Oak Knoll Honors Students During Upper School Academic Awards Ceremony
The final day of Oak Knoll’s academic school year concluded June 10, 2022, during a busy, in-person celebration recognizing many students at the school’s annual Upper School Awards Ceremony. Students in grades 7-12 were celebrated for outstanding achievement across all departments including academics, the performing and creative arts, world language, athletics, computer science, music, English, history, mathematics, physical education, science, and theology.
Class of 2022 Salutatorian Gabrielle Delano ’22 of Summit addressed her fellow students, parents, faculty, staff and administrators.
During her reflection to the Class of 2022, Delano said that the Oak Knoll community has shown incredible resilience during their four years of high school.
“The Oak Knoll community has worked hard to adapt to whatever has been thrown at us as we try to navigate new challenges,” said Delano. “Being able to see everyone without masks these last few months has been incredibly special. It has made me appreciate seeing everyone’s faces more than I would have ever thought. For the first time in two years, it feels like our community is truly united once again. I could not have asked for a better way to end my time at Oak Knoll. When I look at my classmates from the Class of 2022, I’m excited to see where everyone goes in life. Despite the hardships our class has faced, we have all continued to persevere. I know that if you can handle the unpredictability that was these last two years, anything that you put your mind to in the future will be amazing.”
Oak Knoll seniors were each called to the podium to receive their Holy Child medals as a sign and reminder of the legacy and heritage of Holy Child founder, Cornelia Connelly, as well as the impact of their Holy Child education that will follow them throughout their lives. The medals were blessed prior to Commencement during Oak Knoll’s Baccalaureate Mass.
Recipients of Oak Knoll’s All-School Awards include:
Class of 2022 Valedictorian
Janet Pearce ’22
Dr. Shirley A. Jackson Award
Paula Sefia ’22
Connelly Scholar Award
Ana Rizvi ’26
Emma Hager ’26
Kenzie Schiller ’26
Kiera McGowan ’26
Katie MacMaster Award
Mackenzie Motroni ’26
Brigid Gibbons Award
Zoe Boggier ’23
Holy Child Spirit Award
Betsy Keenan ’22
Sr. Elizabeth Barber Award
Haley Meehan ’22
Dr. Yvonne Imbleau Award
Sarah McManus ’22
For a full description of each award, click here.
Students who were previously inducted into the World Language Honor Society were recognized while three students earned special World Language Awards. Olivia O’Malley ’22 earned the Rita O’Brien Kentz Award. Eliana Sylva ’22 earned the Latin Scholar Award and Sophie Wilkinson ’22 earned the Michele Proia Award.
Amelia Pace ’25 also earned the Hope Memorial Library Annual Book Lover’s Award which is bestowed to Oak Knoll’s most enthusiastic reader of the 2021-22 school year.
Oak Knoll members of the Cum Laude Society were also acknowledged and Lily Murphy ’22, Kate Urbinato ’22 and Sophie Wilkinson ’22 were recognized for earning National Merit Letters of Accommodation. Artists who were previously recognized during the annual Arts Celebration were also honored during the awards celebration.
Seven senior “lifers” were recognized for having attended Oak Knoll since kindergarten, including Aria Alva ’22, Grace D’Alessandro ’22, Sarah Jordan ’22, Jacqueline Melchiorre ’22, Olivia O’Malley ’22, Grace Schroeder ’22 and Eliana Sylva ’22.
Kate McGroarty, Upper School Division Head also addressed the Class of 2022.
“Your journey through Oak Knoll has been a collective experience,” said McGroarty. “You’ve been supported by one another and challenged by one another. You’ve experienced tremendous success and you’ve recovered from heartbreak and disappointment. Ultimately, you’ve come through it all smarter, stronger and supremely prepared to face the world ahead.”
Congratulations to the Class of 2022 and all OKS Upper School students!
