Seniors Honored

On Friday, May 25, 2018, 90 young men donned white dinner jackets and walked across the stage on the Ida M. and Cecil H. Green Commencement Theatre. As St. Mark’s honored all of the incredible Marksmen of the Class of 2018, Eugene McDermott Headmaster David W. Dini presented the three major School prizes.

 

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.

 

 

 

 

Devoted to his classmates and always mindful of the opportunity to set an example for boys across the campus, this Marksman lives up to our every expectation. He’s a multi-sport athlete, contributor in and out of the classroom, and, quite simply, an impact player wherever he goes. Telos Leadership Society, Student Council, class leader, and so much more. He is the voice of balance and reason, always willing to speak up on behalf of others and strives for common ground. He personifies what it means to be a Marksman, treating others with unconditional positive respect and possessing a sense of humility and an obligation to serve. With a generous spirit, a quick smile, and just the right amount of good humor, he’s been a highly engaged and responsible member of the School community for 12 years. Community spirit at St. Mark’s has never been stronger thanks to this Marksman. He’s garnered athletic honors on the playing field and this year served as Managing Editor of the Marksmen yearbook. This year’s recipient of the School Flag is Canyon Kyle.

 

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 of the Citizenship Cup understands the idea that being an impactful member of a community means consistently dedicating yourself to the needs of your community and the people around you. As a scholar, his academic achievements alone merit distinction, but it has been his significant commitment to service and leadership that has clearly set him apart. From his love of language to his active leadership on The ReMarker staff, this Marksman has done it all and done it well. Member of the Discipline Council, Lion and Sword, and so much more, this Marksman leads naturally from the front or the back, with humility and purpose. A passionate multi-sport athlete, he has made a difference all over the campus. Last summer he was selected by the administration to attend the International Boys’ Schools Coalition Conference, where he worked alongside students from all over the world to examine social and environmental issues. He never asks anyone to do something that he wouldn’t do himself, and his example is an inspiration for all. It is with great pleasure that we award the 2018 J. B. H. Henderson Citizenship Cup to Zachary Gilstrap.

 

For his dedicated leadership of The Marksmen this year; for the many ways he quietly serves the School with passion and skill; for his modeling of the values that St. Mark’s strives to promote, the faculty presents a special award to Omar Rana.

 

For his genuine and consistent care for all members of the St. Mark’s community; for his example of promoting the well-being of the group ahead of his own individual achievement; for his commitment to excellence in all that he does, the faculty presents a special award to Kannan Sharma.

 

For his leadership and accomplishments in journalism; for his steadfast dedication to serving others; for his commitment to building an informed and global perspective, the faculty presents a special award to Kobe Roseman.

 

For the way he balances seriousness of purpose while also making sure to have fun; for his commitment to and leadership in Quiz Bowl; for his fun-loving spirit, the faculty presents a special award to Abdullah Akbar.

 

For his pursuit of excellence and exemplary scholarship throughout his high school career; for his achievement in the field of debate; for his unassuming and humble leadership in the classroom and on the tennis court, the faculty presents a special award to Harris Wilson.

 

For his inspiring intellect and love of learning for its own sake; for his dedication to a wide range of subjects from classics to computer science; for his willingness to help other members of the community, the faculty presents a special award to Andrew Smith.

 

For his quiet, but steadfast determination and effort in all he does; for his commitment and principled leadership as Chair of the Discipline Council; for his humility and excellence of character, the faculty presents a special award to Ben Clayman.

 

For the breadth and depth of his intellectual interests; for his achievements in the arts and robotics; for his willingness to help others in the community in large and small ways, the faculty presents a special award to Perry Naseck.

 

For his positive and inclusive leadership of in multiple areas of School life; for the model of deep commitment he shows in all he does; for his support and mentorship of younger marksmen, the faculty presents a special award to Jimmy Rodriguez.