• Home
  • About
  • Celebrating Excellence: Heathwood Hall Honors the Class of 2025 at Senior Awards Ceremony

In this Section

Celebrating Excellence: Heathwood Hall Honors the Class of 2025 at Senior Awards Ceremony

Honoring the Class of 2025: A Ceremony of Pride, Purpose, and Legacy

Surrounded by a sense of reverence, celebration, and pride, Heathwood Hall Episcopal School gathered this week to honor the Class of 2025 at the annual Senior Awards Ceremony. Far more than a series of recognitions, the event marked a meaningful tribute to the leadership, service, scholarship, and character that define this graduating class.

In his opening remarks, Head of Upper School George Scouten captured the spirit of the day:
“Today’s awards not only recognize our students’ accomplishments—they reflect the values of our community.
 

Serving with Purpose

The ceremony began with the President’s Volunteer Service Award, presented by Elise Hagstette. This national recognition was awarded to six seniors for dedicating over 100 hours of community service in the past year:

  • Matthew Black
  • Sophie Chen
  • Merritt Horan
  • Priya McLaughlin
  • Joseph Song
  • Asher Zhong

Priya McLaughlin also received the PEAK Student Leadership Award, recognizing her long-standing involvement in Heathwood’s outdoor leadership program. From ropes courses to team-building retreats, Priya has been a steady, quiet force in cultivating leadership through action.

Senior Award Ceremony

 

Academic Excellence Across Disciplines

Recognition for scholarship came next, beginning with the induction of thirteen students into the prestigious Cum Laude Society, followed by the announcement of National Merit Commended Scholars and National Merit Scholars—a distinction held by only 1% of seniors nationwide. The honorees included Cam Beck, Joseph Hauk, and Mary Ruskell.

In addition, several students were recognized with top departmental and special awards:

  • Penelope Mann was lauded with the Ryan Fairman Waldron Creative Writing Award, the All Saints Cup in Spanish, and a Senior Exhibition Distinction.
  • Asher Zhong was honored with the St. Martin Cup in Mathematics and the Headmaster’s Award, recognizing his scholarly depth and relentless curiosity.
  • Cam Beck earned the St. John Cup in English and the Performing Arts Theatre Award, distinguishing themself as one of the most multifaceted students in recent memory.
  • Matthew Black received the St. Michael Cup in Science and was also recognized as a SCISA Scholar-Athlete and recipient of the Gayle O. Averyt Award, a tribute to perseverance and quiet strength.
Spotlighting the Arts and Athletics

From the studio to the stage, from concert halls to the field, the Class of 2025 demonstrated talent in every domain of student life.

  • Jack Gilchrist was recognized for outstanding work in visual arts.
  • Kate Tucker received awards for excellence in orchestra and band, as well as acceptance into the University of South Carolina School of Music.

In athletics:

  • Ten seniors earned the Jake Grey Clarkson Award for lettering in three sports.
  • Cal Peterson was named SCISA’s Bill Simpson Scholar-Athlete.

 
Leadership, Character, and Legacy

The ceremony culminated with the school’s highest honors, celebrating students whose impact has been profound and lasting:

  • Earl H. Devanny Memorial Award: Joseph Song, Penelope Mann
  • Robert V. Royall Leadership Award: Kaitlyn McFarland
  • St. Francis Cup: Noah Smith, Gabi McDuffie
  • Elsie Nixon Lamar Alumni Award: Josiah Coney
  • First Stone Award: McCullough Adams
    • Recognized for selfless conduct and the embodiment of Judeo-Christian values—described by faculty as “kind, just, and deeply empathetic.”
Looking Ahead

As Head of School Chris Hinchey concluded the event with the presentation of the Headmaster’s Award to Asher Zhong and the Faculty Award for General Excellence to Joseph Hauk, the community was reminded not only of the individual accomplishments celebrated, but also of the collective strength and spirit of the Class of 2025.

“These students have made their mark,” Hinchey reflected. “They have grown as scholars, leaders, and citizens—and they leave behind a legacy of excellence that will inspire the classes that follow.”

Back to News