GSB Honors Class of 2029 in MS Closing Exercises

Family and friends gathered on campus on Tuesday, June 10, 2025, for a beautiful day recognizing the Class of 2029 at the GSB Middle School Closing Exercises ceremony. 

As 8th Graders processed into the Athletic Center for the event, GSB Lower & Middle School Director Kyle Armstrong welcomed guests with opening remarks that reflected on incredible moments throughout the year —  the Great Pumpkin Run, the Newsies musical, the Girl's Track team winning the Silver Spike meet, author visits, jokes during morning meetings, field trips, student-led conferences, and the list goes on.

Mr. Armstrong also used the opportunity to share words of wisdom with this 8th Grade class reflecting on the story of Khan Academy creator Sal Kahn. 

The Middle School Choir filled the room with song and delivered a lovely rendition of Carry The Light by Andy Beck. After GSB faculty bestowed this year’s Middle School Awards and Prizes, Head of School Sid Rowell concluded the ceremony by awarding the Class of 2029 their Certifications of Completion.

We wish all our Middle School graduates much success as they move on to the Upper School next year.

Congratulations!
 

Middle School Honors and Prizes

Brett Mershon Citizenship Award:

The most important prize that a Middle School student can obtain, the Brett Mershon citizenship award is presented annually to the student who best upholds the Gill School motto of faith, honor, and consideration.

Fifth Grade: Lyla Winneker

Sixth Grade: Judith Brooks

Seventh Grade: John Babula

Eighth Grade: Nilay Shah

 

Boys' Athletic Award: 

Awarded to the eighth-grade boy(s) who, in the opinion of his coaches, best represents the qualities of determination, leadership, cooperation, and sportsmanship.

Guy Garrubbo
 

Girls' Athletic Award:

Awarded to the eighth-grade girl(s) who, in the opinion of her coaches, best represents the qualities of determination, leadership, cooperation, and sportsmanship.

Sydney Armstrong & Annalise DeBiasi
 

Francis Winston Award:

Presented to the eighth-grade student who, in the opinion of the faculty, has demonstrated the most significant personal growth throughout Middle School.

Anqi Tan
 

Marjorie Hibbler Award:

Presented to the eighth-grade student who consistently demonstrates passion for and devotion to independent reading.

Samantha Yannaccone
 

Frank Mazzochi Award:

A silver bowl presented to the eighth-grade boy who best exemplifies a friendly manner, integrity, sincerity, loyalty and a willingness to help others, and a devotion to GSB.

Sean Nolan
 

Martha Gray Award:

Presented to an eighth-grade girl who has consistently demonstrated loyalty, integrity, and sincerity during her time in the Middle School.

Kerissa Woods
 

Scholastic Honors Award:

Presented to the eighth-grade student who maintains the highest cumulative grade point average throughout the academic year.

Nilay Shah

 

Academic Awards

Excellence in English:

Rebecca Bruschetta, Anthony Carton, Chase Cotnoir, Annalise DeBiasi, Mallory Howell, Olivia Laureano, Sofia Lima, Nilay Shah

 

Excellence in Algebra:

Andrew Hamrahi, Ishaan Magaw, Emma McCutcheon, Iniya Senthil, Kerissa Woods

 

Excellence in Geometry:

Annalise DeBiasi, Nilay Shah, Anqi Tan

 

Excellence in History:

Rebecca Bruschetta, Chase Cotnoir, Annalise DeBiasi, Ishaan Kane, Sofia Lima, Emma McCutcheon, Nilay Shah, Sam Woodward

 

Excellence in Science:

Anthony Carton, Arman Guler, Finnleigh Marcucci, Lila Rao, Nilay Shah, Anqi Tan, Kerissa Woods, Sam Woodward

 

Excellence in French:

Annalise DeBiasi, Andrew Hamrahi, Sofia Lima

 

Excellence in Spanish:

Olivia Laureano, Nilay Shah, Samantha Yannaccone

 

Excellence in Latin:

Anthony Carton, Jack O’Brien

 

Excellence in CAD:

Anqi Tan

 

Excellence in Ceramics:

Annalise DeBiasi

 

Excellence in Drama:

Sydney Armstrong, Rebecca Bruschetta, Molly Chidgey, Chase Cotnoir, Schuyler Mendez, Alessia Morgan, Kerissa Woods

 

Excellence in Music:

Alessia Morgan, Anqi Tan

 

Excellence in Studio Art:

Sophia Lima

 

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