After hors d'œuvres and a few words of welcome from Tao Smith, head of school, and Mike Hone, president of the board of trustees, each department presented an academic award. One student-athlete was recognized by each department for an outstanding commitment to his or her studies and exceptional work in that subject area. For her commitment to learning in science—a commitment that extended to volunteering at the Killington Clinic—Ben Todt presented Kelly Rowland with the science department award. For excellence in the study of mathematics, including a commitment to both AP calculus and AP statistics, Steve Tuckerman presented the mathematics department award to Kenny McNeill. Pala Mostoller presented the English department award to Wyatt Queirolo, and Phil Anderson presented the history department award to Kyle Burcin. For excellence in the study of Spanish, Andrew Whyte presented the language department award to Ansel Dickey. Finally, Ami Benoit presented the arts department award to Jocelyn Werle.
Phil Anderson, head of dorm, presented the dorm leadership award to Logan Farmer. The dorm leadership award recognizes the residential student-athlete who best exemplifies the spirit of community living as shown by his positive attitude and willingness to serve others.
Tao Smith recognized Ari Schneider for the head of school award; this award is selected by the head of school and presented annually to the underclass student-athlete who most demonstrates the qualities of leadership, dedication and commitment. Dr. Schneider received it on Ari's behalf, as Ari was in Colorado for USASA Nationals.
Each team then presented athletic awards: most improved award, coaches' award and the skiing/riding excellence award. The most improved award recognizes the athlete who exemplifies the hard work and dedication required to make significant progress in his or her discipline. Results may or may not be used in the determination of the most improved award.
The coaches' award recognizes the athlete who exemplifies total commitment to the sport. While results are considered, a commitment that demonstrates a strong personal work ethic, an unselfish willingness to share with fellow athletes and the tools that produce superior personal improvement are more important.
The skiing/riding excellence award recognizes the athlete within each group that achieved the strongest results in the current season. High-pressure, high-stakes and championship series results may be given special consideration.
Many of the coaches reported difficulty making these awards, as so many athletes reached new levels in their pursuit of athletic excellence.
|
|
Most Improved |
Coaches' Award |
Skiing/Riding Excellence |
|
Men's Alpine |
Ben Scheu |
Dylan Malone |
Cameron Price |
|
Women's Alpine |
Michelle Martin |
Kelly Rowland |
Kristie Ryan |
|
J3 Girls |
Piper Jenne |
Ava Mattsson |
Alli Price |
|
J3 Boys |
Cam Heald |
Patrick Salisbury-Jennings |
Jonathan Schwartz |
|
J4 Boys |
Andrew Desino |
Dan Schwartz |
Matt Price |
|
Freestyle |
Megan Moores (J1/2 women)
Colin Lang (J1/2 men)
Jia Hong (J3) |
John Lauria |
Kayla Burcin (J1/2 women)
Darius Baradaran (J1/2 men)
Abe Studler (J3) |
|
Freeride |
Eric Unterberger |
Tec Calcagni |
Devon Savino |
|
Snowboard |
|
|
Nikki Sardelli (women)
Logan Farmer (men) |
After Tao spoke about Dr. Hasse Halley and the ways in which the KMS community is working to honor her memory, Andrew Whyte presented the inaugural Hasse Community Cup. The cup is awarded to the community team that collects the most points throughout the school year, through both arranged competitions—including bowling, last week's scavenger hunt and a series of chess tournaments—and through the recognition of unprompted actions that closely match the principles of the KMS mission statement—responsibility, integrity, leadership, excellence and respect. The Orange Fury edged the Red Rockets, 100 points to 99, and won the 2012 Hasse Community Cup.
Each senior was then introduced to the whole community by the faculty or staff member of that senior's choice; as has become tradition at KMS, many introductions included humorous anecdotes or another unique view—such as a poem or the top 10 reasons a senior made it to the awards ceremony—of that senior's KMS experience. In a KMS first, three coaches who were working at USASA Nationals during the event presented remotely, two by video and one by phone. Although there were some small glitches, we hope to refine the process for 2013 so that all of our faculty and staff are able to participate.
After the presentation of the seniors, the three awards for the senior class—the academic excellence award, the Agresto Senior Spirit Award, and the Coriell KMS Cup—were presented. Julian Scherding received the academic excellence award, recognizing his continued academic dedication and intellectual curiosity, including a broad-based and sincere desire to learn.
Tao presented the Agresto Senior Spirit Award to Kristie Ryan and Kenny McNeill. Recently renamed in honor of beloved, long-time KMS teacher Arleen Agresto, who passed away last week, this award recognizes up to two KMS seniors—one male and one female—who display the "KMS spirit." These student-athletes display an infectious positive spirit and an appreciation for the opportunities available at KMS.
The Coriell KMS Cup is KMS' most prestigious award and recognizes the student-athlete or student-athletes who excel in all aspects of the program. Recipients of this award are those who best represent, in word and in deeds, the KMS Mission Statement. Tao Smith recognized Kayla Burcin and Ben Scheu as the 2012 recipients of the KMS Coriell Cup.
