![2023 Middle School Award Ceremony]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1685997101/cincinnati/dlewewmodhoiqxbsp5zr/IMG_3992.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1685997101/cincinnati/dlewewmodhoiqxbsp5zr/IMG_3992.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1685997101/cincinnati/dlewewmodhoiqxbsp5zr/IMG_3992.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1685997101/cincinnati/dlewewmodhoiqxbsp5zr/IMG_3992.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1685997101/cincinnati/dlewewmodhoiqxbsp5zr/IMG_3992.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1685997101/cincinnati/dlewewmodhoiqxbsp5zr/IMG_3992.jpg","width":2200}])
Congratulations to all the Middle School students who were recognized during the Middle School award ceremony.
Theresa "Hirsch" Hirschauer, head of Middle School, delivered a positive message to all the students present at the award ceremony. "Be proud of your own accomplishments and celebrate what’s good in the day. You don’t need any talent to be passionate and kind to others but those are the characteristics that will open many doors and build relationships. Be a leader who lives the Country Day mission."
Click here for more pictures from the ceremony.
Charles F. Yeiser Scholar Award
The Charles F. Yeiser Scholar Award was established by CCDS in 1977 to honor Mr. Charles F. Yeiser at his retirement. Mr. Yeiser, a 1939 graduate of Country Day, served the school for over three decades as a teacher, administrator and, in his final six years, as head of school. Yeiser Scholar Award winners must be new students to the school. Award recipients have the potential for high academic achievement, exhibit excellent citizenship skills, and are leaders in co-curricular activities. The following students are past recipients of the Charles F. Yeiser Scholar Award: Ezra Cohen, Jack Fontenot, Elena Gregorsok, Ece Karakus, and Andrea Sgro Plaut.
6th Grade: Camila Garcia-Altuve
7th Grade: Eloise Young
8th Grade: Ireland Beckett
5th Grade High Honors
The following 5th-grade students have earned high honors by earning a cumulative GPA of 3.8 or higher. Congratulations to the following students: Fauzaan Arif, Tyler Bobbitt, Noor Dajani, Luca DiSanto, Brayden Emerson, Jax Fagin, Katherine Freitas, Sydney Hetrick, Emilia Hettich, Avery Jackson, Jason Jurgensen, Christopher Mixson, Audrey Ollinger, MacKenzie Orr, Andreas Pagdadis, Neel Patel, Vivian Rapp, Mariah Shaw, Bradley Terhar, Elias Vaughan, Vanessa Vaughan, Michael Wood, Elizabeth Williams, and Caroline Zimmerman.
6th Grade High Honors
The following 6th-grade students have earned high honors by earning a cumulative GPA of 3.8 or higher. Congratulations to the following students: Parker Beaudoin, Ronan Bhati, Zoe Cohen, Beatrix Collett, Audrey Fontenot, Camila Garcia-Altuve, Ece Karakus, Nathan Kellenberger, Brooke Lindner, Itish Singh, Alexander Slepnev, Kylie Smith, Melanie Young, and Delle Zamary.
The William H. Hopple, Jr. Award
The William H. Hopple, Jr. Award recognizes the 6th Grade Class Scholars with the highest grade point averages. This award honors William H. Hopple, Jr., a member of the CCDS Class of 1939 who devoted 41 years of service to Country Day. Mr. Hopple joined the CCDS faculty in 1946. He taught sixth-grade math, was a sixth-grade homeroom teacher for 6H, and served as Lower School head from 1953 to 1978. He then led the alumni and development programs from 1978 until his retirement in 1987. Congratulations to the following students: Parker Beaudoin, Beatrix Collett, Ece Karakus, Nathan Kellenberger, Itish Singh, Alexander Slepnev, Kylie Smith, Melanie Young, and Delle Zamary.
7th Grade High Honors
The following 7th-grade students have earned high honors by earning a cumulative GPA of 3.8 or higher. Congratulations to the following students: Ray Chen, Dimitriy Chernovol, Sophie Corwin, Zoe Doerger, Stella Duong, Margot Edmondson, Charli Fangman, Olivia Ims, Noor Machmouchi, Rhea Shah, Tyler Spence, and Eloise Young.
The Bobby Pogue Prize
The Bobby Pogue Prize recognizes the 7th Grade Class Scholars with the highest grade point averages. The prize is given in memory of Bobby Pogue, a former student who attended CCDS from 1935 to 1941. As an active church-going 18-year-old, Bobby Pogue gave his life in defense of our country in World War II. Congratulations to the following students: Ray Chen, Sophie Corwin, Zoe Doerger, Stella Duong, Margot Edmondson, Charli Fangman, Olivia Ims, and Rhea Shah.
8th Grade High Honors
The following 8th-grade students have earned high honors by earning a cumulative GPA of 3.8 or higher. Congratulations to the following students: Isabelle Albers, Ireland Beckett, Clayton Blust, Taryn Brandon, Ezra Cohen, Alexis Comella, Emily Connolly, Owen Crellin, Audrey de Alarcon, Nicholas Freitas, Aanya Gangam, Henry Hoelle, Gertrude Lazarus, Katherine Miner, Dakota Moesker, Jaida Mostafa, Aarnav Narayanan, Evelyn Ni, Ria Patel, Boden Schoeny, Leah Schwartz, Max Sun, Ryann Tennyson, Thea Vaughan, Minna Vens, Roxanne Vollmer, Matthew Wood, and Sally Zamary.
The Herbert Snyder Award
The Herbert Snyder Award recognizes the 8th Grade Class Scholars with the highest grade point averages. The award is given in memory of Mr. Snyder, the second headmaster of CCDS, whose tenure was from 1929 to 1941. Congratulations to the following students: Ireland Beckett, Clayton Blust, Ezra Cohen, Emily Connolly, Audrey de Alarcon, Nicholas Freitas, Henry Hoelle, Gertrude Lazarus, Jaida Mostafa, Evelyn Ni, Ria Patel, Max Sun, Thea Vaughan, Minna Vens, and Matthew Wood.
The National French Contest
The National French Contest is a French event in the form of a 60-minute national test, designed, written, financed, and disseminated by the members of the American Association of Teachers of French. Its purpose is to help stimulate further interest in the teaching and learning of French, identify and reward student achievement, and promote awareness of and proficiency in the language.
Congratulations to the following students who earned a medal at the national level on this year’s exam level 01. Bronze medals Sam Driehaus, Olivia Ims, and Dakota Moesker; silver medal Sophie Corwin; and gold medal Emily Falkingham.
Congratulations to the following students who earned a medal at the national level on this year’s exam level 1. Bronze medal Katherine Miner; silver medals Aly Bah and Claire Donovan; gold medals Clayton Blust, Emily Connolly, Evelyn Ni, Andrea Sgro Plaut, and Minna Vens; and platinum medals for perfect scores to Gertrude Lazarus and Thea Vaughan.
The National Spanish Exam
The aim of the National Spanish Examination is to recognize student achievement and to promote language proficiency in the study of Spanish. The NSE measures proficiency and achievement of students, who are studying Spanish as a second language.
Congratulations to the following 7th graders who earned a medal at the national level on this year’s exam level 01. Bronze medals Ray Chen, Charli Fangman, Noor Machmouchi, Cameron Orr, and Rhea Shah; silver medals Dima Chernovol and Stella Duong.
Congratulations to the following 8th graders who earned a medal at the national level on this year’s exam level 1. Bronze medals Jaida Mostafa, Ryann Tennyson, and Roxy Vollmer; silver medals Audrey de Alarcon, Nate Makasiar, Aarnav Narayanan, and Matthew Wood; gold medal Ria Patel.
The Eighth Grade Chinese Award
The eighth-grade Chinese language award is given to a student who is passionate about and dedicated to the study of Chinese language and culture. The recipient has demonstrated continuous improvement and great interest in the subject matter. This year’s Chinese language award goes to Max Sun. Max has been a diligent and hard-working student. He is not satisfied learning only what is presented and required but pursues higher levels of achievement in language proficiency. In addition, he is not only practicing at home but a leader in class. Max regularly lends his assistance and expertise to his classmates, helping them to grow and succeed. His genuine love of the language and passion for the culture demonstrates his strength of character. Max, I know that your enthusiasm for the Chinese language and culture will continue throughout your academic career and beyond. Congratulations.
Power of the Pen
Power of the Pen is a 7th- and 8th-grade creative writing team. Students compete at district, regional, and state levels to craft on-demand stories based on prompts. I am proud to celebrate some of our team members today, who helped lead the team to its most successful and decorated season in Country Day history. I am proud to present certificates to our 8 student writers who competed at the regional level this spring.
Dima Chernovol
Sophie Corwin
Ved Deshmukh
Margot Edmondson - In addition to qualifying for regionals, Margot earned a 3rd place medal at the district tournament for overall performance, and her story "The Prize" earned her a Director's Choice award.
Ria Patel
Minna Vens
Emily Connolly - In addition to qualifying for the state tournament, Emily earned a 10th-place medal at the district tournament for overall performance, and her story "The Heart of Dionysus" earned her a Director's Choice award.
Thea Vaughan - In addition to qualifying for the state tournament, Thea's story "The Nerf War" will be published in next year's Power of the Pen Book of Winners.
Congratulations, writers. I hope to see some of our rising 7th graders try out for the team in the fall!
CCDS Athlete of the Year Award
The CCDS Athlete of the Year Award is awarded to one male and one female who has demonstrated high achievement and contributions to the middle school sports program based on awards earned each athletic season at CCDS. Congratulations to this year’s 7th-grade winners Thomas Huckleby and Eloise Young, and to 8th-grade winners Luke Schnieber and Roxy Vollmer.
Archie Griffin Sportsmanship Award
The Archie Griffin Sportsmanship Award is awarded to 8th-grade athletes who demonstrated tremendous sportsmanship and CCDS virtues in action on the fields, pool, and courts while participating in CCDS athletics. Award winners are nominated and voted on by CCDS coaches. Congratulations to this year’s winners: Dakota Moesker, Ria Patel, Max Sun, and Matthew Wood.
The Ramsey Runyon Wright Award
The Ramsey Runyon Wright Award is an award given to an 8th grader each year. This award is named for Mr. and Mrs. Gordon Wright’s son, Ramsey, who was born with a congenital heart defect. He was on medication all of his relatively short life. Ramsey attended Cincinnati Country Day from Montessori until he died as a middle schooler. He was a very special person with an unbelievable sense of humor. He was a great writer and avid reader. He had a love of life and brought much joy to others. Ramsey exemplified creativity, a beautiful sense of humor, and a joy of life.
Mr. Wright was always creative about the form in which the award took from year to year. It consists of a cash prize. One year, the money was tossed into a salad complete with lettuce and tomatoes. Another year the cash was pennies in a shoe box. The prize has also been presented as change in an old black sock. The previous year’s recipient is now responsible for the form the award takes the following year. The award goes to the 8th-grade student who most exemplifies the humor and creativity of Ramsay Runyon Wright. William Lothmann, last year’s award recipient, is here to present the award to this year’s winner, who is Owen Crellin.
The Gilmore Award
The Gilmore Award is given each year to an eighth-grade boy or girl who has demonstrated an appreciation of the absurd and the ability to laugh at himself or herself, who strives to be the best he or she can be, and above all, cares deeply for others.
For 26 years, Park Gilmore served as an 8th-grade U.S. history and English teacher, as well as coach of football, basketball, and baseball. He consistently worked to bring out the best in his students, both in and out of the classroom. The award recipient is nominated and selected by the eighth-grade faculty. Congratulations to Oliver Jeffries.
The Dr. Charles F. Clark Character Award
The Dr. Charles F. Clark Character Award recognizes one student in each grade who most exemplifies the CCDS Code of Conduct. The Code of Conduct was created during Dr. Clark’s tenure as the 9th head of school from 1994-2003; thus, this award honors him. The Dr. Charles F. Clark Character Award recognizes the middle school student in each grade who has demonstrated the following: respect for the dignity of each individual, kindness toward others, honesty, compassion, intellectual curiosity, concern for the environment, and courage to do the right thing. The following students are past recipients of the Charles F. Clark Character Award: Ellie Albers, Alhassan Bah, Audrey de Alarcon, Olivia Ims, Emersen Kohler, and Minna Vens. Congratulations to this year’s award recipients:
5th Grade Caroline Zimmerman 6th Grade Delle Zamary
7th Grade Charli Fangman 8th Grade Ryann Tennyson
The Richard O. Schwab Middle School Award
The Richard O. Schwab Middle School Award is the Middle School’s highest award. Richard O. Schwab, a 1967 graduate of Country Day, served as Middle School head for 20 years. He is responsible for the current team structure of the school which focuses on individual student development. This award recognizes the two students in each grade who exemplify the following qualities: positive attitude, dedication to schoolwork and school activities, leadership, respect for others, and kindness to everyone. The following students are past recipients of the Richard O. Schwab Middle School Award: Parker Beaudoin, Ray Chen, Charli Fangman, Olivia Ims, Liam Joyce, Gertrude Lazarus, Brooke Lindner, Boden Schoeny, Max Sun, Thea Vaughan, Matthew Wood, and Sally Zamary. Congratulations to this year’s award recipients:
5th Grade JR Jurgensen, Audrey Ollinger 6th Grade Ece Karakus, Melanie Young
7th Grade Sophie Corwin, Emersen Kohler 8th Grade Leon Hall, Dakota Moesker
The following students made Honor Roll for the 2022-23 school year by achieving a GPA of 3.5 – 3.79,
5th Grade Honors
Elisabeth Hamilton
Hunter Herzog
Augustus Joyce
Espen Olson
Oliver Oxley
Mia Schnieber
Alexis Wall
Warren Watson
Julianna Wen
6th Grade Honors
Benjamin Abes-Feldman
Alhassan Bah
Linden Batts
Paxton Fleischer
Shyenne Harris
Chloe Jurgensen
Claire Jurgensen
Noah Kantor
Ethan Kern
Theodore Lin
Omar Mahmud
Maria Natasha Makasiar
Aria Neilkumar
Justin Starodub
Natalie Voors
7th Grade Honors
Jordyn Brown
Abigail Clark
Alana Cuffy
Ved Deshmukh
Emily Falkingham
Elena Gregorsok
Thomas Huckleby
Cameron Orr
William Stoll
8th Grade Honors
Claire Donovan
David Fields
Leon Hall
Oliver Jeffries
Nathaniel Makasiar
Omika Monga
Andrea Sgro Plaut