2023 Prize Day Awards
Students were formally recognized for their achievements during the 2022–23 school year. You can see a full list of prizes below.
ATHLETICS AWARDS
THE CROSS-COUNTRY COACH’S TROPHIES
The Cross-Country Coach’s Trophies are presented to a girl and a boy who best combine the highest levels of leadership, skill and commitment: Sean Brennan '24, Charlotte Hudson '23
THE GIRLS’ FIELD HOCKEY TROPHY
A gift to Portsmouth Abbey by William and Patricia Hannaford, Jr., parents of William ’89 and Tara ’97, the Girls’ Field Hockey Trophy is presented each year to the player who best exhibits a strong desire to compete, a positive attitude and humility both on and off the field, thus making her a natural and dependable leader: Sara DeSousa '23
THE JOHN M. HOGAN ’54 FOOTBALL TROPHY
The football trophy in memory of John M. Hogan ’54 goes to a member of the graduating class who has shown the kind of ability, initiative, dedication and team spirit that distinguished Jack Hogan as an athlete and an alumnus: Michael Abbate '23
THE WILLIAM FRANKLIN SANDS MEMORIAL SOCCER TROPHY
Given in memory of their father, William Franklin Sands, by James ’32, Robert ’33 and John Sands ’40, the trophy recognizes the boy who has shown the courtesy, courage and skill that has made him a dependable teammate and natural leader: Joseph Verderber '23
THE GIRLS’ SOCCER TROPHY
A gift to Portsmouth Abbey by Christopher and Carol Gontarz, parents of Andrew ’97 and Cara ’99, this trophy is awarded each year to the player who best combines the qualities of dependability, dedication and selflessness in uniting and leading her team: Ryon Black '23
THE BOYS’ BASKETBALL TROPHY
The Basketball trophy is presented to the player who best combines the highest level of leadership, skill and commitment: Bernard Dushie '23
THE PFEFFER CUP
This cup was established by the Pfeffer family - Jane, Jim ’69, Abby ’01 and Eliza ’01. The Pfeffer Cup recognizes a member of the girls’ basketball program whose strong character makes her emblematic of Portsmouth Abbey’s highest ideals. Through leadership, the love of and commitment to the game of basketball, and with a strong sense of teamwork, the recipient has been a force for excellence while a member of the Portsmouth Abbey girls’ basketball program: Sarah Edwards '23
THE ANDREW M. HUNT AND CAROL MEEHAN HUNT HOCKEY TROPHIES
These trophies are given in honor of Andrew M. Hunt and his wife, Carol Meehan Hunt, the parents of Kevin ’70, Peter ’71 and Jim ’83. The trophies recognize a boy and a girl from the hockey program who embody the leadership, character and devotion to their team and program that have made them valuable and dependable teammates: Jack Baird '23, Michael Patko '23 and Isabella DiReda '23
THE CARLOS XAVIER ARAUJO '96 MEMORIAL SQUASH TROPHY
This trophy is awarded in loving memory of Carlos Xavier Araujo ’96 to the squash player who best exemplifies Carlos's perseverance, sportsmanship, sense of humor and vitality: William Hurlbut '23
THE GIRLS’ SQUASH COACH’S TROPHY
The Squash Coach’s Trophy is presented to the player who best combines the highest levels of leadership, skill and commitment: Charlotte West '23
THE GIRLS’ VOLLEYBALL COACH'S TROPHY
The Volleyball Coach’s Trophy is presented to the player who best combines the highest levels of leadership, skill and commitment. Merritt Coward '23
THE WRESTLING COACH’S TROPHY
The Wrestling Coach’s Trophy is presented to a wrestler who is admired for outstanding leadership, sportsmanship, positive attitude and commitment to the team. Garrett Roskelly '23
THE BASEBALL COACH'S TROPHY
The Baseball Coach’s Trophy is presented to the player who best combines the highest levels of leadership, skill and commitment: Matthew Parella '23
THE DORMENT GOLF TROPHY
A gift from Chris ’63 and Rosemary Dorment in honor of their daughter Camilla ’06. This trophy recognizes a member of the girls’ golf team who best exhibits leadership, skill, humility and a passion for golf: Carly Costaregni '23
THE FROST FAMILY TROPHY
This trophy has been given to Portsmouth Abbey by former coach John W. Frost to recognize a boys' lacrosse player who has contributed in significant ways to the School's lacrosse program and whose passion for the game is best exemplified by his leadership, fair play, and gentlemanly conduct: Jack Lucey '23
THE HANNAFORD FAMILY TROPHY
A gift to Portsmouth Abbey by William and Patricia Hannaford Jr., parents of William ’89 and Tara ’97, this award recognizes a member of the girls’ lacrosse team who best exhibits a strong desire to compete, a positive attitude, and humility both on and off the field, thus making her a natural and dependable leader: Alexis Dahlberg '23
THE ROBERT PRICE ’71 SAILING TROPHY
This trophy given in memory of Robert Price ’71 by his family, is awarded to the sailor whose skill, leadership, and love of sailing have been of the greatest value to the members of the team: Liam Barry '23
THE SOFTBALL COACH’S TROPHY
The Softball Coach’s Trophy is presented to a player who is admired for her outstanding leadership, sportsmanship, positive attitude and commitment to the team: Sarah Edwards '23
THE TENNIS COACH’S TROPHIES
The Tennis Coach’s Trophies are presented to a boy and a girl who best combine the highest levels of leadership, skill and commitment to their teams: William Hurlbut '23 and Alessandra Cristiani '24
THE TRACK COACH’S TROPHIES
The Track Coach’s Trophies are presented to a boy and a girl who best combine the highest levels of leadership, skill and commitment to their teams: Obi Onwudiwe '23 and Odunayo Adelaiye '25
SCHOLAR-ATHLETE AWARD
The Scholar-Athlete Award recognizes a boy and a girl in the Sixth Form who, during the course of the school year, earned three varsity letters while demonstrating the highest academic achievement: Elena Cristiani '23 and Quinn Brighton '23
THE PORTSMOUTH ABBEY ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION
Selected by the varsity coaching staff and the Athletic Director, this award is presented each year to members of the Sixth Form who exhibit outstanding playing ability, sportsmanship, leadership, effort, and dedication in each of the three seasons of athletics: Ashtyn Bringardner '23, Isabella DiReda '23, Bernard Dushie '23, Sarah Edwards '23, Jack Lucey '23 and Joseph Verderber '23
PORTSMOUTH ABBEY ACADEMIC AWARDS
CLASS Of 2023 ELECTED TO MEMBERSHIP IN THE CUM LAUDE SOCIETY
Liam Barry, Quinn Brighton, Hannah Gallagher, Cheonjung (Kent) Kim, Caroline McLaughlin and Rose Yu
THEOLOGY AWARDS
For general excellence over the entire course: Cheonjung (Kent) Kim '23
For excellence in Theology
Upper School: Rebecca Healey '24
Lower School: Michael Foley '26 and Whitaker Williams '26
ENGLISH AND HUMANITIES AWARDS
THE WILLIAM FORCE STEAD PRIZE FOR CREATIVE WRITINNG
Given in memory of Dom Julian Stead’s ’43 father, William Force Stead, this award was established by James M. Osborn, Professor of English at Yale University. William Force Stead was an author and fellow of Worcester College, Oxford, whose letters from W.B. Yeats, T.S. Eliot and others were presented to Yale by Portsmouth Abbey School: Sara DeSousa '23
THE ALEXANDER A. PHILLIPS POETRY PRIZE
In memory of Mr. Phillips, a poet and friend of the monastic community: Erin McGinley '23
THE REV. JOHN O'ROURKE ENGLISH COMPOSITION PRIZE
In memory of Father O'Rourke, a friend of the monastic community: Liam Barry '23
THE UNIVERSITY OF ROCHESTER HUMANITIES/SOCIAL SCIENCES AWARD
For outstanding achievement in the HUMANITIES and SOCIAL SCIENCES: Nessa McDermott '24
For excellence in ENGLISH, Form III: Whitaker Williams '26
For excellence in HUMANITIES: Aidan Sainte '25, Allison Miller '25 and Nate Heller '25
THE MAURA B. AND ROBERT W. MOREY PRIZE
Established in honor of Maura and Bob Morey, parents of Edward Morey ’94, for their dedication to Portsmouth Abbey School’s students and teachers, the Morey Prize is presented to the outstanding Fifth Form English student in recognition of superior performance, and with particular attention to proficiency in written expression: Nate Lee '24
THE PUBLIC SPEAKING AWARD
For excellence in public speaking: Jimin (Jennifer) Shon '25
CLASSICAL LANGUAGE AWARDS
For excellence in LATIN
Upper Level: Mary Adams '24
Lower Level: Jennifer Rui '25
THE BISHOP ANSGAR AWARD
This award, in memory of Bishop Ansgar Nelson, is presented for excellence in LATIN and civic spirit: Xiatong (Rose) Yu '23
NATIONAL LATIN EXAM
Level I School Winner: Ethan Kang '26, Evelyn Meko '26 and Jack Smith '26
Level II School Winner: Jennifer Rui '25
Level III, Poetry School Winner: Mary Adams '24
Level IV, Poetry School Winner: Cheonjung (Kent) Kim '23
THE CLASSICAL STUDIES BOOK PRIZE
Given in memory of Cecil J. (Jack) Acheson, who taught Classics at Portsmouth Abbey School for twenty-four years, and in memory of Peter H. E. Harris, who taught Greek for thirty-five years, this prize is awarded to the member of the graduating class who has shown, as a Fifth or Sixth Former, an appreciation for the Classics program of studies at Portsmouth Abbey School in either LATIN or GREEK, or both: Cheonjung (Kent) Kim '23
MODERN LANGUAGE AWARDS
For excellence in FRENCH
Upper Level: Nessa McDermott '24
Lower Level: Sophie Green '23
For excellence in SPANISH
Upper Level: Erin McGinley '23
Lower Level: Allison Miller '25
For excellence in CHINESE
Upper Level: Nathan Lee '24
Lower Level: Jonathan Mammen '24
HISTORY AWARDS
THE FRANK E. LALLY HISTORY BOOK AWARDS
These awards are given in memory of Dr. Lally, member of the Faculty and head of the History Department from 1933-1965.
For excellence in ANCIENT HISTORY: Michael Giuliano-Reich '26
For excellence in RHODE ISLAND HISTORY SEMINAR: Zoey Bartley '23
For excellence in EUROPEAN HISTORY: Sofia Aragonés '23
For excellence in US Government & Politics: Georgia Sones '23
THE SENATOR HERBERT CLAIBORNE PELL MEDAL
For excellence in UNITED STATES HISTORY: Austin Zhao '24
MATHEMATICS AND SCIENCE AWARDS
AMERICAN MATHEMATICS COMPETITION
Senior Division School Winner: Xingzhi Gong '24
Junior Division School Winner: Sauroo Park '24
THE NORMAN MARCOUX PRIZE IN GEOMETRY
This prize, given by his family, is given in honor of Norman Marcoux, valued colleague and respected teacher from 1951-1991: Jack Smith '26
For excellence in ALGEBRA II/ANALYSIS: Michael Foley '26
For excellence in PRECALCULUS: Sauroo Park '24
For excellence in STATISTICS: Cheonjung (Kent) Kim '23
For excellence in CALCULUS: Kevin Xu '24
For excellence in COMPUTER SCIENCE: Nathan Heller '25
For excellence in ECONOMICS: Coleman Hayes '23
THE AMERICAN MATHEMATICAL SOCIETY AWARD
The AMS award is given to a student in the graduating class who has demonstrated outstanding success in MATHEMATICS: Quinn Brighton '23
THE RENSSELAER MEDAL
Awarded to promising secondary school students who have distinguished themselves in MATHEMATICS and SCIENCE: Lorna Liu '24
SOCIETY OF WOMEN ENGINEERS CERTIFICATE OF ACHIEVEMENT
Awarded to one female and one male in the Fifth Form to honor them for high achievement in MATHEMATICS and SCIENCE: Monique Hwang '24 and Austin Zhao '24
THE GEORGE FRIES, II, MEDALS
In memory of Mr. Fries, a long-time friend of Dom Andrew Jenks and benefactor of Portsmouth Abbey School.
For excellence in MATHEMATICS: Yulin (Morton) Jiang '23
For excellence in CHEMISTRY: Quinn Brighton '23
THE FRANCIS I. BRADY MEDAL
For excellence in PHYSICS, in memory of Francis Brady, assistant headmaster from 1940-1955: Slade Crouse '24
For excellence in CONCEPTUAL PHYSICS: Sauroo Park '24
For excellence in BIOLOGY: Liam Barry '23
For excellence in MEDICAL PHYSIOLOGY: Liam Barry '23
For excellence in INFECTIOUS DISEASE: Erin McGinley '23
ART AWARDS
For excellence in STUDIO ART: Fiona Yang '24
For excellence in ART HISTORY: Cheonjung (Kent) Kim '23
For excellence in PHOTOGRAPHY: Sergio Ley '23
For excellence in CERAMICS: Teghan Torrey '23
For excellence in DIGITAL MEDIA PRODUCTION: Gavin Liu '25
THE MCGUIRE ART MEDAL
Given by Donald McGuire, Jr.,‘74, and James McGuire‘78, in memory of their father, Donald T. McGuire, who taught art from 1971-1986, the McGuire Art Medal is awarded to a student in the graduating class who has demonstrated, by tangible expression in the area of the visual arts, a special quality of imagination and creativity: Saeeun (Liz) Park '23
THE RHODE ISLAND SCHOOL OF DESIGN BOOK AWARD
Presented to a graduating Sixth Former who has exhibited commendable talent and energy in the visual arts: Sophie Green '23
DOM AMBROSE WOLVERTON DRAMA AWARD
A gift to the School by the family of Patrick O'Neill ’00 in honor of Dom Ambrose Wolverton for his many years of service to the performing arts, the award is presented annually to the Abbey Player whose talent, leadership, and passion for theater have been of the greatest value to the Portsmouth Abbey community. In addition to recognizing artistic excellence, this award honors the recipient’s humility both on and off the stage: Hannah Gallaher '23
MUSIC AWARDS
THE MUSIC PRIZE
Given in memory of Milton and Fern Miller Wolverton, parents of Dom Ambrose, this prize is awarded to members of the School community who have made a significant contribution to the music program: Katherine Choi '23
NATIONAL CHOIR AWARD - Jonathan Kamdani '23
QUINCY JONES MUSICIANSHIP AWARD - Hannah Gallagher '23
NATIONAL SCHOOL ORCHESTRA AWARD - Katherine Choi '23
PORTSMOUTH ABBEY CHARACTER, SERVICE, AND LEADERSHIP AWARDS
SIXTH FORM RED KEY TOUR GUIDES
The Red Key tour guides offer a prospective student and family their first impression of our community and School. It is with great appreciation that the following students are cited for sustained service and special commitment as Heads of Red Key this year.
Georgia Sones, Marianne Rasch, Caroline McLaughlin, Alexis Dahlberg, Dami Opawumi, Truman Curtis, Michael Abbate, Morton Jiang, Aidan Duffy and Jack Lucey
THE WILLIAM M. HANEY FELLOWSHIPS
These fellowships are available through a gift from William M. Haney, III, ‘80, made in honor of his father, William M. Haney, chemistry teacher, houseparent and coach at Portsmouth Abbey from 1968-1991. Awarded on the basis of submitted proposals, the Haney Fellowships provide the opportunity for selected Fifth Form students to have a unique summer educational opportunity.
Mary Adams, Steve Cheon, Rebecca Healey, Monique Hwang, Angus Oliveira, Aidan Surber and Alina Wang
THE SAINT GREGORY AWARDS
The Saint Gregory Awards are inspired by the model of Gregory the Great, patron of our school. Saint Gregory committed his life to the service of others, actively seeking to improve his church and the world by cultivating faithful leaders, and in devoting special attention to the poor and disenfranchised. In this spirit, the recipients of this award have taken leadership roles in serving beyond our campus on behalf of others in need:
Alexis Buwembo, Cheonjung (Kent) Kim, YanYan (Sabrina) Luo, Mariana McKeating, Caroline McLaughlin, Ona Ogbuefi and Dami Opawumi
ARMY RESERVE OFFICERS TRAINING CORPS SCHOLARSHIP
The ARMY ROTC is one of the most demanding and successful leadership programs in the country. Upon completion, the recipient of this award, as an Army ROTC graduate, is offered officer status in the Army.
Michael Abbate '23
AIR FORCE RESERVE OFFICER TRAINING CORPS HSSP COMMANDER’S SCHOLARSHIP AT DUKE UNIVERSITY
The Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (ROTC) is a college program that offered at more than 1, 700 colleges and universities across the United States that prepares young adults to become officers in the U. S. Military.
Caroline McLaughlin '23 and Merritt Coward '23
THE RHODE ISLAND HIGH SCHOOL CIVIC LEADERSHIP AWARDS
The award is given to one boy and one girl in the Fifth Form in recognition of their outstanding leadership skills, academic record, and contributions to both school and community.
Abigail Lawler '24 and Angus Oliveria '24
THE UNIVERSITY OF RHODE ISLAND ALUMNI ASSOCIATION AWARD
This award is given to a member of the Fifth Form to recognize his or her outstanding personal attributes and service to the School and community: Grace Connaughton '24
SAINT ANSELM COLLEGE BOOK AWARD
This book is presented to a student in the Fifth Form who exercises a capacity for academic achievement and continued education, has an awareness of social responsibility, displays leadership qualities, and possesses strong character: Bruce Taylor '24
THE UNIVERSITY OF VIRGINIA’S JEFFERSON BOOK AWARD
On behalf of the University of Virginia, its Alumni Association, and the UVA Club of Rhode Island, The Jefferson Book Award is presented to a Fifth Former whom the Faculty considers to be an exceptionally talented scholar, leader, and citizen - the traits Thomas Jefferson wanted his students to embody in establishing the University of Virginia: Niamh Whelan '24
THE SMITH COLLEGE CLUB OF RHODE ISLAND AWARD
The Smith Book Award is presented to an outstanding Fifth Form student who exemplifies the academic achievement, leadership qualities, and concern for others that characterize the thousands of women who have graduated from Smith College: Rebecca Healey '24
THE UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA BOOK AWARD
Through its alumni association, the University of Pennsylvania presents this award each year to a Fifth Form student who best exemplifies the qualities and characteristics of Benjamin Franklin – a scholar, innovator, and one who serves the community: Sean Brennan '24
DARTMOUTH COLLEGE BOOK AWARD
This book is awarded to a member of the Fifth Form who best combines the qualities of scholarship, leadership, and achievement: Slade Crouse '24
THE YALE UNIVERSITY ALUMNI ASSOCIATION AWARD
For outstanding personal character and intellectual promise: Austin Zhao '24
THE HARVARD-RADCLIFFE CLUB OF R.I. BOOK AWARD
This award is presented to an outstanding student in the Fifth Form who displays excellence in scholarship and high character, combined with achievement in other fields: Charlotte West '24
CONGRESSMAN DAVID CICILLINE AWARD
This award is presented to the member of the graduating class who has distinguished himself - or herself through school and community involvement: Truman Curtis '23
LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR’S LEADERSHIP AWARD
This award is presented to a member of the graduating class who best embodies the qualities of a student leader, exhibited through a combination of dedication to his or her studies and a commitment to school service: Dami Opawumi '23
AWARDS OF DISTINCTION
THE DR. JAMES M. DEVECCHI HEAD BOY AND HEAD GIRL RECOGNITIONS: Presented in the name of Dr. DeVecchi, math teacher, colleague, coach and the School's 11th Headmaster and under whose tenure the Abbey's tradition of Head Boy and Head Girl student leadership model was initiated these awards are presented each year to the Head Boy and Head Girl in recognition of their courage to serve and in thanks for their contributions to Portsmouth Abbey School.
Michael Abbate '23 and Sofia Aragonés '23
THE MATTHEW PENNEY ’07 PERSEVERANCE AWARD
Given by his parents in memory of their son, Matthew ‘07, this monetary grant for Freshman college expenses is presented to a Sixth Former who has shown the same determined perseverance, excellent character and kindness, throughout his or her time at the School as seen in Matthew Penney: Jermaine Anson '23
THE MARY LOUISE KEARNEY AWARD
This award is given each year in memory of Mary Louise Kearney, sister of Pierce Kearney ’44, Dom Damian ‘45, Thomas ’45, Gerald ’48 and David ’50 to a member of the Sixth Form who has distinguished him- or herself through his or her character, contributions to our community, and the progress that he or she has made during his or her time at Portsmouth: Sofia Aragonés '23
THE FACULTY FORM V AWARD
This award is made by vote of the Faculty to that member of the Fifth Form who qualifies as the “best all-around student” in his or her Form, with special emphasis being placed on high scholarship and character: Robert "Bo" Howenstein '24
THE DOUAI PRIZE
Sponsored by the Douai Foundation, and awarded to a member of each school in the English Benedictine Congregation at the Headmaster’s discretion, this monetary award recognizes a member of the graduating class who demonstrates Benedictine values with good humor: Joseph Verderber '23
THE HEAD OF SCHOOL'S AWARD
This is a special award to members of the Sixth Form who, in the Headmaster's opinion, have been a force for good in the School through their good will, personal example, and effort.
Merritt Coward '23, Hannah Gallagher '23, Quinn Brighton '23 and Jack Lucey '23
THE DOM LUKE CHILDS ’57 MEMORIAL MEDAL
This award was established by Frederick C. Childs ’75, in memory of his uncle, and is awarded to that member of the graduating class who best exemplifies those qualities of citizenship which were so prized by Dom Luke: intelligence, virtue, and concern for others: Alexis Buwembo '23
THE EXCELLENCE IN SCHOLARSHIP AWARD
This award is presented to the graduating Sixth Former with the highest cumulative academic average for their Fifth and Sixth Form years: Cheonjung (Kent) Kim '23
THE WILLIAM BARRY McCOY ’67 MEMORIAL AWARD
Elected by the Monastic Faculty, this award is presented to a Sixth Form student for interest and growth in things of the spirit and for influence upon his or her classmates, through Christian attitude and constructive leadership as exemplified by William Barry McCoy ‘67: Caroline McLaughlin '23
THE WILLIAM GRIFFIN KELLEY MEMORIAL TROPHY
Established in memory of a teacher of English and Greek, through a vote of the Faculty, this trophy is awarded annually to a member of the Sixth Form who, in their opinion, has made a most significant contribution to the life of the School. All phases of school life are considered: academic, athletic, and extracurricular, as well as the special qualities of humaneness, humility and sense of humor: Michael Abbate '23