Ten Seniors Inducted into Cum Laude Society

“Being smart is overrated,” stated Headmaster Leonard Kupersmith, introducing the Upper School Honors Assembly. “There are at least five other qualities also needed for high achievement: high standards, hard work, desire and ambition, persistence, and consistency.”

He was not denigrating the smarts of the students who were subsequently honored during the assembly. He was making the point that “just about the whole student body could be recognized.”

It was a theme picked up by Upper School Director Pete Sanders.  “I am proud of each and every one of you.  Each student is a contributor to the academic vitality of the school.”

Dean of Students Wes Clarke read out the names of the students in each grade who had finished the first term with Honor Roll or High Honor Roll recognition.  He was followed by Middle School Director Val Hendrickson, who addressed the students, encouraging them to “reflect on their stories” beginning with their Primer or kindergarten year.

Excellence, Justice, Honor

But the culmination of the assembly was the induction of ten students into the Cum Laude Society by Charles McGee, who serves as the organization’s President: Victoria Afra Sophia Barthelmess, Emily Caroline Brashier, William Chandler Carpenter, Sybil Katherine Spencer Hallman, Alex Justin Hayden, Emily McIntyre Jennings, Kaylyn May Kipper, Anna Katharina Tosti, Emily Ann Vermillion, and Alley Elizabeth Walls.

Four other seniors inducted last spring during Awards Night ceremonies were also recognized: Athena Denise Conits,  Alexandra Olga Hamberis, Sloan Dechamplain Renfro, and Margaret Dongmei Wang.

The motto of the Cum Laude Society is “Excellence, Justice, Honor,” explained Mr. McGee about the high honor these students had earned. Clarifying, he added:  

Excellence is not only in academic grades but also in a moral sense.

Justice includes the concept of what is suitable and appropriate as well as just.

Honor includes the concept of dignity and true worth as well as honor.

Following the assembly, there was a reception for students and their parents.