O’Neal Upper School Celebrates Excellence, Leadership, and Legacy at 2025 Awards Ceremony
The 2025 Upper School Awards Ceremony was held on Thursday, May 22nd. This heartfelt celebration of academic achievement, leadership, service, and school spirit was one of the final events for the Class of 2025. The ceremony reflected the values and dedication that define the O’Neal experience.
Head of Upper School Sandy Boyd welcomed students, families, and faculty, acknowledging the presence of Mr. John Taws, Chair of the Board of Trustees. Boyd emphasized the importance of celebrating not only individual accomplishments but also the collective excellence of the student body.
The ceremony featured the induction of new members into the Cum Laude Society, O’Neal’s highest academic honor. Senior Max Pashley and juniors Matthias Davis and Ethan Kim joined current members Abbey Jones, Charlotte Mills, and Carson Pusser in this prestigious group.
The Student Forum Executive Board was recognized for its leadership and service in shaping student life:
Co-Presidents Charli Bunder and Max Pashley, Secretary Chris Walters, Activities Coordinator Joseph Lucas, and Sales Coordinator Andrew Pavlovich.
The Honor Council, which upholds the School’s ethical standards, was also honored:
- Seniors: Katherine Fensterle, Max Pashley, Michaela Stone, Ava Taylor Walker
- Juniors: Caitlyn Blocklinger, Andrew Hobbs, Jane Nguyen
- Sophomore: Newnew Hong
Departmental and Special Awards were presented:
- Yale Book Award: Caitlyn Blocklinger
- Mary and Elliott Wood Foundation Scholarships: Charlotte Mills and Carson Pusser
- Phi Beta Kappa Book Award: Charlotte Mills
- Phi Beta Kappa Teacher Recognition Award: Mrs. Melissa Vaswani, selected by Charlotte Mills
- Fine Arts Award: Paige Greytak
- English: Charlotte Mills
- History: Charlotte Mills
- Math: Nathan Reifenstahl
- Science: Andrew Pavlovich
- World Language (Spanish): Morgan Lewis
Character and Community Awards
- Franklin Curtis Volunteer Award: Michaela Stone
- Falcon Award for School Spirit: Victoria York
- Bud Holmberg Most Influential Student Award: Andrew Pavlovich
- Amelia Cagle Underclassman Award: Harrison O’Connor
- Most Influential Teacher Award: Mrs. Woody H. Wilder
- Head of School Gallery Art Recognition: Zoe Mount, for a piece symbolizing peace and creative innovation
Athletic Honors
- Female Sandhills Athletic Conference Scholar-Athlete of the Year: Victoria York
- Male Sandhills Athletic Conference Scholar-Athlete of the Year: Andrew Pavlovich
Achievement and Improvement Awards
- 9th Grade: Addison Tauch
- 10th Grade: Newnew Hong
- 11th Grade: Ashton Coon
- 12th Grade: Ava Taylor Walker
- Dominique Gray Student Improvement Award: Gavin Rabon
- Anne M. Ewing Spirit Award: Kennedi Hamner
Senior Class Honors
- Edna E. Simmons Award: Max Pashley
- Robert N. Haarlow Award: Kaylee Crow
- Charles W. Lowry Award: Noah Bass
- Salutatorian: Morgan Lewis
- Valedictorian: Charlotte Mills
- Board of Trustees Leadership Award: Carson Pusser
Class of 2025 Gift
Senior Class President Victoria York presented the Class of 2025 gift: a deciduous dogwood tree, symbolizing the growth and unity of the graduating class. “We aren’t just classmates. We have been a part of each other’s lives in a meaningful way,” she shared, reflecting on the unique bond of the class.
The ceremony concluded with a message of gratitude and encouragement. “Our collective investment in this community creates fertile ground for individuals to thrive. The rising of our tide has lifted all of our boats,” Boyd said.
As the O’Neal community looks ahead to Commencement, the Awards Ceremony served as a powerful reminder of the School’s mission to nurture not only scholars but also compassionate, capable leaders of tomorrow.
The O'Neal School
The O'Neal School admits students of any race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, citizenship, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other basis protected by law to all the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, genetic information, citizenship, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other basis protected by law in the administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic and other school-administered programs.
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