Tuesday, May 26, 2020
Dear Detroit Country Day School Families:
Thank you for your support of our remote teaching and learning educational program. Our head of school-elect, Rich Dempsey, chairing the "Fall Opening of School Task Force" to develop actionable plans for the fall will be forthcoming with more details later this week.
The Upper School faculty held a meeting on Friday, May 1st, to determine the senior class recipients of the major cups, citations, and awards. Faculty advisors nominate senior advisees for these awards, and the Upper School faculty vote collectively. In a typical year, the Upper School Honor's Convocation is held on Thursday morning following Memorial Day in the Performing Arts Center in front of Upper School student body, faculty, and family members of the award winners. This year, Mr. Bearden and I had the privilege of delivering some of the significant senior awards to the students at their respective homes on May 21st. We were able to honor the senior class recipients with the presentation of the cup or award and a letter stating why the faculty selected them for special recognition. Our errand was executed by traveling separately, maintaining proper social distancing, and with masks except when in the background of photos.
This award has the longest tradition. Founding headmaster, F. Alden Shaw, donated and first presented it in 1926. The recipient must be a good scholar, an outstanding citizen and an athlete of achievement who is respected as well as admired by students and faculty.
This award was originally a gift to Mr. and Mrs. Shaw on their retirement in 1961 from the faculty and staff of the school. Recognizing that very excellent qualities of character, talent and ability are not measured only by academic or athletic achievement, it was the wish of Mr. and Mrs. Shaw to have this cup presented to the senior who, by his or her cooperation and contribution, best furthers the principles and ideals of Country Day.
Citation: Nikhil Mantena
This award is by vote of the faculty to that young gentleman or young lady in the senior class who evidences, through his or her achievements and the life he or she lives, to the knowledge and in the opinion of the faculty, the most outstanding academic, intellectual and moral leadership in the finest tradition of the Detroit Country Day School "lady scholar" and "gentleman scholar".
Citation: Kathryn Lyngklip Citation: Jason Zeng
Established in 2007 by the Board of Trustees and the Upper School faculty, the Gerald and Betty Hansen Cup honors the long-serving Headmaster and former math department chair and athletic coach along with his wife, a teacher for many years at Detroit Country Day School. The Gerald and Betty Hansen Cup, presented annually by vote of the Upper School faculty, recognizes the senior who best exemplifies the spirit of Detroit Country Day School as demonstrated by his or her involvement and achievement in the four A's of Upper School life – academics, activities, the arts, and athletics. Recipient: Dominic Sarafa Citation: Owen Bergin
Anthony C. Buesser Cup This cup was established in 1994 to honor Anthony C. Buesser '48, a long-time trustee and chairman emeritus of the Board of Trustees. It is presented annually, by vote of the Upper School faculty, to the senior who (1) has distinguished himself or herself in the field of writing and oral expression, (2) who has participated successfully in competitive, interscholastic athletics, and (3) who has demonstrated qualities of courtesy, good sportsmanship, and a willingness to help others within the school community. Recipient: Shreya Chalasani Citation: Anushri Radhakrishnan
Men's Athletic Cup This cup was given by the graduating class of 1937 and is presented each year to the male athlete in the Upper School whose achievement in terms of leadership, sportsmanship, ability, accomplishments and contributions on at least two interscholastic teams make him the outstanding representative of what DCDS seeks to teach through athletics.
Recipient: Christopher Rea
Women's Athletic Cup This cup was established in 1978 and is presented each year to the female athlete in the Upper School whose achievement in terms of leadership, sportsmanship, ability, accomplishments and contributions on at least two interscholastic teams make her the outstanding representative of what DCDS seeks to teach through athletics. Recipient: Grace Endrud Citation: Nina Khagany Citation: Alexis Nardicchio
Mr. Kirby White, a deceased Trustee of the school, established this award in 1927 for the senior who attended Detroit Country Day School for four years and attained the highest scholastic average. Recipient: Grace Endrud
The John Hurter Gordon III award honors the outstanding senior student who exemplifies improvement, achievement and spirit during his or her years at Detroit Country Day School. Recipient: Peninnah Posey
Our family had the opportunity to visit the Great Lakes National Cemetery in Holly on Saturday, May 23rd to place American flags next to headstones of veterans who gave the ultimate sacrifice in defense of our freedom. It was a meaningful experience for the three generations of our family. We met families with relatives who had fought and died in WWII, the Korean War, Vietnam War, Iraq, and Afghanistan Wars. Memorial Day is especially significant to our family because it is personal.
As our school year ends and summer begins, I found this Apache Blessing to be particularly meaningful and I hope it will be meaningful to you and your family: "May the sun bring you new energy by day. May the moon softly restore you by night. May the rain wash away your worries. May the breeze blow new strength into your being. May you walk gently through the world and know its beauty all the days of your life."
DETROIT COUNTRY DAY SCHOOL |