The Academy of the Holy Cross held the Senior Awards Ceremony through a virtual presentation on Thursday, May 14 to recognize the accomplishments of the Class of 2020.
After an opening prayer led by Elisa Terman ’20, Principal John Sullivan welcomed the students and their family members.
Major Josh Swartsel, a Class of 2007 member of the United States Military Academy (West Point), presented the West Point appointment to Carleigh Armstrong, McKhaye O'Boyle, and Riley Parchment.
Izehinosen Okojie was recognized by The College Board Opportunity Scholarship program. She is one of 25 seniors in the country to receive a $40,000 Complete Your Journey scholarship, by completing six key college planning steps with the College Board program.
The Advanced Placement program recognized two seniors as AP Scholars (students who receive scores of 3 or higher on three or more AP exams): Catherine Sarca and Siobhan Wampler; and one senior as AP Scholar with Distinction (students who receive an average score of at least 3.5 on all AP Exams taken, and scores of 3 or higher on five or more of these exams): Madeline Mara.
Caitlin Cullinane received the Van Hollen Public Service Award, presented to a senior who has demonstrated outstanding commitment to community service. Caitlin amassed over 350 hours in community service volunteering with the Terp Quest Day Summer Camp and the Carroll Manor Nursing and Rehabilitation Center.
Catherine Hunt-Neu received the Blessed Basil Moreau Service Award, awarded to the senior who has completed the most service hours over her time as a student Holy Cross. Catherine gave more than 400 hours of service while at Holy Cross volunteering in numerous ways. She organized book drives, participated in the Service Immersion Trip, visited nursing homes with the Glamour Gals club, and worked regularly at the St. Camillus food pantry, to name just a few.
Each academic department acknowledged a senior who has shown unique interest and ability in the courses that she has taken within that department. The student not only earned high grades in those classes, but also stimulated thought-provoking discussions and fostered curiosity. She enriched the class, and inspired students and teachers alike with her insights and perspectives.
English: Anna Owens
Math: Grace Miller
Performing Arts: Natalie Young
Physical Education: Kristen Puglisi
Science: Caroline Ionata
Social Studies: Catherine Sarca
Technology: Erin Freeman
Theology: Valerie Kuzma
Visual Arts: Olivia Madaras
World Language: Marilyn Caceres
Principal John Sullivan introduced the Class of 2020 Valedictorian, Grace Miller, who has earned the highest grade point average in the graduating class, and Salutatorian, Rose Milano, who has earned the second highest grade point average in the graduating class.
President Katy Prebble announced the special awards selected by faculty that are normally announced at graduation.
Valerie Kuzma received The Archbishop’s Award, which is presented by the Archdiocese of Washington to a graduate who exemplifies in her school and personal life the attributes of Catholic principles and values. The recipient is one who respects authority, contributes to the common good, uses her talents in service to others, participates in church and school activities, and shows respect for people of all cultures. The late Cardinal James Hickey, former Archbishop of Washington, initiated the award.
Molly Kueter and Anna Owens received The Sister Grace Award, named after Sister Grace Shonk, recognizing her more than 45 years of dedicated service to The Academy of the Holy Cross. The Sister Grace Award is presented to a graduate who exemplifies the attributes of a faith-filled woman and who promotes the mission of the Academy with a sense of joy and peace of heart.
Sienna DeGross received The Saint André Bessette Citizenship Award, presented to a graduate who contributes to the welfare of the school community, exhibits outstanding character with high standards of conduct, exercises leadership in her daily life, and is a conscientious student. The award is named after Saint André Bessette, who humbly devoted his life to prayer, serving the Lord, and comforting the sick and afflicted.
Preetam Bhutani received The Spes Unica Award, presented to a graduate whose personal integrity, diversity of service, and constancy in striving to achieve her potential are consistent with the mission of The Academy of the Holy Cross and the Sisters of the Holy Cross. Spes Unica, which is Latin for “our only hope,” refers to the Cross of Christ. The award recognizes a lifestyle that demonstrates self-sacrifice and reminds us that the hope for the future is today’s woman of compassion who carries God’s love to all.
Shelby Wilson received The Sisters of the Holy Cross Award, presented to a graduate who embodies the spirit and ideals of the Academy. She exhibits self-esteem and respect for all persons. She values and strives for academic excellence and is cooperative and supportive of school policies and activities. This outstanding young woman harbors a deep sense of Christian responsibility toward self and others and exercises leadership for the welfare of others.
To conclude the ceremony Katy Prebble congratulated the students who were recognized and challenged all the seniors to consider how they will use their gifts in the future.