GSB Honors Class of 2025 in Commencement Ceremony

A rainy day could not dim the celebration of the Gill St. Bernard’s Class of 2025.

On Sunday, June 8, 2025, family, friends, faculty, trustees, and special guests arrived on campus to watch the annual GSB Commencement ceremony. After seniors processed into the Athletic Center to the triumphant sounds of St. Ann’s of Hampton Pipes and Drums, honorary guest Rev. Edmund "Ned" K. Sherill, II welcomed attendees with thoughtful words in his Invocation. Rev. Sherill then introduced Head of School Sid Rowell who shared reflections on the remarkable achievements of this year’s class.

Mr. Rowell continued by announcing the recipient of this year’s St. Bernard’s Chair of Excellence in Teaching Award, Dr. Andy Lutz P '20, '25. The Chair of Excellence was established in 1991 by a group of St. Bernard’s School alumni in order to honor outstanding teachers at GSB and to recognize the profound impact that a good teacher can have on a student. Dr. Lutz joins a long list of faculty members who have been bestowed this honor for his leadership, creativity, enthusiasm, and professionalism inside the classroom.

On behalf of the current and past trustees, Board Chair Rajiv DeSilva P '21 '25 shared a touching tribute about departing Head of School Mr. Rowell, who has transformed Gill St. Bernard's in his 24 year tenure. Mr. DeSiliva and previous Board Chair Joe Behot joined together to award the GSB Medal to Mr. Rowell, a recognition of the highest level of service to the school.

In keeping with tradition, GSB Kindergarten Teacher Diane Lipnickey came to the podium to give special recognition to this year’s GSB Lifers – students who have attended GSB since 1st Grade – who included Sofia Criscola, Katie Lutz, Campbell Macak, Ava Roslund, Ellie Roslund, Libby Scott, and Mary Young.

Four seniors elected to share their personal reflections at the Commencement ceremony – David Pressley, Jacqueline Herrera-Perez, Darya Tahmasebi, and Catie Klein.

Next, faculty and administrative members awarded the Class of 2025 Honors and Prizes to student recipients. These awards were in addition to the ones granted in the 2025-2026 Upper School Academic Awards on April 28, 2025.
 

Honors & Prize Descriptions

JOYCE CREASEY MEMORIAL AWARD: Gandy Malou-Mamel

The award is given to the senior female athlete whose ability, leadership, sportsmanship, and team loyalty distinguished her and contributed the most to our athletic program.

HAROLD D. NICHOLLS MEMORIAL AWARD: Maximilian Voigt

The award is presented to the outstanding senior male athlete, in memory of Harold D. Nicholls: teacher, coach, Senior Master, and Headmaster from 1917 to 1957 (“A good friend and wise counselor to generations of boys at St. Bernard’s”).

BENNETT SERVICE AWARD: Akshara Datla 

Given in memory of Caryl and J. Gordon Bennett, the award was established by the Gill School Parents Committee to honor the student who best demonstrates, through active community service, the school’s concern, and consideration for others.

SUSAN H. STOVER AWARD: Catie Klein 

Beginning with the Class of 2003, this award honors Susan H. Stover, who served for many years as Director of Development at the school. It is presented annually to the senior who demonstrates the highest level of service and loyalty to Gill St. Bernard’s.

LINDABURY SENIOR HONOR: Gandy Malou-Mamel

The Class of 2007 established this award to encourage future seniors to understand the importance of community at GSB. The prize is awarded to a senior who made an outstanding effort to positively affect the experiences of underclassmen, who acted as a role model and leader, and who was inclusive, compassionate, and thoughtful—the characteristics that underclassmen seek to emulate.

CAPORUSSO/DeLUCA AWARD: Daniel Scali

The award was established by two graduates of the Class of 1996 to honor a member of the senior class who provided distinctive leadership to both the class and school during their years as an upper school student in extracurricular activities.

JULIAN T. BROWN CUP: David Pressley

A St. Bernard’s tradition, the cup has been awarded annually since 1913. It is the highest honor that may be attained by a young man at GSB. This student is chosen from the graduating class based on his character throughout his years at the school. He worked for the good of the school, showed thoughtfulness and consideration, and maintained his integrity. It is this student, more than any other, who exemplifies the characteristics of faith, honor, and consideration.

ELIZABETH GILL AWARD: Jacqueline Herrera-Perez

This is the highest honor that may be attained by a young woman at GSB. This student is chosen from the graduating class based on her character throughout her years at the school. She worked for the good of the school, showed thoughtfulness and consideration, and maintained her integrity. It is this student, more than any other, who exemplifies the characteristics of faith, honor, and consideration. Part of the tradition is that the recipient receives a red rose.

JEAN LOIZEAUX AWARD: Jacqueline Herrera-Perez

Named for Jean Loizeaux, a beloved and influential teacher at GSB for 45 years, this award is given to the senior who earned the top academic record.

CUM LAUDE SOCIETY:

Josephine Adebambo, Madeline Craig, Akshara Datla, Sanjay De Silva, Natasha Elleston, Ema Hercules, Jacqueline Herrera- Perez, Juliana Holmes, Katherine Horton, Tessa Lozner, Sophia Nehmer, Alexander Nibauer, Harry Pambianchi, David Pressley, Elsa Racine, Elizabeth Scott, Annie Zhang, and Dr. Kerri Small were among the newly-inducted members of the Cum Laude Society.

Founded in 1906, the Cum Laude Society recognizes excellence, justice, and honor in secondary schools. An association of 382 chapters worldwide, membership within cum laude is granted to those students who rank among the top 20 percent of their graduating class.

Conferral of Diplomas:

After Upper School Director Dr. Joel Coleman conferred diplomas to the Class of 2025, Board of Trustees Chair Mr. Rajiv De Silva officially certified the class: “By the authority vested in me as chair of the Board of Trustees of Gill St. Bernard’s School, and on behalf of its trustees and faculty, I declare you bona fide graduates of the school and entitled to all its rights and privileges thereunto appertaining. The diploma you received is evidence of our actions.”

Please join us in congratulating the Class of 2025 on a remarkable milestone. We wish you the best of luck in your future endeavors and can’t wait to have you back on campus soon!

Please enjoy some photos from the event below and view the full gallery of photos through Bedrosian Photo.