Cum Laude Inductees Honored

When Head of School Penny Evins addressed the 27 Seniors honored at the Cum Laude inductee ceremony, she spoke of the values of respect, honor, community, excellence and love of learning each of the students embodies. 

“It is the diversity of ideas, talents and outcomes that propel our rich learning community forward,” she told those in attendance. “Thanks to your high bar of excellence and determination, you inspire others in your learning spaces to consider ideas, pathways and undoubtedly stretch themselves a bit further. Thank you for portraying the attributes of our Portrait of a Graduate and for living our values.” 

The Collegiate chapter of Cum Laude is a national honor society that recognizes academic excellence and citizenship. 

In a special celebration the night before the Upper School assembly, the Cum Laude inductees and their families came together for a dinner to commemorate their accomplishments. Catherine Hill ’85, parent of inductee Jack Hill ’22, delivered inspiring words and advice to the students as they prepare to take their next steps after graduation. Will Neuner ’22, who was elected Cum Laude chapter president by his peers, spoke at the commemorative dinner, celebrating the efforts of his peers. 

“This is a moment to be excited for your potential, and with that potential comes great opportunity,” he said. “Whether you were aiming for this recognition or not, this is a chance for you to congratulate yourself and to reflect on all of the amazing things you have accomplished during your time in the Collegiate Upper School. Just as I appreciate my teachers and my parents for helping me arrive here, I am grateful to all of you for taking this journey with me. I cannot wait to see what each of you become as you chart your new path in the coming years.” 

David Bannard, Upper School Math Teacher who will retire this summer after 33 years at Collegiate, delivered remarks to students in the assembly about the importance of maintaining an endless curiosity and who spoke about his love of learning, which he believes the inductees will carry with them as they embark on further academic and professional pursuits. 

As the awards were distributed at the Upper School assembly, Upper School Science Teacher Rebecca Hottman, the Cum Laude Society chapter secretary, congratulated the honorees for their hard work and remarked how they truly represent the society’s motto, Areté (excellence), Diké (justice) and Timé (honor). 

“Each of the students recognized here today has pursued academic excellence driven by their passion for learning,” she said. “These students have honored personal commitments for respect for each other, the Collegiate community and those with whom they have collaborated beyond our campus. On behalf of the faculty and staff I would like to thank each of them for their contributions to the academic life of Collegiate School.” 

Maggie Bowling 

Cassie Buxbaum

Mason Chapman

Brian Chen

Joshua Chilmaid 

Reid Coleman

Ty Colina 

Madelyn Curtis

David Ding

Olivia Fairlamb

Sam Feder

Audrey Fleming

Zehma Herring

Jack Hill

Catherine Horner 

Amani Kimball-McKavish

Christian Mayr 

Anju Natarajan

Will Neuner

Teddy Pollard

Will Porter

Jay Seevers

Charlotte Smith

Eliza Stone 

Lucy Storey 

Kathryn Sutherland

Hugh Williams