Senior Awards Announced

On Friday, May 22, 2015, the Marksmen of the Class of 2015 donned their white dinner jackets and walked across the stage on the Cecil & Ida Green Commencement Theater, crossing the threshold from student to alumnus. That evening Eugene McDermott Headmaster David Dini announced the recipients of the three Major Awards:
 
The Headmaster’s Cup is awarded by the Headmaster with the advice of the faculty to the senior who best exemplifies the traits that St. Mark’s seeks to foster in its students:  The quest for excellence, intellectual curiosity and commitment, service to the School and community, and concern for others.
 
This year’s recipient represents all that we seek to instill in our students. The School Motto, ‘Courage and Honor,’ immediately comes to mind when you think of this Marksman. He sets the highest standards for himself and those around him and brings out the very best in others. A serious scholar, he is a member of Cum Laude and a National Merit Semi-Finalist. Compassionate, thoughtful and determined, he’s a force in the classroom, in the journalism suite, and on the playing field. He’s a young man of unquestioned integrity and character, and he leads with humility and purpose. Charismatic and inclusive, he’s worked diligently to strengthen our community. A natural leader, he has served as Student Council President, Editor of the Marksmen yearbook, a member of Telos Society, and Captain of the baseball team. Humble and modest, he is held in highest regard by faculty and peers alike. The 2015 recipient of the Headmaster’s Cup is Carrington Kyle.
 
The School Flag is awarded by the faculty and presented by the Head of Upper School to a senior for loyalty, dedication, and distinguished service to the School.
 
With his endless energy and passion for St. Mark’s, this young man has enriched campus life in ways too numerous to count. He has worked tirelessly to ensure that every member of our community feels valued and included, and has initiated activities, both whimsical and serious, to achieve that end. He’s made it his goal to lead in a positive, inclusive fashion, and to give back to the school that’s given him so much. While he is recognized as one of the leading scholars and athletes in his class, it’s the man that he’s become that matters. This year’s recipient of the School Flag is Nathan Ondracek.
 
The J.B.H. Henderson Citizenship Cup is awarded by the faculty and presented by the Head of Upper School to the senior who has genuine concern for others and is dedicated to the ideals of honor and justice.

This year’s recipient possesses a servant’s heart. Through his words and deeds, he set an example of inclusiveness with his warm, embracing personality and sincere concern for others. In and out of the classroom, he elevates discussions and shares his contagious love and pride for St. Mark’s. Setting an example for younger Marksmen, he has demonstrated what it means to be fully engaged and live a life of honor, integrity, and purpose. Holding positions of responsibility and leadership in everything from athletics and student publications to fine arts and community service, this senior has had a significant impact on St. Mark’s. The recipient of this year’s Citizenship Cup is Mason Smith.
 
Additionally, numerous students received recognition for their outstanding accomplishments during the 2014–2015 school year at the Upper School Final Assembly. The Headmaster announced the following 2015 senior award recipients:
 
For his brilliant work in mathematics, the sciences, Spanish, and the Humanities; for his spirited contributions on stage and in the choir; for his generous mentorship of his peers and younger students; and for his overall positive impact on this school, the faculty presents a special award to Raymond Guo.
 
For his positive attitude and lively spirit; for his unfailing and contagious sense of humor; for his athletic prowess and sportsmanship; for his scholarly curiosity and dedication; for his leadership and character; and for his wholehearted immersion in the life of the school, the faculty presents a special award to Corson Purnell.
 
For his exemplary scholarship; for his hard work and discipline both in the classroom and on the athletic fields; for his commitment to this community and leadership in a variety of campus clubs and organizations; and for his determination to enrich the lives of underclassmen, the faculty presents a special award to Case Brabham.
 
For his sterling academic performance; for his devotion and consistent performance on the soccer and track teams; for his all-around excellence in scientific research as well as academics; the faculty presents a special award to Christopher Carter.
 
For his contributions to the athletic program as a three sport athlete; for his contributions to fine arts; for the positive energy he brings to St. Mark’s each and every day; for engaging students of all ages and employees across divisions and departments; the faculty presents a special award to Justin Jones.
 
For his outstanding scholarship; for setting the highest standards in the film and drama programs; for his dedication to making St. Mark’s a better and more thoughtful place; for his curiosity, wit, and insight; the faculty presents a special award to William Sydney.
 
For distinguishing himself as a student, athlete and man of character; for upholding the principles of honor and integrity through his work with student groups and organizations; for representing St. Mark’s to the broader community with affable confidence; for his thoughtful and compassionate leadership of his teammates and of the Discipline Council; the faculty presents a special award to George Lin.
 
For his curiosity and passion in his academic pursuits; for his leadership with various programs and commitment to community service; for his sincere engagement in the Leadership & Ethics program; and for his genuine support of others, the faculty presents a special award to Forest Cummings-Taylor.
 
For his musical talent and band leadership; for his competitive fire and self-motivation; for his scholarly achievements and insights; for his excellence on the roads and track; for wringing every ounce of effort from his body and soul; the faculty presents a special award to Nick Buckenham.
 
For his unwavering commitment to character; for his enthusiastic contributions as a journalist, member of student council, multi-sport athlete, and dedicated pianist; for his consistent eagerness to sharpen others as iron sharpens iron, the faculty presents a special award to Elton McIntosh.
 
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St. Mark’s School of Texas

10600 Preston Road
Dallas, Texas 75230
214-346-8000

About Us

St. Mark’s School of Texas is a private, nonsectarian college-preparatory boys’ day school for students in grades 1 through 12, located in Dallas, Texas. St. Mark’s aims to prepare young men to assume leadership and responsibility in a competitive and changing world.

St. Mark’s does not discriminate in the administration of its admission and education policies on the basis of race, color, religion, sexual orientation, or national or ethnic origin.