Whittier Awards 2015

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The Awards 2015 Since 1884

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Wilmington Friends School's Community Newspaper

Mendinhall Award Well-Earned by Kohli Allie Fulginiti‘17 Awards Writer Congratulations to Meera Kohli for receiving the Mendinhall Award! This award is granted to a Wilmington Friends student each year, in memory of John Marshall Mendenhall II, class of 1939, to recognize “the senior whose ideals and service to the School make her or him an outstanding member of the graduating class” and one “who is considered to have done the most for the school.” John Marshall Mendinhall II devoted his life to serving our country. When he lost his life during World War II in May of 1945, his fellow classmates decided to create an award in honor of his life’s work. Although Mendinhall was a star athlete, the award acknowledges a “broader scope” of his and the recipient’s activities and contributions to our community. Meera has enriched our school community with her service, dedication, and leadership. She is the president of two clubs, was elected Communications Clerk for the Business Meeting team, served as co-editor for the Whittier’s Entertainment section, took part in school productions, and became a captain of the volleyball and tennis teams. Meera also organized the successful B+ Dance-a-thon, raising over $28,000 for the B+ Foundation

this year alone. Meera has applied her leadership and service beyond the school community, volunteering for over 90 hours at AI Dupont Hospital and 50 hours at the Hindu Temple. Meera makes leadership look seemingly easy. Dean for Students, Lynne Puritz-Fine, describes Meera’s leadership skills and commendable confidence: “Although you'd never know it, the last thing that Meera ever wants to do is to speak in front of a group. It would be hard to ascertain that from the poise and confidence she exudes when she's doing it, but it is purely her belief in the cause and in the importance of the event that helps her to surmount that frequent challenge with such grace.” She consistently acts above and beyond in helping others, even if that means exiting her comfort zone. Spanish teacher and Senior Advisor, Behnaz Varamini, recognized Meera’s sustainable contributions to the community: “Meera's service to the school community will have a lasting impact on our community long after she is gone. I think that's what the senior class saw in her when voting for her.” Meera’s presence and contributions to the school are undeniable. We want to wish her good luck in her new adventures and projects that she will take on next year, and we cannot wait to see all that she accomplishes at the University of Pennsylvania.

Sheppard and Blumberg Share Starkweather Abby Kleman‘18 Awards Writer At Wilmington Friends School, community service is valued for its demonstration of the Quaker tesistmonies.In addition to meeting the academic demands of senior year, some strive to exceed the required amount of service and further contribute to their communities. The Starkweather Award, named after Howard W. Starkweather, Jr. ‘44 for his exceptional dedication to community service, honors students who choose to go above and beyond their expected contributions to their community. This year, the award is presented to seniors, Julia Blumberg and Macon Sheppard. Julia Blumberg ‘15, who will be attending Highpoint University next year, demonstrated her love of service through her work with organizations including Best Buddies and Special Olympics, where she helped disabled children participate in enjoyable games and competitions. Julia applied the same diligence in helping others as she did to her work for the B+ Foundation and the Ronald McDonald Charity House. Julia also participated in the Costa Rica service trip. Her efforts led her to a nomination for a Government’s Service Award. Julia’s energetic attitude in helping others has made high school even more

enjoyable for her, and she has undoubtedly inspired others to approach service with the same kind of enthusiasm. Macon Sheppard ‘15, who will be attending the New York University this fall, also surpassed the required amount of service. The focus of Macon’s service was working with children. This included his contribution to the Boys and Girls Club of Delaware, which creates a safe environment for young kids to learn and reach their full potential as caring citizens. Macon stepped up as a compassionate leader of the club in Delaware by organizing a fundraiser to keep the club in business. His investment in the organization earned him the 2015 Youth Volunteer Service Award. College Guidance Counselor Kathleen Martin noted, “It is really inspiring to see an intellectual share his passion for learning with children.” Macon's enthusiasm for sharing his passion allowed him to thrive as a leader for younger kids. Julia and Macon both made commendable impacts on the community. Their remarkable efforts exemplify the purpose and true rewards of community service. Behnaz Varamini, service coordinator, states, “I hope that younger students will this see dedication to service and strive to inspire others.” We hope that they do not stop here with their passion for strengthening the community.

Gehret Given to Erskine Alice Irwin‘18 Awards Writer Nearing the end of each year since 1992, one or more Wilmington Friends Upper School students are chosen by the Mathematics Department to receive the Gehret Mathematics Award. The Gehret Math Award is granted in memory and honor of Amanda Spackman Gehret, ‘51. This award is a representation of a student who has demonstrated tremendous development of ability and commitment to the math experience as a whole. The department has determined the 2015 recipient of the Gehret Award to be senior, Jake Erskine! Over the course of the last four years, Jake has been taught by Ildiko Miller, Head of the Math Department, and Steve Jennings. When asked about Jake, both of his teachers had numerous qualities to characterize him as a student. The most common trait used to describe Jake was an ‘outside of the box thinker’. “Jake has been totally engaged in the study of mathematics; he is an original thinker, his solution always has a little twist in it,” explained Mrs. Miller. Agreeing with her, Mr. Jennings said, “it is true that some students are attracted to

mathematics for its precision, but not Jake. He is attracted to mathematics for its modeling. He enjoys the puzzle that mathematical modeling presents.” Jake’s understanding of the study of mathematics still seems to amaze his teachers. “Jake does not do ‘cookie cutter’. I often found myself looking at his answers and asking myself ‘What? How?’. There was always something different, something unseen, and unheard of in his work,” recounted Mrs. Miller. Translating his understanding to the math classroom experience, Jake again had left his teachers in awe. Mrs. Miller commented, “his brain is always working; his thoughts are always steps ahead of the class. Correcting his tests always took me much longer than correcting his peers’ tests.” Jake’s comprehension of the subject was acknowledged once more when Mr. Jennings added, “he can blend in the nuances of algorithms while interpreting computational results in a search of a solution of a complex. Jake's understanding is organic.” Jake Erskine’s evident devotion and mathematical achievements during his time at Wilmington Friends Upper School have proven his well deserved earning of the Gehret Mathematics Award, and are destined to take him far. Congratulations Jake!

Wilmington, DE

Ruhl and Conces Accept Bush Award Caroline McGinnis‘17 Awards Writer As students prepare their final projects and study for finals, May becomes very busy and exciting. One of the anticipated events is the announcement of this year’s award winners. The Bush Award, named after former principal Charles W. Bush, is given to the junior boy and girl who most exemplify the Friend’s school ideals of scholarship, character, and service. This award is given to someone who has shown significant leadership in multiple, if not all, categories of school life. The Bush Award is one of the most prestigious awards given at Wilmington Friends, as it is awarded to a well-rounded student who provides significant enrichment to the school. This year’s female winner of the Bush Award is Demetria Ruhl. Demetria has demonstrated tremendous leadership in her time at Wilmington Friends School. In the words of Bradey Bulk, 11th grade Dean, “She is the model of a servant-leader who always puts others before herself.” Her quiet, sincere, and kind gestures towards others are a testament to the Friends School ideals. Demetria participates in all different categories of the school. Her participation in the arts includes her status as a positive and cheerful member of the Chamber Singers choir. As a link crew leader, Lynn Puritz-Fine said of Demetria: “Demetria's generosity of spirit and genuine care for others spoke to who she is as a person.” Demetria also takes this care to sports. Not only is she a terrific athlete, but she is a leader on the team as a varsity swimmer and varsity lacrosse goalie. Her persistently upbeat attitude is a great addition to every team she is on. Demetria is also very dedicated to her life as a student. Bulk said, “Demetria is a young woman of sterling character who takes her career as a student very seriously.” Overall, Demetria has enriched the lives of students and faculty at Wilmington Friends through her countless contributions to the school. The male winner of this year’s Bush Award is Andrew Conces. His leadership in the classroom shows through his actions as a thoughtful and reliable student. He has gained the respect of the faculty through his devotion to his studies and great attitude. Andrew’s earning of the Business Meeting Secretary position indicates the admiration of his peers. Hardworking and supportive of his teammates, Andrew leads by example on the sports field. Andrew has shared his passion for sports by collecting and donating used baseball equipment to kids he met on the Dominican Republic DREAM trip. Andrew’s passion for service doesn’t end there. As a mentor at the Boys and Girls club, he created a long lasting relationship with inner-city kids. He also participated in the Appalachian Service project, building and repairing houses for those in need in West Virginia. Andrew explained to Spanish Teacher Behnaz Varamini: “This trip helped me be more grateful for the opportunities that I am given.” His passion for service and mindfulness of others truly epitomises the Friends School ideals. Andrew has also been a positive member in the arts community, participating in many musicals. Though he played minor parts, he was a productive and respectful member of the cast. Andrew’s leadership in all areas has proven himself an enhancement to the community. Bradey Bulk commented on these attributes, “He has garnered the respect of his peers and teachers through his understated leadership.” In their past years at Friends, Demetria and Andrew have excelled in every aspect of school life. They have served as excellent leaders to the community, enriching the lives of teachers, students, and teammates. There is no doubt that these two will continue to have a positive impact on those around them in their senior year.


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Whittier Awards 2015 by Wilmington Friends School - Issuu