Ceremony of Excellence

Gallery: The Upper School Hosts Its Annual Awards Ceremony During Community Time

Standing Out: Junior Hannah Amos is awarded the West Point Leadership Award for her outstanding leadership, athletic ability and academic performance. She smiles as she is recognized before the student body.

Praised Recipient: Upper School Academic Dean Angela Croston and Upper School Dean of Student Affairs Heather Bas present the Honor Council recognitions. Bas hands a custom plaque to junior David Barton, who accepts the award with gratitude.

A Big Honor: These students stand together as they are recognized for being members of the school's 2025-26 Honor Council, a disciplinary board, appearing proud of their hard work.

History Hugs: History teacher Timothy Fitzpatrick receives the Russel J. Camaraderie Excellence in Teaching Award after receiving the most student votes. He is given a loud round of applause, and the crowd grows emotional.

Passionate: History teacher Aaron Smith chose Junior Zach Revell for the Mary Anne Camarda American history award. Mary Anne Camarda presents the award and emphasizes Revell’s inspiring passion for American History and Native American studies.

Follow the Leader: The American Youth Foundation’s “I Dare You” Leadership Award is presented to junior Lauren Ferraro. Other recipients include juniors Ella Pike and Madelyn Singleton, all showing excitement as they are honored for their leadership.

Junior Leader: The Lorax Teal Award for Outstanding Junior is presented to Layla Hafez. Hafez is a prominent member of the Maclay community demonstrating strong academic rigor and serving on the Upper School Student Council, Together Tallahassee, Women’s Service Club and many more.

Bittersweet Goodbye: Seniors Suhani Gawde and Molly McDonald speak to the student body as they complete their final duty as student council co-presidents. Their speeches invoke a bittersweet moment for students.

A Semester to Remember: Junior Keya Patel receives Student of the Semester, an award given by student council and signed by Gawde and McDonald. She smiles as she’s recognized for her efforts.

Our Dear Maclay: Before concluding the ceremony, underclassmen student body representatives are sworn in, marking the transition in leadership. The ceremony ends with the alma mater, sung by Juniors Ella Pike, Ellie Mazziotta and Eleanor Townsend, as the crowd joins in.

Photos by Kayleigh Mitchell / Maclay Andalusian