From the press release from Asheville School:
Asheville School’s Class of 2012 celebrated Graduation Day on Saturday, May 26 as they received their diplomas on the William Boyd Chapel lawn during the school’s 112th commencement. Click here to view photos from the ceremony.
Head of School Arch Montgomery commented on the dedication the seniors had to one another, and noted that the class persevered with wholeness and integrity throughout their final year at Asheville School.
“A strong senior class led the 2011-2012 academic year. They created new traditions like the mud run, the senior paint fight, and our new rock painting ritual,” Montgomery said.
During the salutation, Class President Mary Page Boyd (Black Mountain, NC) thanked the faculty for their constant dedication to the students. Other student speakers followed including Class Poet Zach Smith (Ras Tanura, Saudi Arabia), and Class Orator Abdul Saeed (Jeddah, Saudi Arabia). The Class Arbor was handed over by Liz McKee (Cashiers, NC) and was received by the President of the 2012-2013 Student Council, Patrick Wood (Salisbury, CT).
As the seniors anxiously awaited their diplomas, we took the time to recognize and honor many of our dedicated and extraordinary students and faculty members.
Lawrence Waller (Asheville, NC) was recognized as the Ranking Scholar of the senior class. The Harvard Award was presented to junior Ian Van Wye (Asheville, NC) and the Yale Award was given to junior Avi Goldstein (Asheville, NC).
The Asheville School Mathematics Prizes are supported by a permanent endowment fund created by the family, classmates, and friends of George S. Stearns, Jr., a member of the Class of 1932 and a Trustee from 1971 to 1976. The Stearns Award for Excellence in Finite Math/Intro to Statistics was awarded to Shaunteri Skinner (Atlanta, GA). The Stearns Award for Excellence in AP Statistics and the Stearns Award for Excellence in Linear Algebra was given to Wee Pittayakanchit (Bangkok, Thailand).
Kyla Barkley (Orange, NJ) received the W. Bryant Wellons III ’90 award because her contributions to the performing arts echo the talent, enthusiasm, and character of William Bryant Wellons III. Hallie Veteto (Candler, NC) received the Michalove Award in Drama for her outstanding theatrical achievements.
The Pen and Plate Club of Asheville recognized Lawrence Waller for achieving the best record in the Humanities during his time at Asheville School.
The faculty enthusiastically decided to grant special faculty awards to Lawrence Waller, Sara Brigagliano (Arlington, VA), Ryan Somogye (Dhahran, Saudi Arabia), and Mary Page Boyd for their countless contributions to the school.
The A. Chase Ambler, Jr. Award was established in 1991 by the Alumni Council in honor of Chase Ambler, member of the Class of 1950, and long-time faculty member. The Ambler Award was given to Sarah Adzemovic (Dhahran, Saudi Arabia) by vote of the faculty in recognition of her unselfish service to the school community.
The George Jackson Headmasters Prize is in honor of George Jackson, Asheville School’s third headmaster. It is awarded by a vote of the faculty to the outstanding member of the sixth form. Gabe O’Friel (Asheville, NC) received this award because he captures the essence of the hopes and dreams we have for all of our students.
The Irvin H. Ornduff Master Teaching Prize was established in 1998 by several of Mr. Ornduff’s former students. Mr. Ornduff served on Asheville School’s faculty for 37 years as an English teacher, advisor, and Director of Studies and College Counseling. The Ornduff Prize is presented to a teacher who has been teaching during his or her career for no more than five years and who has displayed excellence in his or her work. This year award was given to science teacher Ben Ewing. Other faculty members recognized include Jay Bonner, who received the Jack Tyrer award for 25 years of service, Joe Lambert, who received the Lewis teaching award, and Michelle Brooks, who was honored by the Blue & White. Bob Williams received the Brooks Award for his exceptional service and devotion to this institution.
Awards for Excellence were announced as follows:
Humanities Seminar: Sara Brigagliano
American Studies Literature: Claire Coward
American Studies History: Taylor Smith
Second year Physics: Wee Pittayakanchit
Environmental Science: Liz McKee
Anatomy and Physiology: Sua Yoon
Latin III: Reilly McDaniel
French IV: Darrah Johnson
Spanish IV: Brennan Harlan
Spanish VI AP Lit: Pamela Duarte
Chinese IV: Mary HanCongratulations to Asheville School’s most recent alumni — the Class of 2012!
Before you comment
The comments section is here to provide a platform for civil dialogue on the issues we face together as a local community. Xpress is committed to offering this platform for all voices, but when the tone of the discussion gets nasty or strays off topic, we believe many people choose not to participate. Xpress editors are determined to moderate comments to ensure a constructive interchange is maintained. All comments judged not to be in keeping with the spirit of civil discourse will be removed and repeat violators will be banned. See here for our terms of service. Thank you for being part of this effort to promote respectful discussion.