Student achievement took center stage at the Junior Awards Breakfast on Friday, June 5, as High School faculty and staff gathered to honor members of the Class of 2027 who distinguished themselves across a variety of academic subjects.
In addition to celebrating accomplishments in the classroom, the awards provide meaningful recognition that students can include in future college and scholarship applications. The honors reflect the talent, curiosity, and commitment demonstrated by this year's recipients.
You can watch the livestream of the brief ceremony here.
The following students were recognized with Junior Awards in their respective subjects:
RCS DEPARTMENT AWARDS
English
US English 11: Jamie Mantor
English 11: Olivia Storms
Most Improved in English: Joseph D’Ambrosio
Social Studies
Highest Average in US History: John Robertson
Civic Engagement: Cecilia Kunuria
Physical Education
Healthy & Active goes to: Katarian DeOlde
The Sportsmanship Award goes to: Brock Larsen
World Language
For Exceptional Achievement in French: Katarian DeOlde
For Exceptional Achievement in Spanish: Jack Merrills
Math
In recognition of your achievement in the study of UHS Pre-Calculus, the Award of Achievement goes to: John Robertson
In recognition of your excellence in UHS Pre-Calculus, the Certificate of Honor goes to: Daniel Dulay
FACS
For outstanding achievement in the Family and Consumer Science classroom: Keona Carter
Business
For outstanding work and participation in the Business course, Career and Financial Management: Ryan Kaufmann
Technology
For outstanding achievement in technology and engineering: Brock Larsen
The Arts
For dedication and celebration of the visual arts: Piper Weddell
Excellence in Music: Jamie Mantor
Science
For displaying the most improvement in Science: Paul Zafke Jr.
Passion for Science: Isabella McSweeney
COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIP AWARDS
Each year, certain colleges and universities ask school counselors to identify students based on specific criteria. Most of these students will receive a college application fee waiver. If the student applies, is accepted, and attends this college, he or she will receive a significant scholarship, typically over the course of four years.
RPI Medalist: This is awarded to a promising junior who has distinguished him or herself in math and science: John Robertson
Rochester Institute of Technology: four outstanding students were nominated for the RIT High School Awards.
For Humanities and Social Sciences: LaeLah Perea
Engineering and Technology: Ryan Giangreco
For Computing: John Robertson
For Science and Math: Piper Weddell
Sage Colleges -Student Sage Award: For a junior who has excelled in the classroom and who has been a role model and community leader: Danika Krause & Joseph Latter
The Saint Michael’s Book Award: Isabella McSweeny
Worcester Poly Tech Award: Aiden Sloan
The Bonnie Scholarship: St. Bonaventure University’s Junior Scholarship recognizes students’ academic achievement and service to their school and community.
Isabella Williams
Jamie Mantor
Haley Visone
Logan Knapp
Hayden Stafford
John Merrills
Silis DuBois
University of Vermont Book Award: Lauren O’Connor
Elmira Key Award: For Elmira College, this award acknowledges outstanding school and community leadership: Hayden Wolfe
Clarkson University Leadership Award: Demonstrates outstanding leadership and a student who has been a positive contributor to the school and community: Katarina DeOlde
Clarkson University Achievement Award: Demonstrates outstanding leadership and has been a positive contributor to the school and community: Ryan Kieffer Jr.
Alfred University Scholars Award: In recognition of academic and community achievement, along with an outside of ordinary character: Louisa Engelhardt & Lauren O’Connor
University of Rochester. The following four recipients will receive an annual scholarship:
Bausch and Lomb Science Award- High Achievement and rigor in math and science: Jayden Acomb
Frederick Douglass & Susan B Anthony Award: commitment to addressing social issues, leadership, and dedication to community action. Strong grades and rigorous program in social sciences: Paige Gottesman
George Eastman Young Leaders Award: Strong leadership in school and community, academic excellence, and involvement in school activities: Cameron Einhorn
Xerox Award for Innovation and Information Technology. Interest in innovation, information technology, and academic excellence: Lukas Schmitt
Endicott Book Award: Piper Weddell
