Senior Awards Announced

On Friday, May 19, 2017, the Marksmen of the Class of 2017 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 certainly represents all that we seek to instill in our students. The words ‘Courage and Honor’ immediately come to mind when you think of this Marksman. He sets the highest standards in everything that he does and strives to bring out the very best in others. He is a serious scholar, thoughtful leader, and generous servant leader. This young man brightens everyone’s day. Compassionate, thoughtful and determined, he’s a force in the classroom, in athletics, and in the journalism suite. He’s a young man of unquestioned integrity and character, and he leads with humility and purpose. Charismatic and inclusive, he has worked hard to strengthen our community in every way. Community Service Board Co-Chair, Creative Director of The ReMarker, Literary Festival Co-Chair, Philosophy Club, and one of only five National Student Poets, this Marksman has made us all better. The 2017 recipient of the Headmaster’s Cup is Gopal Raman.

 

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.

 

Commitment, determination, passion, and enthusiasm are just a few words that could begin to describe this year's winner. Since arriving in the seventh grade, he has distinguished himself by his tireless quest to develop on the path to manhood as well as serve the community at large. An accomplished and celebrated scholar-athlete, he is equally at ease in the classroom as well as in the pool where he has been a leader of the swimming and water polo programs. Where this year's winner has truly left his mark is in his commitment to the School community. In his roles as TELOS leader, Co-Chair of the Leadership and Ethics Council, Editor-in-Chief of the Marksmen, and Vice-President of the Class, this young man has earned the respect of everyone through his strength of character and his actions as a model citizen. He has the ability to bring out the best in others, and he works through a compassionate and inclusive leadership style. He never seeks attention for himself, preferring to focus on the accomplishments of others. This year’s recipient of the School Flag is Andrew Lin.

 
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.

 

Additionally, numerous students received recognition for their outstanding accomplishments during the 2016–2017 school year at the Upper School Final Assembly. Patrick Andrén, Head of Upper School, announced the following 2017 senior award recipients:

 

For his consistent devotion to St. Mark’s School and all members of the community; for his unselfish, steady, and unifying leadership as senior class president; for his willingness to help others in the community in large and small ways, the faculty presents a special award to Shailen Parmar.

 

For the way he leads by example balancing seriousness of purpose while also making sure to have fun; for his leadership on the Community Service board; for his willingness to jump right into any work he has committed himself to; for his leadership as captain of the golf team, the faculty presents a special award to Sam Clayman.

For his pursuit of excellence and exemplary scholarship throughout his high school career; for his love of learning and willingness to always challenge himself; for his leadership and service to The Marque, The Scientific Marksmen, and the Marksmen, the faculty presents a special award to Killian Green.

For his persistence of effort in the classroom and on the athletic fields; for his selfless determination to serve others; for his constant dedication to the St. Mark’s community; for being a genuine representative of all we endeavor, the faculty presents a special award to Teddy Koudleka.

For his genuine and consistent care for all members of the St. Mark’s community; for his commitment in the pursuit of excellence; for his contributions to and leadership in the music program; for his willingness to share his talents through mentoring younger students, the faculty presents a special award to Chirag Gokani.

For his inspiring intellect and love of learning for its own sake; for his leadership and commitment to the Academic Team; for his dedication and contributions to the music program as a cello player and pianist; for his humility and excellence of character, the faculty presents a special award to Patrick Magee.

For his modeling of the values that St. Mark’s strives to promote; for his enthusiasm and energy as a SuperFanMan; for his contributions and leadership in the soccer and baseball programs; for his steadfast support and care for his classmates, the faculty presents a special award to Gordon Gunn.

For his commitment to building a global and informed perspective; for his commitment to serving others; for his commitment to and quiet leadership in the Lion and Sword Society; for his contributions and leadership on the soccer team; for his steady and principled leadership as chair of the Discipline Council, the faculty presents an award to Corday Cruz.

For his positive, inclusive, and infectious leadership as Student Council President; for his tremendous work and discipline in the swimming and water polo programs; for his determination to enrich the life of anyone around him; for his unwavering love and support of St. Mark’s, the faculty presents a special ward to Christian McClain.