Graduating Saints Recognized at Sixth Form Awards Assembly

Every class that passes through Canterbury leaves a lasting mark on the hilltop, and over the years, the Class of 2026 has secured a legacy of growth, character, and heart. On May 21, just one day before they cross the stage at Commencement, they gathered in Maguire Auditorium to celebrate their many achievements at the Sixth Form Awards Assembly. Honors were bestowed for athletics, academics, the arts, service, and the title of Class of 2026 Valedictorian.

“This is an exciting, bittersweet time, but more sweet than bitter,” said Head of School Caroline Blatti. “A time of contemplation, reflection, excitement, and thoughts of the past and the future, and we’re so very proud of all of our graduates here today. This awards ceremony recognizes the independent thinking, integrity, compassion, and dedication to excellence of each of these award winners. We hope that Canterbury’s values, which we espouse in language and action, reinforce both who you are today and who you are becoming.”

Congratulations to all of the evening’s honorees:

The Varsity Blanket 
Varsity Athletic Blankets are awarded to members of the Class of 2026 who have earned three Varsity Letters in their Sixth Form year.

Daniel Batstone, Jaelyn Beauvais, Calista Bickers, Calleigh Boord, Maleah Dunn, Yun “Angel” Lin, Grayson Mengold, & Olivia Tonelli

The Most Improved Athlete Award
Gianna Martinez, Kaelyn Darrin, & Cody Hew

The Best Leadership Award
Maggie Samela & Jared Strand

The Best All-Around Athlete Award
Kaitlynn Kenna & Daniel Batstone

The Edward F. Mack Awards
In memory of Edward F. Mack, who was a Master at Canterbury from 1928 to 1957, awarded for an outstanding contribution in a particular area of School life.

For Outstanding Contributions to Student Government
Gianna Martinez & Cody Hew

For Outstanding Contributions to Community Service
Miguel Garcia & Lauren Kessing

For Outstanding Contributions to The Cantuarian
Boyang Jiang, Abigail McGuire, & Amelia Welsh

For Outstanding Contributions as a Sacristan
Gianna Martinez

For Outstanding Contributions as a Proctor
Daniel McGuire (Carmody House), Jaelyn Beauvais (Carter House),  Boyang Jiang (Duffy House), Dashiell Mabilon (Havemeyer House), Zekai “Aaron” Zhu (Sheehan House), & Gianna Martinez (South House)

For Outstanding Contributions to Theater
Amelia Welsh

For Outstanding Service as an Admission Ambassador
Serena Bacetti, Kaelyn Darrin, Lochlan Finnegan, Gianna Martinez, & Grayson Mengold

The Dr. Nelson Hume Speech Competition Awards
In memory of Dr. Nelson Hume, the founding Headmaster, who was himself a noted orator, awarded by the English Department.

Andres Wright

The Francis T. Carmody ’25 Award
In memory of Trustee Francis Carmody, son of founding Trustee Terence Carmody, for creative talent in art.

Yifeng “Kevin” Chen, Cody Hew, & Kaitlynn Kenna

The Stephen N. ’43 and Lacey Hume Award
Given in memory of Trustee Emeritus, Stephen N. ’43 and his wife, Lacey. Stephen was the son of the founding Headmaster. 

For Excellence in the Study of Music as a Vocalist
Amelia Welsh

For Excellence in the Study of Instrumental Contemporary Music
Sebastian Lucio Galvis, Miguel Garcia, & Zekai “Aaron” Zhu

For Excellence in the Study of Contemporary Music as a Vocalist
Serena Bacetti

The Frederick L. Gilson ‘50 Award

For Excellence in Classical Music Performance
Yuge “Ingrid” Fu

For Excellence in Carillon Performance
Yun “Angel” Lin

The Gerald A. and Therese J. Vanasse Choral Music Award
Given by the family and friends of Mr. and Mrs. Vanasse. Mr. Vanasse served as School organist, choral club accompanist, Glee Club director, music director of spring musicals, and shared his love of music with Canterbury students from 1960 to 1990. The award is given to the student who has demonstrated the highest level of leadership.

Yuge “Ingrid” Fu

The Edward J. Duffy Family Award
Given in memory of Mr. Duffy by his children for excellence in the study of studio art.

Boyang Jiang

The John Thomas Smith Award
Given in memory of John Thomas Smith, benefactor of the School and parent, for excellence in the study of English.

Leah Rydingsword

The Francis T. Carmody ’25 Prize Awards
In memory of Trustee Francis Carmody, son of founding Trustee, Terence Carmody.

For Creative Talent in Prose
Virginia Guevara Figueroa

For Creative Talent in Poetry
Yijun “Antony” Li

The English Essay Award
Awarded to the author of the best critical essay.

Miguel Garcia

The Allan A. Ryan Award
Given in memory of Mr. Ryan, a founding Trustee and parent, for excellence in the study of history.

Lochlan Finnegan

The Captain Thomas J. Sartor Award
Given in memory of Captain Sartor, benefactor and parent from the Class of 1919, for excellence in the study of science.

Miguel Garcia & Kaitlynn Kenna

The Weldon R. Knox Award
Established by the Class of 1971 in memory of Mr. Knox, who taught math from 1960 to 1975. Awarded to the student who has demonstrated the greatest improvement in the study of mathematics while at Canterbury. 

Cody Hew

The James A. Farrell Award
Given in memory of Mr. Farrell, a founding Trustee and benefactor of the School, for excellence in the study of mathematics. 

Miguel Garcia

The Hubert McDonnell Award
Given in memory of Mr. McDonnell, a Trustee from 1938 to 1950 and parent, for excellence in the study of theology.

Gianna Martinez

The Terence F. Carmody Award
Given in memory of founding Trustee, Terence F. Carmody, for excellence in the study of languages.

For Excellence in the Study of Spanish
Grayson Mengold

For Excellence in the Study of French
Yuge “Ingrid” Fu

The James K. Breene Jr. Latin Award
Given by the Class of 1963 in memory of Mr. Breene, who was a Master at Canterbury from 1955 to 1973, during which time he inspired his students with his integrity, intellect, and humor. The award is given to the Sixth Form student who has demonstrated unusual dedication to the Classics while at Canterbury.

Calista Bickers & Yijun “Antony” Li

The Roderick Clarke ‘46 Distinguished Academic Achievement Award | Class Valedictorian
Given by the Class of 1956 in memory of Mr. Clarke, who served Canterbury from 1954 to 1990 as history teacher, Director of Studies, College Counselor, and as Canterbury’s Headmaster for his last twelve years. Awarded to the student with the highest GPA.

Miguel Garcia