented herself as one of the best runners in the program history by establishing numerous school records in her three years of competition. For her work-ethic, dedication to her sport, and the wonderful example she showed the underclassmen who had the opportunity to train with her.”

Recipient: Nicholas Yohn ’21

Remarks: Russell Tombline, Physical Education Department Head

“A very gifted and talented runner, Nicholas has stood out as a member of the Cross-country and Track teams. Goal oriented and focused, Nicholas demonstrated traits that helped him have great success as a runner. He combined his strong work-ethic with his openness to seek out and implement his coaches advice to show marked improvements over his years of competing and achieve his goals. For the dedication and growth he has exhibited throughout his time in the program.”

For demonstrated excellence or promise in science.

Recipient: Mia-Nathalie Pridgen ’22

Remarks: Kofi Donnelley, Science Department Head

“Nathalie has gone above and beyond in science research. She has become a contributing member of the Clementer Lab and has volunteered her computer skills to help with the end of year symposium. Nathalie has shown this go-getter attitude for the entire school year. In Accelerated Biology, Nathalie consistently approaches her work with a critical and creative eye. Her attention to detail, insightful questions, and feedback on her peers’ models demonstrate the mind of a true scientist.”

Recipient: Rohan Patel ’23

Remarks: Kofi Donnelley, Science Department Head

“Rohan has consistently done outstanding work in Science research and has even started actively working with his mentor at NYU during the second semester. In addition, Rohan joined the Interschool Covid-19 research team at the beginning of the year and engaged in authentic research with high school students across NYC. He has shown commitment beyond expectations in Science Research and always is eager to learn and take on new challenges.”

Recipient: Ethan Weisberg ’21

Remarks: Kofi Donnelley, Science Department Head

“Over the course of his three years in the research program, Ethan has exceeded expectations in every way. As a sophomore, he created a research proposal and reached out to a mentor asking to engage in this research. The mentor, who has for years refused to work with high school students, was so impressed that he couldn't say no. After only his first summer in the lab, the mentor thought of Ethan as an integral lab member working on the same level as his graduate students. He reached the national level in the JSHS competition as a junior while continuing to excel with his lab work. As a senior he made Packer history and became our first top 300 finalist in the Regeneron Student Talent Search. He also gave a talk to a professional group of peptoid researchers about the peptoid database he created that will be part of his legacy in the peptoid world. It has truly been a pleasure to watch Ethan achieve and learn so much.”

Recipient: Jordyn Craig-Schwartz ’21

Remarks: Kofi Donnelley, Science Department Head

“Jordyn's dedication to learning biology is second to none! Her incredible attention to detail and ability to retain what she's learned enables her to apply her knowledge in new situations. Her continual search for underlying mechanisms and ability to connect concepts results in work that is both nuanced and concise. In her presentation on how channel proteins control osmoregulation in humans, she summarized three months of work in less than seven minutes while also seamlessly incorporating new information on how protein structure and function is altered due to a genetic mutation. Her knowledge and passion for biology, commended by both peers and teachers alike, along with her drive for challenge will no doubt steer her future pursuits in science.”

Recipient: Jacob Kadir ’21

Remarks: Kofi Donnelley, Science Department Head

“Jacob’s diligent and joyful approach to learning inspires his chemistry teacher and classmates to work harder, to think more creatively, and to seek out the deeper connections that allow us to demystify challenging chemical concepts and analyze complex scenarios. He has developed both keen theoretical skills and effective laboratory skills in three different chemistry courses during his time at Packer. His research team won the LuChem Pharmaceutical challenge with their work on the synthesis of aspirin. In AT Organic Chemistry, he consistently demonstrated a keen capacity for decoding patterns and described organic chemistry reaction mechanisms as being “like puzzles that are really fun and satisfying to solve!” He sees chemistry as both a creative and analytical outlet for his intellect.”

Recipient: John Bloch ’22

Remarks: Kofi Donnelley, Science Department Head

“John approaches every challenge with enthusiasm and joy.  John is a team player who contributes thoughtfully in group work, listening to his peers but also pushing them to think deeply.  His positive attitude and excitement about all things physics is infectious!  Not only has John consistently demonstrated mastery on all aspects of AT Physics, but he has taken on every optional assignment as well!  In fact, John has gone far beyond expectations, often creating extension assignments for himself.  In one memorable episode, John made an instructional video for 9th grade physics students in which he used a computer simulation that he created in order to show the effect of air resistance in a lab that they were working on.  In another case, undeterred by the fact that he has not yet studied Calculus, he dove into the challenging work of solving a differential equation aided by a computer program he had written himself.  Lastly, John’s recent investigations of the double pendulum outside of class are a testament to his curiosity and drive to explore and uncover the nature of the world around him.”

Recipient: Sophie Marcus-Wade ’21

Remarks: Kofi Donnelley, Science Department Head

“In her four years in the US at Packer, Sophie has managed to take eight years of science including two AT courses as well as participating the Independent Science Research program! Sophie’s incredible work ethic, perseverance and commitment to learning science is extraordinary.  She gives beautiful, well-organized, thoroughly-researched presentations, and has developed an impressive degree of understanding about the parasite causing malaria through her independent science research. Her excitement and joy about learning science is palpable.  Sophie was the only student in her AT Physics class who accepted the optional challenge of creating a computer model to simulate a hydrogen atom, which she was able to do successfully!  Sophie also has put in the work necessary to develop excellent chemical intuition and analytical skills for approaching complex synthetic problems. Whether vigorously debating the configuration of a stereogenic center with classmates, collaborating to unravel a mechanism, or asking questions about an assignment, she is committed to grasping the details of each situation as well as the big picture.”