Each spring, the Wellington community gathers for Honors Convocation to celebrate the values, leadership, and scholarship that shape our upper school. While not every award is listed here, each honor shared during the ceremony holds meaning. In this post, we highlight the recipients of Wellington’s named awards — those established by and for our community to recognize students who exemplify courage, creativity, empathy, service, and curiosity.
Their stories speak to the many ways students lead, support others, and pursue excellence at Wellington.
Wellington Parents Association Good Citizenship Award
Oscar Humbert ’26, Zalika Obayuwana ’27, and Annie Shen ’26
Presented by the Wellington Parents Association, this award honors students who model respect, kindness, and service — those who go out of their way to support others and uplift the school community.
Oscar Humbert ’26 leads with both heart and initiative. Whether designing proposals to improve student life or simply greeting others with genuine warmth, he advocates for positive change with creativity, empathy, and purpose.
Zalika Obayuwana ’27 brings intention and care to everything she does. Her insight, leadership, and generosity make space for all voices in our community — a gift that ripples far beyond the classroom.
Annie Shen ’26 shows what it means to lead with quiet strength. Grounded in kindness, dedication, and deep thoughtfulness, she sets the tone for our school with consistency and grace.
Voracious Learner Award
Hannah Guffrey ’25
This award honors a student who brings intellectual curiosity, personal character, and meaningful contributions to the school community.
Whether she’s leading the yearbook team with creative vision or diving deep into an independent study connecting electromagnetism and multivariable calculus, Hannah Guffrey ’25 brings energy, precision, and joy to every pursuit. Driven, thoughtful, and exceptionally engaged, Hannah embodies what it means to be a lifelong learner.
Richard J. O’Hara Award
Lilly Vance ’25
Named in honor of Wellington’s former Head of School and service learning champion Richard J. O’Hara, this award recognizes a student who uses their talents to serve others and inspire their peers.
Lilly Vance ’25 is quietly persistent in her mission to build a more sustainable world, and she brings others along with her. Whether she’s leading zero-waste programming, helping younger students plant vegetables, or interning at local farms, Lilly turns environmental ideals into community action. Her leadership is rooted in care, and her impact stretches far beyond Wellington.
Minot Trophy
Milo Cieslak ’25
Awarded to a senior who has shown exceptional academic growth, the Minot Trophy recognizes both measurable progress and a deepened commitment to learning.
Milo Cieslak ’25 approaches learning with intention, reflection, and heart. From social justice to the arts, literature to science, Milo draws connections with curiosity and care, often inspired by the world around him, including his dogs. He seeks feedback, welcomes challenge, and lifts the classroom with thoughtful dialogue and quiet leadership. Milo’s journey is a reminder that growth isn’t just about grades — it’s about courage, curiosity, and the choice to keep showing up.
Brown Family Brotherhood Award
Sigal Judd ’25 and Koen Kwak ’25
This award honors seniors who extend friendship and support to others with compassion, generosity, and a spirit of quiet leadership, always giving, never seeking credit.
Sigal Judd ’25 lifts others through every interaction. Whether mentoring students, leading in French class, or helping backstage in middle school theater, she approaches each moment with empathy, humor, and a contagious love of learning.
Koen Kwak ’25 brings heart and humility to everything he does, from breaking records in cross-country to handcrafting crochet gifts for his peers. He shows up with consistency, focus, and care, asking nothing in return and giving more than most ever notice.
Borror Award
Sabrina Bong ’25
This award celebrates a student whose contributions to Wellington’s technical theatre program reflect creativity, leadership, and a deep commitment to collaboration and community.
Sabrina Bong ’25 has been the quiet engine powering Wellington’s theatre productions. As production stage manager, she’s not only organized and dependable — she’s joyful, generous, and deeply invested in others. From mentoring younger crew members to managing complex productions across middle and upper school, Sabrina brings warmth, humor, and a spirit of excellence to everything she does. She has shaped the stage and the people on it.
Renaissance Award
Donovan Otcasek ’25
Awarded to a senior who has demonstrated both excellence and breadth in the arts, the Renaissance Award honors a student who uplifts the creative life of the school.
Donovan Otcasek ’25 brings bold curiosity and deep dedication to every artistic endeavor — from leading in band to contributing to theater and exploring visual art. A thoughtful creator and generous collaborator, Donovan constantly pushes his work to new levels of nuance and expression. His passion inspires those around him and exemplifies the spirit of a true Renaissance artist.
Bohm/Blanchard Award
Maxwell Johnson ’25
Recognizing a senior who exemplifies Wellington’s commitment to balance across academics, the arts, and athletics, the Bohm/Blanchard Award honors a student whose presence enriches every corner of the community.
Maxwell Johnson ’25 brings heart, humor, and harmony to all he does. Whether captivating an audience on stage, anchoring an ensemble with bass lines, or offering encouragement on the track, Maxwell leads with empathy and depth. A true behind-the-scenes force, he turns every space he’s in — from the classroom to the theater — into one that feels a little more thoughtful, joyful, and connected.
George W. Stewart Award for Courage & Service
Stephen Rosan ’25
This award honors a student who embodies courage in thought, character, or service — qualities that defined the life of George W. Stewart, a decorated World War II veteran and devoted grandfather to Wellington graduates.
Stephen Rosan ’25 leads with conviction and care. As a co-leader of Debatriot and a thoughtful voice in the classroom, he embraces complex conversations with honesty, grace, and respect for differing perspectives. His courage lies not just in speaking his truth, but in creating space for others to do the same. As he begins his next chapter at the Virginia Military Institute, Stephen carries with him the values of service, integrity, and principled leadership.
Lia Tawes '25, middle, and her parents
Ruscilli Award
Lia Tawes ’25
Given to a graduating senior who demonstrates perseverance, academic commitment, and meaningful contributions beyond the classroom, the Ruscilli Award honors a well-rounded leader whose impact is lasting.
Lia Tawes ’25 brings bold vision, quiet precision, and fierce dedication to every aspect of her Wellington experience. From leading mural projects, designing theater programs, and captaining the tennis and cheer teams, Lia inspires those around her to go big and stay true. Her artistic voice is distinct, her leadership grounded, and her excellence — in academics, the arts, and athletics reflects purpose and heart.
Faculty Award
Ross Braswell ’25 and Charlie Lanning ’25
Chosen by Wellington faculty, this award honors graduating seniors whose actions, attitude, and character consistently reflect the values of our community.
Ross Braswell ’25 is a quiet leader whose thoughtfulness, humility, and curiosity elevate every space he’s in. Whether onstage, in class, or in the stands, Ross models kindness, insight, and steady support for those around him, never asking for recognition, always giving his best.
Charlie Lanning ’25 leads through purpose and principle. Driven by a desire to make things better — from Model UN to the zoo to the yearbook — Charlie leaves a lasting legacy through intellect, empathy, and action. His impact is felt far beyond the classroom and will continue to ripple outward for years to come.
Barbie Holland P '91 GP '12 '17, wife of late founder Bob Holland P '91 GP '12 '17, and Isaac Brady '25
Holland Founder’s Trophy
Isaac Brady ’25
Named in honor of one of Wellington’s founding families, the Holland Founder’s Trophy is awarded to a senior leader who demonstrates personal integrity, a commitment to others, and a spirit that elevates the school community.
Isaac Brady ’25 embodies these values with consistency, humility, and heart. As a two-term student council president and soccer team captain, he leads not through the spotlight, but through steadfast presence and unwavering support. In every setting — the classroom, the field, or student life — Isaac brings pride, purpose, and care. He helps others feel seen, inspires those around him to give their best, and leaves Wellington stronger simply by being part of it.
Patil-Chaudhari Award
Ishana Samaranayake ’25
Presented to a senior who exemplifies academic excellence, the Patil-Chaudhari Award honors a student whose intellect, curiosity, and love of learning inspire those around them.
Ishana Samaranayake ’25 approaches each challenge with creativity and confidence. Her classroom presence is marked by thoughtful dialogue, imaginative thinking, and steady leadership. A natural collaborator and reflective scholar, Ishana brings joy and depth to the learning process, elevating her growth and the experience of everyone learning alongside her.