Upper School Honors

The Social Sciences department chose both a winner and an honorable mention from the Class of 2015 to receive the Lorna Cogswell Mason ’55 Prize, which honors historical research at NCS. Each year, the department gives the award to a senior who, in her junior year, wrote the best independent, historical research paper. Julia Preston ’15 won for her examination of newspaper accounts of the trial of a serial murderer who was also a doctor, active during the 1893 Chicago World's Fair. Julia's citation stated that “newspaper coverage of this case provided an opportunity to examine the cultural anxieties in late 19th-century America, an era of rapid technological change and scientific progress.”

Honorable mention went to Meredith Holmes ’15 for her “carefully researched paper which examined presidential speeches, internal administrative documents, and newspaper reports to argue that the Carter administration’s policy responses to the 1979 Soviet invasion of Afghanistan were designed to strategically position President Carter as a highly effective world leader in preparation for the 1980 election.”

Abby Weymouth ’16 received the 2015 Rensselaer Medal and scholarship, awarded to juniors who have distinguished themselves in mathematics and science. The Rensselaer Medal was established to recognize the superlative academic achievement of young men and women, and to motivate students toward careers in science, engineering, and technology. This minimum $15,000 per year merit scholarship is guaranteed for four years for each medalist who applies, is accepted, and chooses to enroll at Rensselear Polytechnic Institute (RPI).

Julia (Siobhan) Robinson-Marshall ’16 received the Fisher Award for Outstanding Contribution to the NCS Community, which honors a junior who “helps to foster interest and involvement in activities that bring people together, and an individual who demonstrates a personal commitment to the larger community." The award carries a modest cash award to be used toward tuition or contributed to the school. Julia’s citation states, “Her contributions to the NCS community include playing on the softball and field hockey teams, being co-president of Operation Smile, and leading the class of 2016 as this year’s junior class vice president and next year’s senior class president….Friends find a warm smile and a listening ear.”

Caroline Ingram ’15 was presented with the Sylvia Thompson Memorial Award, presented to “an Upper School student of moral integrity and outstanding character who consistently puts forth her best effort in all of her scholarly pursuits.” The award honors former Beauvoir teacher and NCS parent Sylvia Thompson’s “legacy of strength, character, and commitment.” The award citation stated that Caroline “perceives others’ inherent worth and tries to understand their perspective, even when it might be difficult, and is quick to show compassion. She consistently makes decisions for the greater good.”

At the Assembly, students, faculty, and staff also heard a presentation by Isabelle Hupez ’15 about her independent project working with Quad Learning, Inc., an organization that collaborates with community colleges on a program for students who plan to complete the rest of their bachelor’s degree at college or university. Isabelle did extensive market research on colleges and worked on web-based marketing strategies.