Kudos to SHS ’26 Academic and Service Award Winners

In a joyous and time-honored tradition, Scarsdale High School held their academic achievement and service awards ceremony on Tuesday May 7, 2026. SHS Principal Ken Bonamo hosted the event, commenting, “We are struggling as educators and as a society to understand what the world will be like in the era of AI. Soon we will look to you to solve these problems…. I know you will take the initiative…. We are excited at what the future holds for you.”

Ravi Vora and Principal Bonamo.With that he turned the mic over to department heads and community leaders to announce over 40 awards, with some students honored two and even three times.

English Department Chair Karine Schaefer spoke eloquently about the honorees.

About Katherine Grace Simpson, one of two winners of the English Department awards, she said, Katherine “wrote with maturity,” and demonstrated a “surprising use of language.” She “combines an old soul with modern literature,” and read extra Shakespeare plays to understand allusions to Virginia Woolf’s “Mrs. Dalloway.”

Esha Mehta, also took home the English Department Faculty Award. Schaefer said she “reads with empathy and delight,” and “analyzes the nuances of complex text,” “demonstrates a keen ability to appreciate the complexities of the human experience,” and published a dozen poems in the literary magazine Jabberwocky. In an essay about the process of applying to college she wrote, “between crossing out and daring to keep, I found my voice.”

Anish Mehta.The Harvard University award went to Salma Sherrell who “derives joy from reading, comes to class early and stays late and loves to drop by teacher’s offices to “talk about books.” “She can dwell on each line, image and sound,” and “tackled the Harlem Renaissance on her own.”

Jabberwocky Editor Mer Goh was given the Audrey McGinn Writing Award. Schaefer said, “She is always writing,” and has “constructed several books of poetry.” She “prefers to read her words out loud,” and “her work is breathtaking.” “Her poems fuse vivid surreal imagery with a natural ear for sounds and rhythms.”

Next up was Eve Eisenstadt, Chair of the Fine Arts Department.

She presented the Excellence in Visual Arts 2D art to Ella Hurwitz, calling out her “refined sense of design,” Eisenstadt said that Hurwitz “explores, refines and executes her ideas with precision.” She called her a true visionary and a vital member of our classroom community.”

Audrey Li, Katherine Simpson, and Esha Mehta.The Excellence in Visual Arts 3D award went to Iliriana Mary Ramsey for her sculpting, drawing, painting and crocheting. Her “dedication shows, and “she offers guidance and encouragement to others.”

Mia Bornstein won the Excellence in Media Arts Award for “joyfully depicting childhood.” She is an “accomplished filmmaker, an award winning writer and is at home in the dream world of film.”

The FMA Excellence in Design Award went to Maya O’Doherty. Eisenstadt said Maya has a “powerful and authentic voice,” and “used drawing and painting as a personal language to express thoughts.” She has a “distinctive perspective that is unmistakenly hers.”

Last, the Art Department Permanent Collection Award, which is given to a student who produces work that will remain at SHS, was given to Andrew Mandel, whose work “awakens your senses.” Eisenstadt said Mandel was a “generous and enthusiastic presence,” with a “mastery of materials.”

Hana "Rune" Coulson and Iliriana Ramsey.Maureen Connolly, Chair of the Math Department presented faculty awards to four students.

She credited Nathan Tao for being an inquisitive and critical thinker who understood concepts across disciplines and led the robotics team to their first international competition.

In addition to earning the highest scores in his math classes, Shiven Manohar Lal Sood’s “actions make him stand out, helping others to make important connections and solve proofs and messy problems.”

Neil Sriram “produced work of the highest order and has the gifts of a genuine math researcher.” “He has incredible ability and natural curiosity,” and “loves math for the sake of math itself.”

Connolly said “Yutong Wang is one of the most gifted math students I have ever had the pleasure of working with. She has an innate ability to think critically and come up with a solution in an elegant manner…. She is truly unparalleled.”

Six awards were granted in Music and Performing Arts by Chair Lisa Forte.

The Band Award for musicality, leadership, and service to the schools was given to Sofia Corriggio who plays the piccolo and flute and is “musically ambitious and unafraid of new challenges.”

Nathan Tao and Brian Zhao.Alexander Sharp, a vocal leader in the tenor and bass sections of the choir and a member of chamber choir who represented Scarsdale at NYSSMA all state competitions in his junior year, won the Choir Award.

The Orchestra Award for dedication, leadership and impact on the music community went to Audrey Li who is a violist in the orchestra, the President of TRI-M and performed in the young artist series at Lincoln Center.

Technical Studies Award went to Hana “Rune” Coulson for “passion and dedication, drive, technical curiosity and creative spirit.” The awardee “blended mermaids to bring us under the sea.”

Faye O’Gorman took home the FMA Drama Award. Forte said, “Her true love has been props…magic wands, teapots, her creativity has known no bounds. She loaned her organizational skills to the Drama Club, quietly contributing and being a presence behind the scenes.”

The Music and Performing Arts Department Award went to Evie Schiff who is company manager of the Drama Club, a section leader in the choir program and in the orchestra. She performed as Scuttle in the Little Mermaid and was called a “team player.”

Alexander Sharp and family.Science Department Chair Nicole Pisano presented awards to four students.

She called Ada Langford the “Center of the Science Olympiad team.” She demonstrated enthusiasm and kindness to the team who looked to her for guidance. She has a “collaborative spirit, uplifting members of the group and is a master at logistics.”

A Science Department Faculty Award went to Brian Zhao who she described as a “committed, loyal young man who fostered underclassmen and is a born leader, an excellent competitor and thoughtful decision maker.”

Another Science Department Faculty Award went to Kevin Dong who Pisano called a “true scientist who understands the complexities of analyzing problems.” He is “recognized by his teachers for Science Olympiad work and “developed academically and personally.” She remarked on Dong’s “sharp sense of humor” and said he “enjoys the process of learning.”

A researcher who understands collaboration and has a passion for discovery, Rachel Rakower took home a Science Department Faculty Award. Pisano said, “One could not ask for a student who is a better fit for the research program. She has gone above and beyond the expectations of the course. By participating in cutting edge research she engaged in content well beyond the scope of the course.”

Faye O’Gorman and family.Five Social Studies awards were announced by Chair Jenn Maxwell.

Camryn Culang won the Social Studies Achievement Award. According to Maxwell, she “showed outstanding growth, always striving to do her best work and giving every assignment her all.”

The Excellence in Social Studies Award went to Kate Simpson who Maxwell said was, “one of the most talented and insightful students” who “knows a lot about international economic and political issues. She lives, breathes history and politics.”

Another Social Studies Award was given to Ravi Vora who demonstrated a “true commitment to justice and equity on a global scale,” and won the Global Citizenship Day Award for his research on labor conditions.

A Department Faculty Award for deep personal interest in social studies was granted to Liam Maor, an officer for Model UN who did an internship at the Ukrainian mission in Brussels.

Arun Nayakkar also won a Social Studies Department Faculty Award for his understanding of the US Constitution. He established the Law Review Club and found a printer to publish their annual law review. Maxwell said, “he fosters productive discussions in class.”

World Language Department awards were announced by Department Chair Eliezer Espinosa.

He said that French Award winner Rachel Rakower “distinguished herself through quiet excellence, thoughtful engagement and a consistently high level of academic achievement.”

Camryn Culang.Latin Award winner Benjamin Cukierman “exemplifies the highest ideals of classical study, intellectual curiosity, scholarly rigor, independence of mind and a profound devotion to learning. He has distinguished himself not only through academic achievement but through the depth, sincerity and vitality of his engagement in the ancient world.”

Mandarin Award winner Hana “Rune” Coulson is “deeply dedicated, intellectually curious and consistently engaged.” Espinosa credited the award winner with “genuine interest not only in the language itself but also in the culture, perspectives and experiences that come with it.”

Spanish Awards went to two students. Madeline Wagg who “demonstrated unusual sophistication, nuance and control, listening carefully, reflecting deeply and continually pushing herself toward greater clarity, accuracy and expressive power.”

Anish Mehta was called a “truly exceptional student of Spanish.” He demonstrated a “remarkable understanding of authors such as Gabriel Garcia Marquez and his command of magical realism is especially impressive.” He brings an “optimistic, generous spirit to the classroom.” He won a Spanish Language Award.

The World Language Award was given to Rocio Alava-Marino. “What sets her apart is not simply the quality of her work but the courage and integrity with which she approaches the learning process itself. She demonstrated “academic maturity and genuine character.”

Eileen Cagner, Chair of the Special Education Department announced the winner of the Steven Corbin Academic Success Award. Award winner Nicole Pierro displayed “remarkable resilience” and “chose the hard quiet work of returning to yourself.” She had the “courage to remain authentic.”

Evie Schiff and Benjamin Cukierman.In his final year as Director of Counseling, Dean Oren Iosepovici gave the Counseling Department Award to Zachary Rechschaffen for “success in the face of obstacles, resilience, kindness and perseverance.” He said, “he found his voice, taking risks and pushing himself out of his comfort zone in theater, music and athletics.” He has “compassion for others and is a “dedicated, empathetic individual.”

The Casey Ferrone Award honors a student who will pursue a career in education. This year’s award winner Isabella Marini has a love of learning, and a passion for working with children as a counselor and babysitter. She has an innate ability to connect with others, is empathetic and fosters a joyful environment.

The Halliday Clark Sr. Memorial Award Esha Mehta was called a “leader and an advocate” with a “passion for social impact.” Mehta “collaborated with state leaders on environmental legislation, was on the speech and debate team, cares for her community and exudes kindness.”

This year’s Scarsdale Rotary Awards were given to three students by Dan Gerardi. Noah Ng was praised for bringing comfort and joy to patients during years of volunteering in a hospital oncology department. He spent three years in the science research program and did fundraising and built houses for Habitat for Humanity. He is an outstanding student.

The second Rotary Award went to Yutong Wang for being an intellectual powerhouse, being an elite state qualifying diver, for her passion for mathematics, academic discipline, athletic dedication and personal integrity.

Shiven Sood, Ben Dinkin and Liam Maor.Scarsdale Rotary Award winner Ben Dinkin is kind, empathetic, a leader and takes the path less traveled. In addition to his interest in science, he recorded a full-length music album and is a part of many music ensembles.

Kate Hubell won the Retired Scarsdale Teachers Award. She was lauded for her integrity, loyalty, friendship, respect and moral courage. An avid climber, she volunteered at her gym and encouraged children to learn to climb and also serves on the Teen Library Board.

Mandy Lax came to the stage to give the Judith E. Weil Kindness Award which was named in memory of her mother Judy Weil who taught in Eastchester and was a PTA President at Heathcote. She said that award recipient Faye O’Gorman embodies a spirit of kindness and is thoughtful with an innate ability to understand how others are feeling. She uses her genuine spirit to create something larger than herself.

Scarsdale Foundation President Seema Jaggi presented an award to a student with “distinguished contributions within our classroom and our community.” She praised Hana “Rune” Coulson for “the ability to manage and find success in all they take on,” and for maintaining a positive attitude and a great sense of humor. Coulson is a member of the creative writing club, serves on the teen library board, and is a member of the Drama Club.

Rocio Alava-Marino and Salma Sherrell.The Michael McGill Book Award is given to someone who embodies non-sibi and makes meaningful contributions in the global community. This year’s award winner Rocio Alava-Marino, performed, directed and produced in the Drama Club and put responsibilities first, even when faced with personal challenges. She is kind, empathetic and has an unwavering sense of purpose.

Oliver Kaiden was given a NYS Comptroller Student Achievement Award for a passion for history and government and a genuine desire to make a meaningful impact. As a Civ Ed Advisor he was pivotal in supporting ninth graders. He is an active citizen with a commitment to service.

Another NYS Comptrollers Student Achievement Award went to Dylan Lemberg, a thoughtful listener who values diverse perspectives. He demonstrated a commitment to critical thinking and meaningful dialogue and showed remarkable leadership, emotional maturity, teamwork, resilience and integrity.

NYS Office of the Attorney General Triple C Awards for courage, character and commitment were won by Simon Conway who is organized, disciplined and managed a demanding academic schedule while writing, delivering a TED talk and mentoring younger students.

A second Triple C Award went to Grace Liebman for courage, character and commitment. As a Civ Ed advisor she fostered connection and community. She demonstrated a passion for the arts and remarkable courage as a member of the wrestling team.

The NYS Office of the Attorney General Civic Ambassador Award went to Gavin Tieng for being curious, hardworking and respectful and for contributing while valuing the opinions of others.
Tieng cofounded a successful tech start up and consulting firm, was a leader in school government and is genuinely dedicated to serving others.

The Dartmouth Award went to a naturally gifted student with a kind nature and a thirst for learning. Writer and Editor in Chief of Maroon, team captain and member of the Science Olympiad Team Alina Yang was this year’s awardee.

Neil Sriram and family.The Billy Safien Humanitarian Award was given to Anish Mehta who was the first student elected to the Scarsdale Board of Education. He is respectful, supports South Asian students and is a humanitarian. He was in the school government and also did endocrinology research.

This year’s Principal Award went to School President Ravi Vora for leading with humility, compassion, humor and poise. Bonamo called Vora a multi-tasker who takes action to make changes for the better. He noted Vora’s excellent verbal communication skills and said he is effective, thoughtful and a unifying leader.

The SHS Faculty Award Faculty Award for outstanding academic went to Neil Sriram. He pursued the most rigorous curriculum offered at SHS with double acceleration in math. He worked at a lab at Columbia University, earned an academic stipend, published a paper in Math Magazine and is already operating at graduate levels. A team athlete and a club member, he also taught technology to senior citizens.

Following the ceremony, the students assembled on stage for a photo opp and then enjoyed snacks provided by the Scarsdale High School PTA.